Skip to content

Best Braces Dentists in Encinitas, CA (2026)

49 clinics offering braces, rankedUpdated 0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for braces: Dental Solutions of Encinitas: Dr. Sherry Vakilian, DDS, ranked #1 of 49 by service score; ranked on access and profile data; Google ratings not yet collected.

Rankings can't be bought. Booking through us earns you a $60 gift card and doesn’t affect order. How we rank

49 Encinitas clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 4 open Saturdays and 4 open after 6pm. None list an orthodontist on staff in our data yet. Google ratings are not yet collected for these clinics.

The 49 best braces dentists in Encinitas, ranked

Ordered by service score: the DR Score plus bonuses for a specialist on staff, reviews that mention the service and same-day care where it applies.

  1. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #1 for braces in Encinitas on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    We are a dental office located in Encinitas. We believe that discovering causes provides longer lasting solutions. Dentistry is our passion and we treat our patients like family. Our practice is devoted to comprehensive and preventative patient care through routine maintenance and check-ups.

    From Dental Solutions of Encinitas: Dr. Sherry Vakilian, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 for braces in Encinitas on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Encinitas Dental Group is an independent, locally owned, dental practice- specializing in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental care in Encinitas, CA. Dr John C Davis grew up in Encinitas and returned home after obtaining his DDS and serving in the United States Navy.

    From Encinitas Dental Group: Dr John C. Davis's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. #16 Carlos Chong Dentistry: Chong Carlos DDS

    169 Saxony Rd Suite 110, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #16 for braces in Encinitas: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–6 PM · Tue–Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–2 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  4. #17 Steve B. Horne, DDS - Encinitas, CA

    718 N Coast Hwy 101 Suite A, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #17 for braces in Encinitas: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–8 PM · Tue–Wed 8 AM–6 PM · Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Welcome to the Our dental office in Encinitas, CA . Steve Horne is Experience Dentist in General and Cosmetic Dentistry Service Near Encinitas and Surrounding areas like Solana Beach, Leucadia, El camino real. We provide a friendly environment in a wonderful location by the beach and our staff are always ready to answer your questions. We make sure our Encinitas patients leave their dentist visits feeling educated and excited about maintaining their best oral health.

    From Steve B. Horne, DDS - Encinitas, CA's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #19 Dr. Dena - San Diego Premier Dental Group

    1403 Encinitas Blvd Ste D, Encinitas, CA 92024

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #19 for braces in Encinitas: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri closed · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    My passion for helping others achieve lasting self confidence through a healthy smile has led me to become a trusted dentist in Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Del-Mar. Assisting others in obtaining the smile of their dreams gives me immense personal satisfaction. I take pride in being one of the few area dentists who offer a kind and compassionate approach through the application of gentle dentistry. I have an extensive background as an emergency dentist, cosmetic dentist, and…

    From Dr. Dena - San Diego Premier Dental Group's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  6. #21 Purely Dental Encinitas: Marisela Sinclair, DDS, James D. Salazar DDS.

    499 N El Camino Real STE C102, Encinitas, CA 92024

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #21 for braces in Encinitas: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 7 AM–5 PM · Tue 9 AM–6:30 PM · Wed–Thu 7 AM–5 PM · Fri 7 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  7. #22 Edward B. Coffey, DDS MS - Encinitas Dental Art

    1445 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for braces in Encinitas: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–7 PM · Tue–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 10 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  8. #24 McElroy Smiles By Design

    700 Garden View Ct #201, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for braces in Encinitas on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–6 PM · Wed–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Your New Favorite Dentist In Encinitas, CA Dear Friend, At McElroy Smiles By Design, our goal is to offer high-quality, personalized dental care in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Since 1990, our experienced team has treated and transformed over 20,000 smiles in North County, San Diego, CA! We proudly offer a wide variety of advanced dental care options that range from teeth cleanings to Invisalign and the revolutionary Teeth-In-A-Day procedure. There are many reasons…

    From McElroy Smiles By Design's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  9. #25 Camino Dental Group

    1340 Encinitas Blvd Ste 100, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for braces in Encinitas on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–6 PM · Tue–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–3:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    As a Smile Generation Trusted office, we welcome you to Camino Dental Group! With state-of-the-art infection control procedures in place, our #1 goal is to keep you and your family safe. We provide comprehensive specialty services with advanced, proven technology and offer customized financial solutions for you. We are proud to be your complete Encinitas dental provider with services including Teledentistry, Same-Day Dental Crowns, Boost Whitening, Oral Surgery, Wisdom Teeth…

    From Camino Dental Group's own description. Not part of the ranking.

