Kernersville Orthodontist: Braces & Invisalign for Every Age
What Does a Kernersville Orthodontist Do?
A Kernersville orthodontist is a dental specialist who straightens teeth and corrects bites using braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and retainers. After dental school, orthodontic experts complete two to three more years of residency devoted entirely to tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite alignment for children, teens, and adults.
That extra training adds up. Dr. Nic Bisig, Dr. David Chermak, Dr. Paul Rudnicke, and Dr. Samantha Seitz are each specialty-trained graduates of an accredited orthodontic residency, the additional schooling that follows college and dental school. Out of every 100 dental school graduates, only a handful go on to specialize in orthodontics.
Here's what that specialty covers day to day:
- Metal braces for reliable, precise correction of nearly any case
- Clear braces with tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural smile
- Invisalign clear aligners for a removable, low-profile option
- Early treatment for growing kids whose jaws still have room to be guided
- Retainers that hold your finished results in place for the long haul
Age isn't a barrier. Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics treats smile seekers of all ages, from second-graders to grandparents.
A quick note on geography, since it comes up on nearly every call: there is no Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke orthodontic home inside Kernersville itself. Our four convenient locations sit just outside town, close enough that Kernersville families make the drive on a lunch break or after school pickup without rearranging the whole day.
Alignment matters for more than looks, too. When teeth fit together properly, you chew more comfortably, speak more clearly, and clean every surface with your toothbrush and floss. Crowded or overlapping teeth trap plaque in spots a brush simply can't reach.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment in Kernersville
Straight teeth are healthier teeth. Families across Kernersville and the Triad choose orthodontic care for reasons that go well beyond a nicer photo, though the confidence boost is real and it shows up fast.
Easier daily cleaning
Brushing and flossing get simpler when teeth aren't overlapping, which lowers your risk of decay and gum inflammation over a lifetime.
Less strain on your bite
Correcting an overbite, underbite, or crossbite spreads chewing forces evenly, reducing uneven enamel wear, chipping, and jaw soreness.
More confidence
Kids raise their hands more. Teens smile in photos instead of hiding behind closed lips. Adults walk into interviews without covering their mouth mid-sentence, and plenty of them tell us they stopped angling away from the camera at family gatherings.
Better function
Biting into a sandwich, chewing thoroughly, pronouncing certain sounds clearly, all of it improves when teeth and jaws line up the way they should.
Smarter timing for kids
Early evaluation lets Dr. Bisig, Dr. Chermak, Dr. Rudnicke, and Dr. Seitz guide jaw growth while it's still happening. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, catching developing issues early can reduce the need for more involved treatment down the road.
One orthodontic home for the whole household
Parents and kids can be treated by the same team, often on the same day, which keeps the calendar sane.
There's no age limit on amazing smiles. Some of the happiest families at Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics are adults in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who finally decided this was their year.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Process, Step by Step
Orthodontic treatment follows five steps: a free consult with an exam and digital scans, a personalized treatment plan with timeline and cost, placement of braces or delivery of your first aligners, adjustment visits every 6 to 10 weeks, and finally removal followed by retainers. Most cases finish in 12 to 24 months.
Here's what each step actually looks like.
Step 1: Your Free Consult
You'll meet Dr. Bisig, Dr. Chermak, Dr. Rudnicke, or Dr. Seitz, get a full exam, and have digital scans and photos taken. No goopy impression trays. The scanner captures your teeth in a few minutes and builds a 3D model on screen while you watch.
Step 2: Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Your doctor will walk you through the choices, whether that's metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, and explain the trade-offs of each one for your specific bite. You'll see the estimated timeline and the full cost before you commit to anything. It's all about options.
Step 3: Getting Started
Braces go on in a single longer visit, typically an hour or two. Invisalign families receive their first set of aligners plus instructions on the 20 to 22 hours of daily wear that makes the treatment work.
Step 4: Progress Visits
You'll come in every 6 to 10 weeks for wire adjustments or new aligner sets. These visits are short. Most run 15 to 30 minutes, and they're easy to schedule around school and work.
Step 5: The Big Reveal, Then Retainers
Braces come off (or you finish your last aligner), and you see the result you've been waiting for. Retainers follow immediately, because teeth naturally drift over time and retention protects everything you just accomplished.
Complexity drives timing. Mild crowding may wrap up in under a year, while significant bite correction can run closer to two.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces or Invisalign?
Almost anyone with crowding, gaps, or a bite that doesn't fit together correctly is a candidate. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7, teens are in a prime treatment window as permanent teeth settle in, and adults can be treated at any age with no upper limit.
Children (ages 7 to 10)
At this age, kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which lets your orthodontic expert spot developing crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth concerns early. An evaluation doesn't always mean treatment starts right away, but it gives us a baseline to monitor.
Teens
Permanent teeth have erupted and jaw growth is still active, a combination that makes correction efficient and predictable.
Adults
Crowding that's worsened over the years, old spacing you never addressed, or shifting after you stopped wearing a retainer decades ago are all fixable.
