Orthodontic Services at Russo DDS: Structural Integrity. Aesthetic Harmony. Long-Term Health.
Orthodontics is far more than a cosmetic discipline—it’s a structural intervention that, when planned properly, can prevent deterioration, reduce dysfunction, and support the natural symmetry of the face. At Russo DDS in Raleigh, orthodontic care is seamlessly integrated into our larger commitment to comprehensive, progressive dentistry. Led by Dr. Justin Russo, and performed by our in-house orthodontist, Dr. Foley, our approach to alignment is diagnostic-driven, designed to protect airway function, and intentionally crafted to enhance your long-term quality of life—not just your smile.
Unlike traditional practices that focus on “straight teeth” as the final metric, we look deeper: at skeletal relationships, occlusal patterns, facial aging, and the role that orthodontics plays in neuromuscular stability. Whether you’re revisiting alignment as an adult, or addressing a complex surgical need, Russo DDS offers orthodontic care grounded in clarity, experience, and biomechanical precision.
Functional Orthodontics Begins with Diagnostic Clarity
Every orthodontic case at Russo DDS begins with advanced diagnostics. Dr. Foley completes a comprehensive evaluation that includes, but is not limited to cone-beam 3D imaging, facial analysis, airway assessment, and occlusal mapping. This isn’t dental guesswork—it’s systemized planning that respects the entirety of your craniofacial system.
Some of what our comprehensive dental team evaluates during your dental and/or orthodontic evaluation:
- The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
- Facial symmetry and vertical dimension
- Nasal and oral airway function
- Existing restorations or prosthetics
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health
- Occlusal loading and muscle involvement
This foundational knowledge informs every treatment decision and eliminates unnecessary intervention. Our goal is to design orthodontic movement that protects bone, preserves enamel, and respects the unique architecture of your smile.
Clear Aligners: Refined Aesthetics, Clinical Control
Clear aligners are a sophisticated tool in skilled hands—and at Russo DDS, Dr. Foley approaches them with a high level of clinical intention. At Russo DDS, clear aligners are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each case is custom mapped to preserve lip support, guide predictable tooth movement, and avoid collapse of facial posture over time.
Using advanced software, we plan not only how teeth will move—but how those movements affect the overall facial appearance, bite dynamics, and speech patterns. Aligner trays are sequenced to minimize strain on periodontal ligaments and optimize efficiency with minimal discomfort. With routine monitoring and real-time refinements, our clear aligner orthodontics cases deliver exceptional results for adults seeking discreet, evidence-based tooth alignment.
Adult Orthodontic Services: Alignment with Purpose
Adults present unique challenges—and opportunities—when it comes to orthodontics. Many are seeking orthodontics retreatment after previous relapse. Others are preparing for complex restorative work, such as implants, veneers, or full-mouth reconstruction.
At Russo DDS, we treat orthodontic correction as part of a larger system of health.
Our adult orthodontics patients benefit from:
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Pre-prosthetic orthodontic positioning
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Orthodontics to resolve TMJ dysfunction or occlusal trauma
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Aligner therapy integrated with cosmetic plans
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Bite balancing to extend the lifespan of restorative work
Dr. Foley designs adult orthodontic plans that respect the nuances of aging bone, tissue recession, and airway changes. Orthodontics in adulthood isn’t simply corrective—it’s rehabilitative.
Early Interceptive Orthodontics: Shaping Growth, Preventing Complexity
When growth is guided strategically, dramatic dental and orthodontics results can be achieved with minimal intervention. That’s the philosophy behind our early-phase orthodontic care. At Russo DDS, Dr. Foley uses interceptive treatment to influence jaw development, correct crossbites, expand airways, and reduce future complexity—often eliminating the need for surgical correction or extractions down the line.
Common tools and techniques include:
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Palatal expansion to open airway pathways
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Growth modification appliances to guide jaw symmetry
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Limited-phase clear aligners to influence tooth eruption
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Habit control and bite guidance devices
For younger patients with developing bone structure, early treatment means building a stable, optimized foundation for permanent teeth. And it’s always approached with long-term health as the core objective—not simply cosmetic timelines.
Surgical Orthodontic Services: Planning Complex Cases with Confidence
Some patients present with severe skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected through orthodontics alone. In these cases, Dr. Russo collaborates with our trusted in-house oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Morelli, to provide orthognathic treatment plans. As the orthodontic lead at Russo DDS, Dr. Foley works with Dr. Russo and, in some instances, Dr. Morelli to design the pre-surgical movements and guides the post-operative refinement to ensure complete functional and esthetic restoration.
Surgical orthodontic services often address:
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Open bites or deep bites
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Severe overjet or underbite
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Facial asymmetry or jaw misalignment
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Chronic TMJ dysfunction related to jaw position
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Sleep apnea or restricted airway
Every surgical orthodontic case is coordinated with the same elevated standards of care found throughout Russo DDS—planned in detail, documented thoroughly, and managed through recovery.
Retention and Long-Term Stability: Maintaining What You’ve Built
Too often, retention is an afterthought. At Russo DDS, it’s part of your orthodontic blueprint from the start. We provide fixed and removable retainers tailored to your bite, lifestyle, and esthetic preferences. Beyond that, we build in periodic monitoring and long-term support—so that alignment remains secure and functional even years after active treatment ends.
Our approach includes:
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Custom digital impressions for precision retainer fit
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Instruction on wear schedules and bite monitoring
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Adjustments based on changes in occlusion or jaw function
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Integration with hygiene and cosmetic maintenance plans
Our retention protocols are designed to protect not just your teeth—but the entire architecture of your oral health.
Your Orthodontic Services Start with a Conversation
Whether you’re preparing for a future phase of cosmetic dentistry, resolving a long-standing tooth alignment issue, or exploring options for your child’s dental development, Russo DDS offers orthodontic care that is rooted in detail, delivered with integrity, and designed for total health.
Led by Dr. Justin Russo and Dr. Foley, every plan is created to reflect your unique facial structure, your long-term goals, and the best of what modern orthodontics can deliver.
Schedule your comprehensive orthodontic services consultation at our Raleigh office today—and experience the difference that design-based dentistry can make.
