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Best Braces Dentists in Monterey, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for braces: Adriana Lalinde, DDS, ranked #1 of 60 by service score; ranked on access and profile data; Google ratings not yet collected.

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60 Monterey clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 1 opens Saturdays. None list an orthodontist on staff in our data yet. Google ratings are not yet collected for these clinics.

The 60 best braces dentists in Monterey, 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. Ranked #1 for braces in Monterey

    #1 Adriana Lalinde, DDS

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #1 for braces in Monterey 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

    I am a practicing family dentist with 38 years of experience. I have a background that includes periodontal health, TMJ rehabilitation and proudly hold a Diplomate Certificate from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine to treat sleep disorders including snore and sleep apnea. I have devoted my career to developing a compassionate, gentle, high-quality approach with an evidence based technique to master the art of dentistry. My devotion to superior dentistry has also…

    From Adriana Lalinde, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 for braces in Monterey 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

    Dr. Lagier received her baccalaureate degree in Biology from the University of the Pacific and in Dental Hygiene from the University of California at San Francisco, both with honors. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific. While studying at UCSF she did research on calcium content of saliva in relationship to calcium levels produced by the parathyroid gland. Dr. Lagier is a member of the Monterey Bay Dental Society and has served on the…

    From Dr. Lois Lagier, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #6 for braces in Monterey 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

    If you've been referred to us, or are looking for a periodontist, be assured every member of my team and I are dedicated to providing the finest care you can receive. Our office is warm, friendly, and each of us strive to create a positive experience for every patient. I've devoted my career to providing my patients conservative, predictable, cutting-edge treatment that comfortably restores health, function and form.

    From Monterey Periodontics Center's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #7 for braces in Monterey 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

    Dr. Ryan Lehr received his degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Lehr has clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment planning, preventative care, as well as restorative and prosthodontic dentistry. Dr. Lehr believes the responsibility of a dentist is to educate and guide patients so they can make their own decisions on oral health care. When recommending treatment options, Dr. Lehr explains the how and why, ensuring each patient gains a comprehensive…

    From Ryan Lehr, D.D.S.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #24 Alta Mesa Family Dentistry

    335 El Dorado St #1, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for braces in Monterey 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–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  6. #25 Alta Mesa Family Dentistry: Kroll Darcie M DDS

    335 El Dorado St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for braces in Monterey 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–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

Find the right dentist in Monterey

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Monterey, CA

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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 Monterey's 60 clinics offering braces list an orthodontist on staff in our data yet. See orthodontists in Monterey

How much do braces cost in Monterey?

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

How much do braces cost in Monterey?
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 Monterey

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 Monterey braces dentists

We scored 60 Monterey clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 12 were excluded (12 duplicate listings). 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 Monterey 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 Monterey: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in Monterey?

Adriana Lalinde, DDS ranks #1 of 60 Monterey clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. Brian D. Lackey, DDS 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 Monterey, CA?

Braces in Monterey 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 Monterey do braces?

Yes. None of the 60 Monterey 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 Monterey braces dentists are open on Saturday?

1 of 60 Monterey clinics offering braces lists Saturday hours, including Monterey County Dentistry Services. 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 Monterey?

60 Monterey clinics list braces in our data. 0 of them list an orthodontist on staff. 1 is open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for none of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Monterey

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 62 clinics.
  2. : 12 duplicate listings merged.