Local Parents Name the Best Orthodontists
Who doesn’t love seeing their child smile?
Yes, an orthodontist can help children with crooked teeth feel confident about their smile. However, there are many factors to take into consideration when setting up your orthodontic journey: frequent appointments, lengthy treatment timelines, and financial considerations are part of the equation.
Finding the right Grand Rapids orthodontist for your child is an important decision.
Thankfully, parents all over West Michigan have revealed to us the Grand Rapids orthodontists they love for their kids. Check out our list of the best Orthodontists in Grand Rapids, voted on by you, our readers.
in this article
Best Orthodontists in Grand Rapids/West Michigan (2025 Results)
Looking for a smile makeover?
Check out the 10 best orthodontists in West Michigan!
These experts are dedicated to helping you achieve your best grin.
Recommended by patients and families, here are some of the best in the biz:
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FCP Guide
Dr. Kevin Knapp at Knapp Orthodontics
Our purpose at Knapp Orthodontics is to inspire confidence. We do this by creating healthy, beautiful smiles using the most advanced and efficient orthodontic treatments.
No matter your age, Dr. Knapp and his team welcome the opportunity to create a custom treatment plan that gives you a confident, lasting smile that you will love.
(616) 277-1938 | Visit Website
2384 76th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 | Map It
Dr. Kevin Knapp at Knapp Orthodontics
Our purpose at Knapp Orthodontics is to inspire confidence. We do this by creating healthy, beautiful smiles using the most advanced and efficient orthodontic treatments.
No matter your age, Dr. Knapp and his team welcome the opportunity to create a custom treatment plan that gives you a confident, lasting smile that you will love.
2384 76th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 | Map It
FCP Guide
Dr. Felipe Porto at Enjoy Orthodontics
Dr. Felipe Porto is West Michigan's only orthodontist board-certified in both Orthodontics and Orofacial Pain.
With over 20 years of experience, he is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles with a focus on TMJ function and airway.
Dr. Porto has many years of teaching experience and has been invited to lecture in more than 100 events, both nationally and internationally. He would be honored to treat your family.
Dr. Porto and his staff are amazing! Both of my kiddos go to Enjoy Ortho and I recommend them to all of our friends and family. -Kristin H.
(616) 743-6569 | Visit Website
4320 44th St SW, Suite 101, Grandville, MI 49418 | Map It
3300 Beeline Rd, Holland, MI 49424 | Map It
Dr. Felipe Porto at Enjoy Orthodontics
Dr. Felipe Porto is West Michigan's only orthodontist board-certified in both Orthodontics and Orofacial Pain.
With over 20 years of experience, he is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles with a focus on TMJ function and airway.
Dr. Porto has many years of teaching experience and has been invited to lecture in more than 100 events, both nationally and internationally. He would be honored to treat your family.
4320 44th St SW, Suite 101, Grandville, MI 49418 | Map It
3300 Beeline Rd, Holland, MI 49424 | Map It
FCP Guide
Dr. Jeffrey Heinz at Heinz Orthodontics + Aesthetics
Heinz Orthodontics + Aesthetics is a privately owned practice by Dr. Jeffrey Heinz, in Rockford and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The practice combines advanced orthodontic care—featuring braces and clear aligners—with personalized aesthetic treatments to help patients look and feel their best.
With a friendly and experienced team, Heinz Orthodontics + Aesthetics is dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles in a fun, family-centered environment where patients of all ages feel welcome and cared for.
(616) 951-3006 | Visit Website
158 Marcell Dr Suite A, Rockford, MI 49341 | Map It
6208 Kalamazoo Ave Suite 3, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | Map It
Dr. Jeffrey Heinz at Heinz Orthodontics + Aesthetics
Heinz Orthodontics + Aesthetics is a privately owned practice by Dr. Jeffrey Heinz, in Rockford and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The practice combines advanced orthodontic care—featuring braces and clear aligners—with personalized aesthetic treatments to help patients look and feel their best.
With a friendly and experienced team, Heinz Orthodontics + Aesthetics is dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles in a fun, family-centered environment where patients of all ages feel welcome and cared for.
158 Marcell Dr Suite A, Rockford, MI 49341 | Map It
6208 Kalamazoo Ave Suite 3, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | Map It
FCP Guide
Dr. Cory Coe at Beaches and Braces
Meet Dr. Coe — a hometown Michigan native with a seriously impressive journey!
