82/100
Ranked #1 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 293 Google reviews.
- 4.9from 293 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat 8 AM–1:30 PM · Sun closed
Best Braces Dentists in San Diego, CA (2026)
154 clinics offering braces, rankedUpdated 61 orthodontists0 paid placementsHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall for braces: Elite Orthodontics, ranked #1 of 154 by service score; an orthodontist on staff, 4.9★ from 293 Google reviews, 8 of 20 collected reviews mention braces.
- 2
Best specialist (orthodontist): Mesa Dental, an orthodontist on staff, 4.9★ from 1,859 Google reviews.
- 17
Best value: insurance accepted: Brighton Dental, accepts dental insurance, 4.9★ from 565 Google reviews.
Rankings can't be bought. Booking through us earns you a $60 gift card and doesn’t affect order. How we rank
154 San Diego clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 61 list an orthodontist, 1 offers same-day or emergency visits and 23 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 116 of them.
Top 10 braces dentists in San Diego at a glance
| Rank | Clinic | Service score | Specialist on staff | Rating (reviews) | Reviews mentioning braces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elite Orthodontics | 82 | Yes (orthodontist) | 4.9★ (293) | 8 |
| 2 | Mesa Dental | 81 | Yes (orthodontist) | 4.9★ (1,859) | — |
| 3 | Kensington Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics | 80 | Yes (orthodontist) | 5.0★ (800) | 3 |
| 4 | Liberty Station Orthodontics | 79 | Yes (orthodontist) | 5.0★ (279) | 5 |
| 5 | Coastal Dental Arts | 79 | Yes (orthodontist) | 4.8★ (356) | — |
| 6 | Dr. Geoffrey R. Kopecky, DDS | 78 | Yes (orthodontist) | 4.9★ (68) | 2 |
| 7 | Dr. Dixon's Cali KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics | 78 | Yes (orthodontist) | 5.0★ (462) | 2 |
| 8 | Rancho Penasquitos Dental Center | 78 | Yes (orthodontist) | 4.9★ (168) | — |
| 9 | Lotzof Orthodontics | 76 | Yes (orthodontist) | 4.9★ (176) | 5 |
| 10 | Nimmi Shine Dental of San Diego | 76 | — | 4.9★ (321) | — |
The 154 best braces dentists in San Diego, 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 Mesa Dental
7625 Mesa College Dr #100, San Diego, CA 92111
81/100Ranked #2 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 1,859 Google reviews.
- 4.9from 1,859 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon closed · Tue–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more
#3 Kensington Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
4072 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
80/100Ranked #3 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 800 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 800 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
#4 Liberty Station Orthodontics
2445 Truxtun Rd #104, San Diego, CA 92106
79/100Ranked #4 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 279 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 279 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4:45 PM · Fri–Sun closed
#5 Coastal Dental Arts
1230 Columbia St Suite 870, San Diego, CA 92101
79/100Ranked #5 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.8★ from 356 Google reviews.
- 4.8from 356 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 7 AM–4 PM · Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 7 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more
In their words
Welcome to a NEW kind of dental practice! Our facility is clean and inviting with artistic accents that complement the modern feel and style. Always impeccably clean and organized, our office is stacked with the latest and greatest dental technology. You can even roll a few putts on our putting green before your appointment! At Coastal Dental Arts, we go above and beyond to offer you quality dental care in a relaxing and comfortable environment. Come check out our practice…
From Coastal Dental Arts's own description. Not part of the ranking.#6 Dr. Geoffrey R. Kopecky, DDS
3820 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
78/10085% of factors measuredRanked #6 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 68 Google reviews.
Based on reputation, review volume, recency, services and profile completeness.
- 4.9from 68 Google reviews
#7 Dr. Dixon's Cali KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
6101 Village Way, San Diego, CA 92130
78/100Ranked #7 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 462 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 462 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 7 AM–5 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM · Sat 8 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
#8 Rancho Penasquitos Dental Center
9955 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, United States
78/100Ranked #8 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 168 Google reviews.
- 4.9from 168 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 7 AM–4 PM · Fri–Sun closed
General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more
#9 Lotzof Orthodontics
4320 Genesee Ave #206, San Diego, CA 92117
76/100Ranked #9 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 176 Google reviews.
