DentalNPI
Specialty

Orthodontists in the U.S.

Braces, aligners, and bite correction. Featuring 60 top-ranked providers across 23 states, classified under the orthodontist dental sub-specialty.

Verified · NPPES (CMS)refreshed May 7, 2026

National orthodontist snapshot

Aggregates over 510 indexed orthodontists in 51 states.

Indexed providersNPPES

510

Across 51 states.

Medicare-enrolledCMS

44%

225 of 510 have CMS enrollment on file.

HPSA-servingHRSA

17%

89 practice in HRSA-designated dental shortage areas.

Median MIPSCMS QPP

77/ 100

Interquartile range 77–77.

Calculated from 1 orthodontists who report MIPS.

Methodology →
Avg practice locationsCMS

1.6

Mean across CMS provider enrollment records — oral surgeons trend higher because of multi-site privileges.

Avg hospital affiliationsNPPES

1.0

Mean affiliated hospitals per provider with ≥1 affiliation.

Median industry paymentOpen Payments

$500

Calculated over 499 orthodontists with disclosures. Higher in implant/oral-surgery specialties — disclosure is normal under federal Sunshine Act.

Top states

Years in practice (graduation → today)

Among indexed orthodontists with a graduation year on file. Shape signals whether the specialty skews early- career or established.

  • 0–91
  • 10–191
  • 20–292
  • 30–392
  • 40+1

Browse orthodontists by state

Featured providers

Sorted by content score

Showing the top 60 nationwide. For deeper lookups, pick a state above.

What is a orthodontist?

An orthodontist focuses on tooth alignment and jaw position. Most of their day-to-day work involves braces, clear aligners, retainers, and the diagnostic planning behind them. Orthodontists also coordinate care for patients with cleft palate, severe overbite/underbite, or jaw-growth issues that may need surgical orthodontics.

Training

After dental school, an orthodontist completes a 2- to 3-year accredited residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Many also pass the American Board of Orthodontics certifying exam (board-certified status is voluntary).

When to see one

  • Crowded, gapped, or rotated teeth in adults or children
  • Significant overbite, underbite, or open bite
  • Bite problems that cause jaw pain or wear teeth unevenly
  • Pre-surgical planning for orthognathic (jaw) surgery
  • Cleft-palate orthodontic care

Typical costs

Uninsured cash estimates from FAIR Health and ADA Health Policy Institute. Prices vary widely by region.

Comprehensive braces (24–30 months)
$3,000–$7,500
Clear aligners (full course)
$3,500–$8,500
Limited / single-arch treatment
$1,500–$4,000
Retainer (after treatment)
$200–$500 each
Frequently asked

Questions about orthodontists

  • At what age should a child first see an orthodontist?
    The American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Most kids do not need braces that early; the visit is to catch jaw-growth issues that respond best to early intervention.
  • Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
    For mild-to-moderate alignment problems, modern aligners and braces produce similar results. For severe rotation, large gaps, or significant bite correction, fixed braces still work better. Your orthodontist will tell you which fits your case after a clinical exam.
  • Does dental insurance cover braces or aligners?
    Many plans include an orthodontic benefit, often a one-time lifetime maximum of $1,000–$2,000 per person. Adult coverage is less common than pediatric coverage. Always read the orthodontic rider before signing up for treatment.
  • Is a general dentist offering "Invisalign" the same as an orthodontist?
    No. A general dentist can be an Invisalign provider after a short certification course. An orthodontist completed a multi-year residency in tooth movement and bite mechanics. For straightforward cosmetic alignment, a general dentist may be fine; for complex cases, see a residency-trained orthodontist.