From college basketball to international play in Germany and Portugal, Dr. Coe has brought passion and drive to everything he does.
After earning his law degree and MBA from MSU, went on to earn his DDS from Stony Brook and orthodontic/MS from Detroit Mercy. Today, Dr. Coe is both a licensed attorney and orthodontist.
A proud family man, Dr. Coe married his college sweetheart and loves spending time with their two kids and golden retriever.
He brings that same love of family into his practice every day, helping patients smile with confidence and feel right at home.
(616) 457-4220 | Visit Website
597 Baldwin Dr, Jenison, MI 49428 | Map It
Dr. Cory Coe at Beaches and Braces
Meet Dr. Coe — a hometown Michigan native with a seriously impressive journey!
From college basketball to international play in Germany and Portugal, Dr. Coe has brought passion and drive to everything he does.
After earning his law degree and MBA from MSU, went on to earn his DDS from Stony Brook and orthodontic/MS from Detroit Mercy. Today, Dr. Coe is both a licensed attorney and orthodontist.
A proud family man, Dr. Coe married his college sweetheart and loves spending time with their two kids and golden retriever.
He brings that same love of family into his practice every day, helping patients smile with confidence and feel right at home.
597 Baldwin Dr, Jenison, MI 49428 | Map It
Dr. Kevin Knapp at Knapp Orthodontics
2465 Byron Station Dr SW, Suite D, Byron Center, MI 49315
Patients rave about the friendly team at Knapp Ortho in Byron Center, MI! With exceptional care and cutting-edge equipment, they achieve beautiful results in shorter treatment times. He’s repeatedly voted a best orthodontist by our readers!
Dr. Kevin Knapp specializes in orthodontics and offers modern, efficient treatments for children, teens, and adults. Their state-of-the-art digital office integrates technology for improved patient care and experience.
Flexible financing and payment plans are offered.
We’ve got more intel on Knapp Ortho here.
2 – Dr. Thomas Williams at Williams & Gallagher Orthodontics
6840 Northway Dr NE, Suite C, Rockford, MI 49341
Williams Orthodontics is a family-friendly orthodontic clinic in Rockford, MI. Dr. Williams practices with Dr. Gallagher and is regularly voted into the top 10. Their office aims to provide the best experience and create beautiful, healthy smiles for their patients.
Patients appreciate that Dr. Williams is approachable and easy-going. That, plus a caring staff and easy scheduling make them a popular choice among patients.
3 – Dr. Mark Weirenga at Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics
2000 43rd St SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
3131 44th St SW, Suite A, Grandville, MI 49418
Dr. Werienga is part of A&W Orthodontics, the longest standing orthodontic treatment practice in Grand Rapids, MI. Their friendly, experienced team provides top-quality care with personalized treatment plans.
You’ll see a doctor at each visit, enjoy high-tech imaging and intraoral scanning. They’re open five days a week, with digital consultations available online.
Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics accepts all insurance plans, has family discounts and offers flexible payment plans to fit every budget.
4 – Dr. Kathryn Swan at Swan Orthodontics
1723 68th St SE, Suite A, Caledonia, MI 49316
Swan Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art practice with 3D x-rays, digital scans (no more goopy impressions) and free Invisalign upgrades (even for complex treatment plans).
We’ve got an insider’s look at Swan Orthodontics.
5 – Dr. Cory Coe at Beaches & Braces
2347 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
597 Baldwin Dr, Jenison, MI 4942
4310 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
At Beaches and Braces, Dr. Cory Coe can help you achieve a beautiful, straight smile with their advanced orthodontic treatments. They offer multiple types of braces to give you the smile you have always wanted at your preferred comfort level.
6 – Dr. Felipe Porto at Enjoy Orthodontics
4320 44th St SW, Suite 101, Grandville, MI 49418
West Michigan’s only orthodontist also certified in orofacial pain, Dr. Porto at Enjoy Orthodontics sees every patient at every visit. They use the latest 3D technology to ensure you get great care and efficient service.
Bonus: little sibs can be part of the Little Joy Club to get free check-ups and monitoring to see if and when they might need braces. No cost, no obligation!
Pro tip: Dr. Porto will remove braces for your big moments (like senior pictures) and put them back on again at no extra charge!
Psst! We’ve got the inside scoop on Dr. Porto and Enjoy Orthodontics.
7 – Dr. Jeff Heinz at Heinz Orthodontics
158 Marcell Dr NE, Suite A, Rockford, MI 49341
6208 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 3, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Dr. Heinz and team make your orthodontic journey a memorable experience with personalized care and attention to detail.
