2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 16
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored New Orleans Orthodontists on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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16Top Picks
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Providers
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Featured Provider
(117)Why choose this provider?
David V. Scaffidi DDS has offices in Kenner and New Orleans where patients can receive orthodontic care. Dr. Scaffidi, who owns and leads the practice, is a DDS alumnus of the Louisiana State University Dental School as well as the Louisiana State University Dental School's Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedic Specialty Program. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists as well as the American Dental Association.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.9 (20)
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Olivier Orthodontics, in Metairie, can help adults as well as pediatric patients who are seeking orthodontic treatments. Dr. Brian J. Olivier, DDS, who was born and raised in New Orleans, is a graduate of the Louisiana School of Dentistry who then went on to complete a residency in Advanced General Dentistry. In addition to his Metairie office, Dr. Olivier can provide care to patients from his office in Covington.
Why choose this provider?
Dr. A. J. Smith is an orthodontist whose office has been located in New Orleans since 1989. The clinic is located directly across from Brother Martin High School, and its treatment options include traditional metal braces as well as colored braces, gold braces, and clear alignment systems like Invisalign. Dr. Smith is Board Certified by the National Board of Orthodontics, and in the course of his more than 25-year career, he has helped thousands of patients.
Why choose this provider?
Gottsegen Orthodontics is a New Orleans-based orthodontic office, with an office in Uptown and a secondary location in Metairie. Recently named an "Invisalign Elite Provider," the clinic offers comprehensive treatment options for patients with a broad array of conditions. Dr. G. Bradley Gottsegen grew up in Philly, where his father owned and led a successful orthodontic practice. Dr. Bradley followed in his father's footsteps, graduating from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 1995. After working for several years at his father's practice, in 2005, with his father's retirement, he created his practice in New Orleans.
Expertise.com Rating
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DV Smiles is a Metairie-based orthodontic care provider, which has two qualified dental practitioners on its team. Dr. Francesca Velasco and Dr. Gene Dongieux lead a team of skilled dental technicians and assistants. Dr. Velasco graduated from the Dental School of the University Santa Maria, in Venezuela. She has been working alongside, and learning Orthodontics techniques, from Dr. Dongieux since she moved to New Orleans in 2002.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 3.5 (3)
Why choose this provider?
Connell Family Dentistry is a New Orleans orthodontic office treating patients young and old. Treatments available include Invisalign, traditional metal braces, root canals, and teeth whitening, among other orthodontic and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Brian D. Connell and Dr. Stephen Babin, the clinic's two orthodontic practitioners, are both alumni of the Louisiana State University Dental School. In addition to orthodontic care, the doctors can provide general and cosmetic dental treatment options.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (36)
- 4.6 (11)
- Yelp
- 1.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Hamada Orthodontics, in Destrehan, helps patients from throughout the New Orleans area who are seeking orthodontic care. Allison Hamada, DDS is herself a parent, helping her understand how to work with young patients. A graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, Dr. Hamada thereafter completed her orthodontic training at Columbia University's Orthodontic Program. She and her staff get high marks from current and former patients for their friendly, welcoming vibe.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.8 (29)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Explore Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice with three offices in the New Orleans Metro area. At Explore Orthodontics' offices in New Orleans, Mandeville, and Slidell, patients can receive a range of treatments, including Invisalign and traditional braces. Explore Orthodontics also provides sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Kay D. Daniel provides sleep apnea sufferers with appliances that will help combat the disorder, which if left untreated can lead to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, acid reflux, anxiety, and depression.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (16)
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Oak Tree Family Dentistry, located in Gretna, is a dental and orthodontic practice with patients hailing from New Orleans and other cities in the area. Doctors Cuong Nguyen and Fen Tseng are both Board Certified General Dentists, and each has a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. Orthodontic solutions available include traditional braces, Invisalign, and retainers.
Why choose this provider?
At the New Orleans office of Hithe Orthodontics, Dr. Sarita Hithe has been delivering orthodontic care to local patients for more than a decade. Dr. Hithe, a DDS alumna of the University of Maryland Dental School, received her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics. In June 2015, New Orleans Magazine named her a "Top Dentist." She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists in addition to the American Dental Association.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 3.5 (7)
Why choose this provider?