Conditions treated at Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics include crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Braces vs. Invisalign: A Quick Comparison
| Consideration | Metal & Clear Braces | Invisalign Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Complex bite correction, significant rotations, large gaps | Mild to moderate crowding and spacing |
| Visibility | Metal is visible; clear braces blend with tooth color | Nearly invisible |
| Removable | No, fixed to teeth | Yes, remove to eat and brush |
| Food restrictions | Avoid sticky and very hard foods | None, aligners come out for meals |
| Compliance needed | Low, they work around the clock | High, 20 to 22 hours of daily wear |
| Visit frequency | Every 6 to 10 weeks | Every 6 to 10 weeks |
Not sure which fits? That's exactly what a free consult is for. Once your scans are up on the screen and you can compare the two plans, tooth by tooth, alongside the timeline and cost for each, the choice is clear.
Why Kernersville Families Choose Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics
Kernersville families choose Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics for four specialty-trained orthodontic experts, award-winning care recognized by our neighbors and friends, four convenient locations within a short drive of Kernersville, digital scanning instead of messy impression trays, and free consults with transparent pricing and easy financing.
Here's what that looks like in practice.
- A specialist team, not a generalist. Dr. Nic Bisig is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary credential that goes beyond what state licensing requires. Dr. David Chermak holds a Master's degree in orthodontics. Dr. Paul Rudnicke completed his residency at Vanderbilt University. Every orthodontic expert on the team completed an accredited orthodontic residency after dental school.
- Invisalign expertise at the highest tier. Dr. Bisig is a diamond+ Invisalign provider, a designation earned through extensive hands-on experience with Invisalign clear aligner cases.
- Recognized by our neighbors and friends. Winston-Salem Journal Readers' Choice honors in 2024 and 2025.
- Multiple doctors, flexible scheduling. With four orthodontic experts collaborating on treatment planning, you get more availability and more brains on your case.
- Digital scanning, no messy impressions. Comfortable, fast, and accurate.
- Easy to reach from Kernersville. If you're looking for an orthodontist in Winston-Salem, Clemmons, or King, all four of our convenient locations sit within an easy drive of Kernersville, and we welcome families from across the greater Triad, including Greensboro.
- Free consults and clear pricing. No obligation, no surprises.
- Easy financing. Flexible monthly payment plans, plus help filing your insurance so you're not doing paperwork alone.
Our roots in this part of the Triad run deep, and the philosophy hasn't changed: family serving family.
Kernersville Orthodontist FAQs
How much do braces cost in Kernersville?
Cost depends on case complexity, treatment length, and the option you choose, so there's no single price for every smile. At your free consult, you'll get an exact figure before you decide anything, along with monthly payment options and a review of your insurance orthodontic benefit.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatment runs 12 to 24 months. Mild crowding or minor spacing can finish faster, while significant bite correction takes longer. Dr. Bisig, Dr. Chermak, Dr. Rudnicke, or Dr. Seitz will give you a realistic estimate at your first visit based on your scans, and consistent wear of elastics or aligners keeps you on schedule.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for your doctor to identify crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth issues. Early evaluation doesn't mean early treatment, it simply means we're watching at the right moment.
Do I need a dentist referral to see an orthodontist?
No referral is required. You can schedule directly with Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics at any time. Many families come to us on a dentist's recommendation, and we happily coordinate with your general dentist throughout treatment, but you're welcome to call us first.
Does Invisalign work as well as braces?
For mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite corrections, Invisalign clear aligners deliver results comparable to braces, as long as you wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Complex rotations, significant bite discrepancies, and certain jaw issues are often handled more predictably with braces. Your scans will tell us which approach fits your case.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces on doesn't hurt. You'll likely feel mild soreness for three to five days after placement and after each adjustment, similar to the feeling after a tough workout. Over-the-counter relievers, soft foods, and orthodontic wax handle it easily, and the soreness fades as your teeth adapt.
What happens if I lose a retainer?
Call your orthodontic home right away. Teeth can begin shifting within days without retention, so replacing a lost or broken retainer quickly protects everything you've accomplished.
Schedule Your Free Consultation in Kernersville Today
Ready to find your smile today? Book a free consult with Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics and get real answers about your options, timeline, and cost, with no obligation attached.
No referral needed. We'll review your insurance benefits and walk through easy financing at the same visit, so you leave knowing exactly where things stand.
Here's what your first visit looks like: a full exam, digital scans and photos, a conversation with Dr. Bisig, Dr. Chermak, Dr. Rudnicke, or Dr. Seitz about what you want to change, and a personalized treatment plan you can take home and think over.
We treat families from Kernersville at our four convenient locations: two in Winston-Salem, one in Clemmons, and one in King. There isn't an orthodontic home in Kernersville proper, so Kernersville neighbors and friends simply pick whichever of the four fits their commute best. Families from across the Triad, Greensboro included, are welcome at any of them.
Call (336) 760-1491 or book your free consult online.
Live your best smile.


