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Best Braces Dentists in Portsmouth, NH (2026)

43 clinics offering braces, rankedUpdated 1 orthodontist0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for braces: Dr. Melanie K. Harden, DMD, ranked #1 of 43 by service score; 5.0★ from 1 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Best specialist (orthodontist): Bay Breeze Dentistry, an orthodontist on staff, 4.8★ from 229 Google reviews.

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43 Portsmouth clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 1 lists an orthodontist and 5 open after 6pm. Google ratings are on file for 24 of them.

Top 10 braces dentists in Portsmouth at a glance

Top 10 braces dentists in Portsmouth at a glance
RankClinicService scoreSpecialist on staffRating (reviews)
1Dr. Melanie K. Harden, DMD78—5.0★ (1)
2Bay Breeze Dentistry77Yes (orthodontist)4.8★ (229)
3Dr. Rebecca M. Groves, DMD73——
4Hamilton Patricia73——
5Kim Sehwoon DDS73——
6Ocean Shades Dental72—5.0★ (225)
7Andrew Harvey72—5.0★ (432)
8Portsmouth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics71—4.9★ (665)
9Seacoast Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, PLLC: Daniel H. De Tolla, DDS, MD70—4.9★ (463)
10Better Smiles Dental Care70—4.9★ (201)

The 43 best braces dentists in Portsmouth, 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.

  2. #2 Bay Breeze Dentistry

    14 Manchester Square Suite 215, Portsmouth, NH 03801

    77/100

    Ranked #2 for braces in Portsmouth: an orthodontist on staff; 4.8★ from 229 Google reviews.

    • 4.8from 229 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–4:30 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Bay Breeze DentistryFull profile(802) 402-4701
    In their words

    Dr. Carmen Santana-Paine is a top Portsmouth Dentist & has been serving the community for 15+ yrs. Bay Breeze Dentistry has gone beyond the norm to provide your family with a comprehensive approach to dental care. By using “holistic dentistry,” she is able to show you the connection between your oral health & your entire well-being. As part of this modern approach, our caring dentist in Portsmouth NH has adopted innovative protocols to help diagnose and treat airway…

    From Bay Breeze Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  9. #9 Seacoast Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, PLLC: Daniel H. De Tolla, DDS, MD

    200 Griffin Rd #8, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

    70/100

    Ranked #9 for braces in Portsmouth: 4.9★ from 463 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 463 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Seacoast Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, PLLC: Daniel H. De Tolla, DDS, MDFull profile(603) 436-3608
    In their words

    Seacoast Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center offers evaluation and removal of wisdom teeth, dental implant planning and placement, tooth extractions, and bone grafting in Portsmouth NH. We accept Dental Emergencies and New Patients and implement patient safety protocols. We understand how to work with anxious patients! Our Oral Surgeons and clinical staff are certified for safe and effective sedation dentistry for adults, children, and special needs patients. Patients…

    From Seacoast Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, PLLC: Daniel H. De Tolla, DDS, MD's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  11. #11 HJ Ludington DDS

    288 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801

    70/100

    Ranked #11 for braces in Portsmouth: 4.7★ from 484 Google reviews.

    • 4.7from 484 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at HJ Ludington DDSFull profile(603) 483-3202
    In their words

    Welcome To New England Endodontics & Implantology At New England Endodontics & Implantology, preserving the health of your smile is our number one priority. As your endodontist in Portsmouth, Dr. H.J. Ludington is dedicated to providing patients with the highest level of endodontic and implant care. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, we incorporate the latest techniques with the most advanced technology to make your experience with us as anxiety-free and comfortable as…

    From HJ Ludington DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  12. #12 Samantha King, DMD

    320 Union St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

    68/100

    Ranked #12 for braces in Portsmouth: 4.9★ from 66 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 66 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Samantha King, DMDFull profile(603) 436-2144
    In their words

    Whether your needs are simple or complex, Dr. Samantha King offers the highest quality care and dentistry for all ages in a relaxing and comfortable environment. She can provide you with esthetic, implant, restorative and reconstructive dental procedures. She offers a full scope of prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and reconstructive dentistry with expertise in porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implant crowns, and bridges. Restorative dental services include: Fillings,…

    From Samantha King, DMD's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  13. #13 Premier Dental Group

    1800 Woodbury Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801

    67/100

    Ranked #13 for braces in Portsmouth: 4.9★ from 185 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 185 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Premier Dental GroupFull profile(603) 436-8822
    In their words

    At Premier Dental Group, we put your smile and comfort first. We know that finding a dentist in the Portsmouth area, that actually cares about how you feel as much as your smile, will make all the difference in your experience. We believe a trip to the dentist doesn’t need to be stressful. Our team works hard to make your visit smooth and worry-free, whether you are coming in for a basic dental cleaning, something cosmetic like whitening or implants, or even emergency…

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

  20. #20 Dr. Barry F. McArdle, D.M.D.

