Finding the Best Orthodontist for Your Smile Journey
Let’s be honest— choosing the best orthodontist for you can feel like picking a co-pilot for a flight you’ve never taken. You’re trusting someone to:
1) steer your smile through turbulence (hello, retainers, aligners, or braces!), 2) and get you to a destination of a brighter, more confident smile
The best orthodontist for you is not just in the business of straightening teeth. A top orthodontic practice is in the business of building trust, guiding transformations, and making the journey feel as inviting and comfortable as possible.
Think of your orthodontist as your “smile architects”. Your teeth? The blueprint. Your grin? The dream home. And every adjustment, aligner, and tiny tweak? Just another brick laid perfectly in place to build something beautiful.
We believe the best orthodontist is one who listens like a friend, plans like an engineer, and cheers you on like a coach—no confusing lingo, no pressure, just personalized care that keeps your goals front and center.
So whether you’re 13 or 43, nervous or excited, just know: we’ve got the map, the tools, and the expertise to help you arrive at smile success.
Your journey starts here—ready when you are.
Great Smiles has five locations throughout western North Carolina
Practical Advice for Choosing the Best Orthodontist
(Without Losing Your Mind!)
Searching for the best orthodontist can feel like falling into a black hole of online reviews, before-and-after photos, and endless “Top 10” lists. Don’t worry—we have some straight-up, practical advice to help you find the right fit:
1. Start with Recommendations You Trust
Ask your dentist, your friends, your co-workers, even that parent at soccer practice with the kid rocking the perfect smile. Word of mouth matters. These are people who’ve been there, braced that.
2. Read the Reviews—But Read Between the Lines
Online reviews are helpful, but don’t just focus on the stars. Look for patterns. Are people raving about how friendly the staff is? Or how clear the treatment plans were? Those details matter more than a perfect 5.0.
3. Look Beyond the Office Wallpaper
A beautiful waiting room is great, but it’s what happens in the chair that counts. Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen? The best orthodontist should make you feel comfortable and heard, not confused or rushed.
4. Check Credentials—and Keep It Human
Yes, you want someone certified and experienced. If their website doesn’t mention their academics, it might not be somewhere reputable.
Trust Your Gut
Seriously. Sometimes, the best choice comes down to how you feel in the space. Did they make you feel welcome? Seen? Taken care of? Do they ask questions to understand your concerns and needs? That instinct matters. In fact, if an orthodontist is not seeking to understand, research shows they likely aren’t interested in finding the evidence-based solutions that meet your needs1.
The best orthodontist for you or your family is someone who combines skill, transparency, and a genuine care for your smile journey.
1 Evidence-based Orthodontics: Where do I find the Evidence? Jayne E. Harrison, B.D.S. F.D.S.(ORTH.) M.ORTH., M.DENT. SCI.View all authors and affiliations, Volume 27, Issue 1, https://doi.org/10.1093/ortho.27.1