Elmwood Dental Center, based in Metairie, provides dental and orthodontic care to people from New Orleans and elsewhere in the area. Dr. Ronald J. Liuzza, DDS, has been practicing dentistry locally for more than three decades. An alumnus of the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, and he is one of just 34 dentists statewide to have been named a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (3)
Why choose this provider?
To patients from throughout the New Orleans Metro area, Evans Orthodontics provides a variety of treatment options. Dr. Leeann Evans, DDS, MS is a member of the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontists, and she bears board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Evans is a certified Invisalign provider.
Why choose this provider?
NOLA Smiles Dental Solutions is a New Orleans orthodontic office serving patients of all ages from throughout the city and the surrounding areas. Dr. Natalie Jackson was a Dental Lab Technologist for several years before she received her education in general dentistry. In addition to offering orthodontic care, she performs a range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (11)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (11)
Why choose this provider?
Toso Orthodontics LLC, based in New Orleans, gives orthodontic care to people from throughout the city as well as its suburbs. Leading the clinic is Dr. Donald Toso, who received his DDS from Loyola University. He has been teaching at the Louisiana State University Orthodontic Clinic as a Clinical Professor for upwards of four decades. Working alongside him is his daughter, Dr. Jamie Toso, who graduated at the top of her class from the Louisiana State University Dental School.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (256)
Why choose this provider?
Clotworthy Orthodontics is the private orthodontic practice of Dr. John O. Clotworthy. Dr. Clotworthy works with children, teens, and adults, using treatments such as traditional metal braces and the Invisalign teeth alignment system to help patients get beautiful smiles. He is board-certified and serves as an Assistant Professor of Orthodontics in the Louisiana State University Department of Orthodontics. Dr. Clotworthy is a member of the American Dental Association in addition to the American Association of Orthodontists.
Why choose this provider?
Dr. Romell J. Madison & Associates has two offices in the New Orleans Metro, one in the city itself and another in Gretna. Dr. Rommell Madison received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry Dental College, and he has pursued advanced studies not just in Orthodontics but also in Implantology. Each year, he undergoes hours of continuing education, to ensure continuing competence in the field. Dr. Madison is a member of the American Dental Association and the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.
Compare our Top Orthodontists
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David V. Scaffidi DDS | View More | |||
| Olivier Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Dr. A. J. Smith | View More | |||
| Gottsegen Orthodontics | View More | |||
| DV Smiles | View More | |||
| Connell Family Dentistry | View More | |||
| Hamada Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Explore Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Oak Tree Family Dentistry | View More | |||
| Hithe Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Elmwood Dental Center | View More | |||
| Evans Orthodontics | View More | |||
| NOLA Smiles Dental Solutions | View More | |||
| Toso Orthodontics LLC | View More | |||
| Clotworthy Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Dr. Romell J. Madison & Associates | View More |
FAQs
Introduction
Dentistry is a broad type of medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the mouth, gums, throat, and overall oral care. An orthodontist is a type of dentist that specializes in fixing misaligned teeth, jaw alignment, and bite patterns. One way to distinguish between the two is that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. In their lifetime, everyone should regularly see a dentist. However, only people with specific dental problems will need to see an orthodontist.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialty dentist who receives advanced training to diagnose and treat overbites, overcrowded mouths, misaligned teeth and jaws, and occlusions. After diagnosing the issue, an orthodontist will recommend a treatment course that may include surgery, braces, retainers, tooth removal, and more.An orthodontist receives more training than a general dentist to become an expert in their specific field of dentistry.
Are orthodontists doctors?
Yes, all dentists are doctors of oral health. Dentists receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS). As orthodontists are a type of dentist, they qualify as a doctor.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A dentist treats a wide variety of issues. An orthodontist is a specialist who has received extra training to focus on one aspect of dentistry — teeth and jaw alignment. An orthodontist has all the training the dentist has and could drop orthodontics and practice general dentistry. In comparison, a dentist would need to have the additional education to become an orthodontist.
What does an orthodontist do?
People go to an orthodontist when they have teeth or jaw abnormalities. An orthodontist treats:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overly spaced teeth
- Bite alignment issues, such as an overbite or an underbite
- Jaw misalignment
- Facial symmetry issues
The orthodontist's objective is to improve the patient's teeth so they have a straight and functioning smile that allows them to speak, eat, and look normal.
Do you have to be referred to an orthodontist?