    118 Maplewood Avenue The Captain Moses House Suite B-7, Portsmouth Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801

    66/100

    Ranked #20 for braces in Portsmouth: 4.9★ from 162 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 162 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Wed 8:30 AM–5 PM · Thu 7:30 AM–4 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Dr. Barry F. McArdle, D.M.D.Full profile(603) 430-1010
    In their words

    Dr. McArdle's experienced practice offers caring general and aesthetic dentistry for you and your family on the seacoast of Portsmouth, NH. Our skilled preventive, reconstructive and cosmetic experts will improve your smile and provide a comforting experience each time you visit. Call or make an appointment today!

    From Dr. Barry F. McArdle, D.M.D.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.

  22. #22 James D. Spivey, D.D.S., M.S.

    278 Lafayette Rd # 7, Portsmouth, NH 03801

    64/100

    Ranked #22 for braces in Portsmouth: 4.8★ from 50 Google reviews.

    • 4.8from 50 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at James D. Spivey, D.D.S., M.S.Full profile(603) 436-7787
    In their words

    James D. Spivey, D.D.S., M.S. is an experienced educator and dentist in the dental specialty of periodontics and dental implant surgery. He uniquely has provided intravenous sedation as a board certified dental specialist in the Seacoast of New Hampshire since 1995. Dr. Spivey is highly accomplished: - Board Certified in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery - Diplomate of The American Board of Periodontology - Diplomate of The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant…

    From James D. Spivey, D.D.S., M.S.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.

All 43 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #43, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR ScoreRating (reviews)Evenings / weekends
26Dr. Richard Liu615.0★ (3)Evenings
27Coastal Periodontics614.2★ (19)
28Seacoast Dream Dentistry604.2★ (11)
29Donald R. Welsh Jr., DMD605.0★ (7)
30Dr. Marc A. Greer, DMD595.0★ (5)
31Dr. Janet Allaire, DMD575.0★ (2)
32Lafayette Dental Care561.0★ (1)
33Chae Young Lee47Evenings
34Aspen Dental43Evenings
35Portsmouth Dental Studios - Brian M. Hunter, DDS43Evenings
36Families First Health & Support Ctr37
37Harvey Family Dentistry37
38Piscataqua Dental Partners37
39Portsmouth Dental Studios37
40Herold Family Dentistry, PLLC37
41Smile Design Center37
42Harrison Dental Arts - Dentist in Portsmouth37
43West End Dental37

Find the right dentist in Portsmouth

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Portsmouth, NH

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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.

1 of Portsmouth's 43 clinics offering braces has an orthodontist on staff. See orthodontists in Portsmouth

How much do braces cost in Portsmouth?

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

How much do braces cost in Portsmouth?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Metal braces$3,000–$7,000DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for New Hampshire—
Ceramic braces$4,000–$8,000DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for New Hampshire—
Self-ligating braces$3,500–$8,000DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for New Hampshire—
Lingual braces$8,000–$12,000DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for New Hampshire—

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

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 Portsmouth braces dentists

We scored 43 Portsmouth clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 44 were excluded (44 duplicate listings). 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 Portsmouth data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingMeasured
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsMeasured
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 Portsmouth: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in Portsmouth?

Dr. Melanie K. Harden, DMD ranks #1 of 43 Portsmouth clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. It has 5.0★ from 1 Google reviews. Bay Breeze Dentistry ranks #2 (an orthodontist on staff). The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data, plus a bonus for an orthodontist on staff.

How much do braces cost in Portsmouth, NH?

Braces in Portsmouth typically costs $3,000–$7,000 USD. By type: metal braces $3,000–$7,000; ceramic braces $4,000–$8,000; self-ligating braces $3,500–$8,000. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for New Hampshire. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Do general dentists in Portsmouth do braces?

Yes. 42 of the 43 Portsmouth clinics offering braces do not list an orthodontist, so general dentists there typically provide it. 1 lists an orthodontist on staff. 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 New Hampshire?

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.

How many dentists offer braces in Portsmouth?

43 Portsmouth clinics list braces in our data. 1 of them lists an orthodontist on staff. They include Bay Breeze Dentistry. Google ratings are on file for 24 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Portsmouth

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 47 clinics.
  2. : 44 duplicate listings merged.

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