Find the right dentist in Encinitas

Answer 2 quick questions and we'll help you find a dentist that fits your needs, location and availability.

Encinitas, CA

Book through DentistsRanked and get a $60 Amazon gift card. Terms

Step 1 of 2

What service are you looking for?

  • 100% free for patients
  • No commitment

What are braces?

Braces straighten teeth and correct bite problems using brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that applies steady pressure. Options include metal, ceramic (tooth-coloured) and lingual braces placed behind the teeth. Treatment usually lasts 18–36 months.

Braces: specialist or general dentist?

Orthodontists provide most braces treatment and have 2–3 extra years of training in tooth and jaw alignment. Some general dentists offer braces for simpler cases. Complex bites and jaw growth problems are usually best handled by an orthodontist.

None of Encinitas's 49 clinics offering braces list an orthodontist on staff in our data yet. See orthodontists in Encinitas

How much do braces cost in Encinitas?

Typical ranges in USD for Encinitas, CA. Your price depends on the tooth, the case and the clinic.

How much do braces cost in Encinitas?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Metal braces$4,200–$9,800DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Ceramic braces$5,600–$11,200DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Self-ligating braces$4,900–$11,200DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Lingual braces$11,200–$16,800DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—

Estimates, not quotes. Ask the clinic for a written estimate. Full braces cost guide for Encinitas

What to expect from braces

Typical ranges for most patients. Your dentist's plan may differ.

Braces: visits, chair time and recovery
FactTypically
Typical visitsA consultation, a fitting visit, then adjustments every 4–8 weeks
Chair timeAbout 1–2 hours to fit; adjustments take 15–30 minutes
RecoverySoreness for a few days after fitting and after adjustments
When to see a specialistMost braces cases, and always for jaw growth issues, severe crowding or bite problems

How we ranked Encinitas braces dentists

We scored 49 Encinitas clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. Google ratings are not yet collected, so each score is renormalised over the factors we measured. Data from Google listings and clinic websites, refreshed October 21, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Featured clinics are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

DR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Encinitas data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingNot yet collected
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumNot yet collected
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Access15%Evenings, Saturday, Sunday, same-day/emergency, accepting new patientsMeasured
Services10%Services offered out of 17Measured
Profile completeness5%Named dentists, years open, languages, insurance, photosMeasured

Braces in Encinitas: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in Encinitas?

Dental Solutions of Encinitas: Dr. Sherry Vakilian, DDS ranks #1 of 49 Encinitas clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. Dental Specialty Associates ranks #2. The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data, plus a bonus for an orthodontist on staff.

How much do braces cost in Encinitas, CA?

Braces in Encinitas typically costs $4,200–$9,800 USD. By type: metal braces $4,200–$9,800; ceramic braces $5,600–$11,200; self-ligating braces $4,900–$11,200. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Do general dentists in Encinitas do braces?

Yes. None of the 49 Encinitas clinics offering braces list an orthodontist on staff in our data, so general dentists there typically provide it. Typical reasons to see an orthodontist: most braces cases, and always for jaw growth issues, severe crowding or bite problems.

Are braces covered by insurance or Medicaid in California?

Dental plans with orthodontic benefits often cover part of braces for children, commonly up to a lifetime maximum. Adult coverage is less common. Medicaid covers braces for children only when medically necessary. Check your plan.

Do braces hurt?

Getting braces fitted is usually not painful. Most patients feel soreness for a few days afterward and after each adjustment, which over-the-counter pain relief often manages. Brackets can rub the cheeks at first, and orthodontic wax helps.

Which Encinitas braces dentists are open on Saturday?

4 of 49 Encinitas clinics offering braces list Saturday hours, including Carlos Chong Dentistry: Chong Carlos DDS, Willes Dental and Dr. Dena - San Diego Premier Dental Group. Hours come from each clinic's listing; check with the clinic before you go, since holiday and summer hours can change.

How many dentists offer braces in Encinitas?

49 Encinitas clinics list braces in our data. 0 of them list an orthodontist on staff. 4 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for none of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Encinitas

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 63 clinics.