- 4.9from 176 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon 9 AM–6 PM · Tue–Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–4:30 PM · Fri–Sun closed
#10 Nimmi Shine Dental of San Diego
9888 Carroll Centre Rd Suite #112, San Diego, CA 92126
76/100Ranked #10 for braces in San Diego: 4.9★ from 321 Google reviews; Saturday hours.
- 4.9from 321 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more
In their words
Our goal is to accomplish the smile that our patients desire. We work with our patients so they can achieve and maintain a beautiful smile and healthy gums! We specialize in general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry and use the latest technology and techniques to give our patients outstanding results. Our patients leave our office with life changing results. We believe in Life Changing Dentistry and will always provide the services you want for your optimal health, wellness…
From Nimmi Shine Dental of San Diego's own description. Not part of the ranking.#11 SmileStyle Dental Studio
3330 Third Ave #200, San Diego, CA 92103
76/100Ranked #11 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 523 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 523 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
#12 San Diego Smile Pros
239 Laurel St #201, San Diego, CA 92101
76/100Ranked #12 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 573 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 573 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon 8:40 AM–5:30 PM · Tue 9 AM–5:30 PM · Wed 12 PM–5:30 PM · Thu 8:40 AM–5:30 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
#13 Juni's Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
4809 Clairemont Dr B, San Diego, CA 92117
75/100Ranked #13 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 131 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 131 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
#14 Center for Dental Health, La Jolla
8899 University Center Ln #190, San Diego, CA 92122
75/100Ranked #14 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.6★ from 185 Google reviews.
- 4.6from 185 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue 7 AM–5 PM · Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 7 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more
In their words
We offer comprehensive 1 stop solution to all your dental needs, including Implants, Cosmetic dentistry, Periodontal therapy, Invisalign & Endodontic solutions. We guarantee our work, no exceptions. No Insurance, no problem, ask about our "Smile Saver Club".
From Center for Dental Health, La Jolla's own description. Not part of the ranking.#15 Children's Choice Dental Care
4440 Wightman St Ste 19, San Diego, CA 92105
74/100Ranked #15 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.5★ from 528 Google reviews.
- 4.5from 528 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon 10 AM–7 PM · Tue closed · Wed 10 AM–7 PM · Thu–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
#16 Poiset and Associates Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
7930 Frost St Unit 101, San Diego, CA 92123
74/100Ranked #16 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.6★ from 127 Google reviews.
- 4.6from 127 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
#17 Brighton Dental
10450 Friars Rd. Suite G, San Diego, CA 92120
74/100Ranked #17 for braces in San Diego: 4.9★ from 565 Google reviews.
- 4.9from 565 Google reviews
- Speaks English
- Accepting new patients
- Hours
- Mon–Wed 8 AM–4 PM · Thu 8 AM–3 PM · Fri–Sun closed
General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more
In their words
At Brighton Dental in San Diego, CA, your smile is in expert hands with Dr. Paige Woods. With a comprehensive skill set that includes Crowns & Bridges, Implants, Extractions, Safe Amalgam Removal, and Veneers, Dr. Woods is a dentist you can trust for exceptional results. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of dental technology and techniques guarantees that you will receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. Dr. Woods' warm and compassionate…
From Brighton Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.#18 Westwood Orthodontics: Westwood Patricia DDS
4633 Ingraham St Ste c, San Diego, CA 92109
74/10085% of factors measuredRanked #18 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on reputation, review volume, recency, services and profile completeness.
- 5.0from 9 Google reviews
#19 Braces By Grant
12395 El Camino Real STE 218, San Diego, CA 92130
73/100Ranked #19 for braces in San Diego: an orthodontist on staff; 4.8★ from 41 Google reviews.
- 4.8from 41 Google reviews
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
- 73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #20 for braces in San Diego 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
Voted Best Dentist by San Diego Reader's Best of 2022! Welcome to Dr. S. Lee Fleming Dentistry, your trusted Ocean Beach dentists. We have been proudly providing our patients with beautiful smiles for over 30 years! Our patients can expect honest providers, exceptional service, superior results, and an outstanding quality of care when they visit our office. We look forward to helping you achieve your most confident smile! Call our office at (619) 224-3391 to schedule your…
From Blue Wave Dental Care's own description. Not part of the ranking. - 73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #21 for braces in San Diego 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 proud to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the highest quality dental care available. It is one of our top priorities to protect the well-being of our valued patients. We are always welcoming new patients and we would love to have you as part of our dental family.