From the moment you step into their warm and inviting office, you’ll be guided through every step of the process, with all procedures thoroughly explained. Dr. Heinz & team will create a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Good to know: They use Damon system braces and clear aligners. Free consultations.
8 – Dr. David Armbrecht at Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics
2000 43rd St SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
3131 44th St SW, Suite A, Grandville, MI 49418
With years of experience treating patients with the highest level of care, Dr. David Armbrecht and his team are proud of their work and look forward to helping you accomplish your orthodontic goals.
9 – Dr. Jayne Kessel at Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics
3101 Macatawa Dr, Grandville, MI 49418
3340 Central Blvd, Hudsonville, MI 49426
11160 WJ Presley Pkwy, Allendale, MI 49401
10432 Chicago Dr, Zeeland, MI 49464
Kessel and Bouwens have built a reputation in the community for outstanding patient service and quality orthodontic care – serving patients for over 35 years.
Dr. Jayne Kessel, along with her amazing team, will give you personalized care to help you achieve a smile that you love!
9 – Dr. Alexis Gallagher at Williams & Gallagher Orthodontics
6840 Northway Drive NE, Suite C, Rockford, MI 49341
This team loves what they do, and it shows – celebrating every milestone, big or small, and cherishing the journey you take together to a stunning, healthy smile. You are a part of the family from the initial consultation to the final reveal.
How to Choose the Best Orthodontist
Sooner or later, many parents hit the milestone of paying for a kids braces. Now comes the tricky task of finding the best orthodontist for your family.
When you’re investing in something as important as orthodontics, it’s important to find someone you can trust your child’s teeth (and face) to. You want someone reliable, experienced, and knowledgeable.
*Thanks to Dr. Kevin Knapp of Knapp Orthodontists in Byron Center, for consulting with us on this section.
Step 1: Research – Is the Doctor a Member of the American Association of Orthodontists?
Yes, it’s a mouthful but this simple step will help you see who has the qualifications to work on kids braces in your area.
Not all dentists who work with kids braces are orthodontists.
Dr. Knapp says orthodontists have an additional two to three years of training and licensing to become orthodontic specialists.
Check the status of local orthodontists here: American Association of Orthodontics
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
Dentists are doctors of oral health that broadly deal with teeth, gum, nerves and jaw.
Orthodontists are specialists – they are dentists with additional specialty training in the art of moving teeth.
This extra training allows them to claim the title “Orthodontist” and assures that their practice will be advanced when it comes to treating misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and other problems of the jaw. In short, Orthodontists use kids braces to straighten teeth and engineer smiles.
Step 2: Look for An Orthodontist Who Works Well With Your Family
There should be good communication directly between the orthodontist and the parent. A child should never be expected to relay information to the parent.
“We always communicate what was done at each appointment and what is planned for the next appointment, even if it is as simple as changing a wire and talking about rubber bands. That brief interaction is important.”
A likable, professional presence throughout your child’s treatment makes having braces much more pleasant.
Step 3: Location is Important, to a Point
Finding an office with a convenient location is important since you will be traveling there every four to six weeks.
However, the closest orthodontist won’t necessarily be the best fit for you, so decide how important close proximity is before choosing an orthodontist.
Step 4: Look for a Clean, Modern Office With a Practical View of Technology
Think twice before using an orthodontist who is an early technology adopter – you don’t want to be the patient getting everything new tried out on you.
Look for an orthodontist with a good balance of using proven methods while also looking forward to the newest technology.
“Modern, up-to-date practices will have digital x-ray and 3-D digital impressions. These technologies have proven themselves,” says Dr. Knapp.
Step 5: Look for an Orthodontist Who Cares About Giving You a Good Experience
Dr. Knapp has a unique way of looking at his role as an orthodontist and orthodontics in general. The patient’s experience, as well as the final outcome, are tantamount to what he does.
“Orthodontics is like a story, and it’s almost like a little book review each time. Each experience creates value for you being here.”
Takeaway lesson: Sign up with an office that makes you feel comfortable.
I am looking for an orthodontist on the NE or NW side of town. Has anyone compared the cost of treatment plans in that area and who did you find the most reasonably priced with great care? Thanks
Dr. John Monticello and Staff are wonderful! They did great work on all 4 of our kids, including 3 with special needs! All 4 have beautiful teeth! The whole staff is kind and helpful!!!