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
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:
(Every name in this list received votes from our readers.)
Dr. Thomas Williams at Williams Orthodontics
6840 Northway Drive NE, Suite C, Rockford MI 49341
Williams Orthodontics is a family-friendly Orthodontic clinic in Rockford, MI. Dr. Williams practices with Dr. Gallagher and have been voted a “Best Orthodontist for Kids” for 3 years in a row. 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.
If you’re in the Rockford MI area, book an appointment to experience their excellent service and achieve a straighter, beautiful smile!
2 – 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.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your customized treatment options, total time in treatment, and overall affordable investment. Flexible financing and payment plans are offered.
Bonus: Dr. Knapp occasionally gives away free braces!
3 – Dr. Katie Randall at Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics
2000 43rd Street SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
3131 44th Street SW, Suite A, Grandville, MI 49418
Dr. Katie Randall 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 5 days a week, with digital consultations available online.
Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics accepts all insurance plans, have family discounts and offer 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).
5 – Dr. Mark Powell at Powell Orthodontics
2076 Baldwin St, Jenison, MI 49428 – web
6 – Dr. Alexis Gallagher at Williams Orthodontics
6840 Northway Drive NE, Suite C, Rockford MI 49341 – web
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.
7 – Dr. Lathe Miller at Miller Orthodontics
4875 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
5 Reasons patients choose Miller Orthodontics:
• Friendly and welcoming staff
• Personalized approach with each patient
• Convenient repayment plan (even for uninsured patients)
• Transparent and honest treatment recommendations
• Exciting contests for kids!
7 – Dr. Paul O’Grady at O’Grady Orthodontics
825 Forest Hills Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
Offering virtual exams, O’Grady Orthodontics treats adults, teens, and children. They also see patients in their bright, airy Forest Hills office.
Invisalign and Damon brackets are part of their treatment roster. Free consultations.
10 – Dr. David Armbrecht at Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics
2000 43rd Street SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
3131 44th Street SW, Suite A, Grandville, MI 49418
– web
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 orthodonist 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 That 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.
Map of Best Orthodontists
*find best orthodontist near me
Where to Find More Amazing Doctors, Dentists, Mental Help Pros +
If you’re new to Grand Rapids or find yourself needing a new medical professional check out our comprehensive guide to the Top Dentists, Pediatricians, ETC for Kids in Grand Rapids.
These are the pros that parents rely on to keep their children healthy and safe in Grand Rapids.
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!!!