From Chula Vista Dental Arts's own description. Not part of the ranking. - 73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #22 for braces in San Diego 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
#23 Comprehensive Health Center: Evangelista Melanie DDS
3177 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA 92113
73/10015% of factors measuredRanked #23 for braces in San Diego 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
#24 Comprehensive Health Center: Mallempalli Manimanjari DDS
3177 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA 92113, United States
73/10015% of factors measuredRanked #24 for braces in San Diego 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
- 73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #25 for braces in San Diego 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
All 154 clinics
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #154, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.
Find the right dentist in San Diego
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What service are you looking for?
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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.
61 of San Diego's 154 clinics offering braces have an orthodontist on staff. See orthodontists in San Diego
How much do braces cost in San Diego?
Typical ranges in USD for San Diego, CA. Your price depends on the tooth, the case and the clinic.
| Type | Typical range (USD) | Basis | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | $4,200–$9,800 | DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California | — |
| Ceramic braces | $5,600–$11,200 | DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California | — |
| Self-ligating braces | $4,900–$11,200 | DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California | — |
| Lingual braces | $11,200–$16,800 | DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California | — |
Estimates, not quotes. Ask the clinic for a written estimate. Full braces cost guide for San Diego
What to expect from braces
Typical ranges for most patients. Your dentist's plan may differ.
| Fact | Typically |
|---|---|
| Typical visits | A consultation, a fitting visit, then adjustments every 4–8 weeks |
| Chair time | About 1–2 hours to fit; adjustments take 15–30 minutes |
| Recovery | Soreness for a few days after fitting and after adjustments |
| When to see a specialist | Most braces cases, and always for jaw growth issues, severe crowding or bite problems |
How we ranked San Diego braces dentists
We scored 154 San Diego clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 36 were excluded (4 closed and 32 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.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In San Diego data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 45% | Bayesian-adjusted Google star rating | Measured |
| Review volume | 15% | log10(review count) against the city maximum | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews in the last 12 months | Measured |
| Access | 15% | Evenings, Saturday, Sunday, same-day/emergency, accepting new patients | Measured |
| Services | 10% | Services offered out of 17 | Measured |
| Profile completeness | 5% | Named dentists, years open, languages, insurance, photos | Measured |
Braces in San Diego: frequently asked questions
Who is the best braces dentist in San Diego?
Elite Orthodontics ranks #1 of 154 San Diego clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. It has an orthodontist on staff and 4.9★ from 293 Google reviews. Mesa Dental 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 San Diego, CA?
Braces in San Diego 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 San Diego do braces?
Yes. 93 of the 154 San Diego clinics offering braces do not list an orthodontist, so general dentists there typically provide it. 61 list 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 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 San Diego braces dentists are open on Saturday?
23 of 154 San Diego clinics offering braces list Saturday hours, including Elite Orthodontics, Kensington Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and Dr. Dixon's Cali KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. 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 San Diego?
154 San Diego clinics list braces in our data. 61 of them list an orthodontist on staff. They include Elite Orthodontics and Mesa Dental. 23 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 116 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.
Update log for San Diego
- : DR Scores recalculated for 586 clinics.
- : 32 duplicate listings merged.
- : 4 closed clinics removed.
Related pages
Other dental services in San Diego
- General Dentistry in San Diego376
- Teeth Cleaning in San Diego335
- Emergency Care in San Diego141
- Root Canal in San Diego121
- Tooth Extraction in San Diego130
- Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Diego130
- Dental Implants in San Diego205
- Invisalign in San Diego155
- Dental Crowns in San Diego120
- Dentures in San Diego110
- Veneers in San Diego130
- Teeth Whitening in San Diego131
- Dental Bonding in San Diego112
- Cosmetic Fillings in San Diego99
- Cosmetic Dentistry in San Diego144
- Full Restoration in San Diego112