Most orthodontists today don’t require a referral to book a consultation appointment with a new patient. However, you may wish to get a referral from your dentist to get a recommendation. If you’re hoping to get your orthodontic care covered by insurance, your insurance may require a referral. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and details.
Do orthodontists keep retainer molds?
People often lose or break their retainer. If that happens, they’ll need to visit their orthodontist and pay for a new retainer. Luckily, since orthodontists know this happens so frequently, most keep retainer molds on file to get a new one made for you immediately.
Do orthodontists pull teeth?
Yes, orthodontists can extract teeth in their treatment process. Pulling teeth is common for overcrowded teeth, braces, facial symmetry, jaw alignment, and other cases. Most often, if they think it's necessary for tooth extraction, they refer the patient to a general dentist or oral surgeon.
Do orthodontists remove wisdom teeth?
An orthodontist can recommend you have your wisdom teeth removed within their treatment plan, but they don't typically do this procedure themselves. Instead, wisdom teeth removal is usually done by a general dentist. If the case is particularly complicated, the patient may be referred to an oral surgeon for their wisdom teeth removal.
Do orthodontists reshape teeth after braces?
After doing all that work to align your teeth, your straight smile could sometimes be further improved with teeth contouring or reshaping. Both a general dentist and an orthodontist have the education and training necessary to offer these procedures to their patients.
Can you switch orthodontists when you have braces?
Yes, you can switch orthodontists when you have braces. You'll need to notify your orthodontist of your intentions, ask them to send your records to your new orthodontist, and make sure the new orthodontist has the same type of braces and treatments. Your current orthodontist may charge you a fee for leaving without finishing treatment.
Can you transfer orthodontists?
Yes, you can always transfer orthodontists. This is a service you're paying for and you reserve the right to work with someone new. But, ideally, you'll want to find a new orthodontist that is comfortable taking on your specific case before you notify your old orthodontist that you're leaving.
Do orthodontists clean teeth?
An orthodontist doesn’t typically clean their patient’s teeth. Patients will need to continue to see their regular dentist for check-ups and cleanings while receiving treatment with an orthodontist. However, at the beginning of your appointment, your orthodontist might do a light cleaning if necessary.
Can you get a new retainer from any orthodontist?
Yes, you can go to any orthodontist for a new retainer. However, it will likely cost more money. This is because your orthodontist will already have your impressions on file, while a new orthodontist will take a new impression of your teeth. This will also delay the process of getting the new retainer.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Most employers offer dental coverage. However, orthodontic coverage is usually limited (if provided at all) to children under the age of 18. You might be able to receive coverage if you can make a case that you need orthopedic care for your overall health, but this is rare.To be sure, contact your insurance provider directly.Many orthodontists offer payment plans for long-term treatment plans.
How do I become an orthodontist?
It typically takes between 10-11 years to become an orthodontist. The steps include:
- Completing an undergraduate degree
- Passing the Dental Admission Test
- Graduating from an accredited dentistry school
- Completing 2-3 years at an accredited orthopedic residency program
- Passing the National Board Dental Examination
- Obtaining a license to practice orthodontics. In some states, this means passing a special state exam.
How much do orthodontists make?
The national average salary for an orthodontist in the USA is $256,491. However, this salary can greatly vary depending on the state, hours worked, if the person owns their own practice, and other factors. Orthodontists also receive excellent benefits, such as license reimbursem*nt, flexible schedules, and loan assistance.
How do I become an orthodontist assistant?
An orthodontist assistant will need to complete a certificate or associate’s degree in dental assisting and get certified to practice. Each state might have slightly different requirements, such as state exams, to become an orthodontist assistant. You’ll need to:
- Review your state’s requirements
- Choose a certification or associate's degree program in your area, enroll, and graduate
- Pass the certification exam
How much does an orthodontist assistant make?
According to Payscale.com, the median annual salary for an orthodontist assistant in 2020 was $34,477.However, this salary can vary greatly depending on the state the orthodontist assisting is working in, the total hours worked, level of experience, and other factors.
Can a dental hygienist become an orthodontist?
A dental hygienist completes a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene to receive their accreditation. After this, they can choose to continue their education to become an orthodontist.They'll first need to complete a four-year doctoral program to get a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After which, they'll continue on to an orthodontist specialty.
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