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Best Braces Dentists in San Luis Obispo, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for braces: Brightwood Dental - Charlotte Milch, DDS, ranked #1 of 64 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

64 San Luis Obispo clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 1 opens Saturdays and 3 open after 6pm. None list an orthodontist on staff in our data yet. Google ratings are not yet collected for these clinics.

Top 10 braces dentists in San Luis Obispo at a glance

Top 10 braces dentists in San Luis Obispo at a glance
RankClinicService score
1Brightwood Dental - Charlotte Milch, DDS73
2Johnson Family Dental73
3Koushan Azad, DMD73
4Los Osos Family Dentistry73
5This is a duplicate listing73
6Carol Phillips67
7Central Coast Dental67
8Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc.67
9Daniel Michelle M DDS67
10Dental Health Care67

The 64 best braces dentists in San Luis Obispo, 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 Johnson Family Dental

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #2 for braces in San Luis Obispo 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

    Book appointment at Johnson Family DentalFull profile
    In their words

    Johnson Family Dental in San Luis Obispo is a dental practice that offers expertise from some of the best dentists and orthodontists in the industry that provide you with affordable, quality dental care. With a range of pediatric dentists, emergency dentists, and orthodontists to choose from you'll find many treatment options for a root canal or dental crown. Or, you may find yourself in the hands of Johnson Family Dental friendly staff for dental check-ups, teeth cleaning,…

    From Johnson Family Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  4. #4 Los Osos Family Dentistry

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 for braces in San Luis Obispo 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

    Book appointment at Los Osos Family DentistryFull profile
    In their words

    Los Osos Family Dentistry performs family and general dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and dental care needs. We are happy to provide a variety of services not often found in most offices in the San Luis Obispo area ranging from root canals, to crowns to bridges and implants.

    From Los Osos Family Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  21. #21 CaliDental

    3870 Broad St Suite 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #21 for braces in San Luis Obispo: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at CaliDentalFull profile(805) 202-4988
    In their words

    CaliDental providers also offer emergency dentistry, family and pediatric dentistry, sedation dentistry, TMJ treatment, tooth extractions, oral cancer screenings, and innovative digital X-rays to ensure quality, premium care patients can trust. The CaliDental team accepts most major dental insurance plans, as well as Denti-Cal, and offers in-house dental plans for uninsured patients. They are currently accepting new patients and warmly welcome them to the practice.

    From CaliDental's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  22. #22 Broad St Smiles: D. Craig Fitch DDS

    2240 Emily St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for braces in San Luis Obispo: evening hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–5 PM · Tue 7 AM–4 PM · Wed 8 AM–7 PM · Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Broad St Smiles: D. Craig Fitch DDSFull profile(805) 541-3900
    In their words

    Dentist Craig D. Fitch of Broad St Smiles in San Luis Obispo, offers you the most modern and comprehensive dentistry available today. Our services include general dentistry, advanced preventative diagnostics, sedation dentistry, teeth cleanings and periodontal therapy, dental implants, restorations, Sleep Apnea, Snoring Treatment, teeth whitening and cosmetic procedures. Our entire staff is experienced, helpful and friendly. Above all, we want our patients to feel that their…

    From Broad St Smiles: D. Craig Fitch DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  23. #23 Leopold Murphy & Main Dental: Murphy Jr Nicholas J DDS

    878 Walnut St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #23 for braces in San Luis Obispo: evening hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Wed 7 AM–7 PM · Thu 7 AM–5:30 PM · Fri 7 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Leopold Murphy & Main Dental: Murphy Jr Nicholas J DDSFull profile(805) 541-0550

  24. #24 Dr. Alan Latta, DDS

    1250 Peach St L, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for braces in San Luis Obispo: evening hours.

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

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

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Dr. Alan Latta, DDSFull profile(805) 544-1877

  25. #25 Copp Dental Group

    1131 Pacific St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for braces in San Luis Obispo 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–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Copp Dental GroupFull profile(805) 543-5321
    In their words

    COPP DENTAL GROUP - Dan Copp, D.D.S., Mike Roberts, D.D.S. & Alina True, D.D.S. - Our goal is to provide top notch, minimally invasive, esthetic & comprehensive oral health care. We strive to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for our patients. By working together as a team and employing state of the art techniques and technology, our goal is to partner with you for a lifetime of oral health

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

All 64 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #64, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR Score
26Nathan J. Wong Digital Dentistry37
27Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery37
28Coastal Pediatric Dentistry - James A. Forester DDS37
29E. Carrie Ramirez, DDS37
30Friendly Smiles Dental37
31Magnolia Dental37
32Swiss Dental Center37
33Ryan M. Ross, DDS37
34Coastal Endodontic Studio37
35Ron Brunick Inc37
36Daniel Lapidus DDS37
37R&R Dental Care37
38HILTBRAND & KRUECKEL, DDS37
39Cavigli Paul R DDS37
40Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery37
41Aro Dental Practice37
42SLO Pediatric Dental37
43Santa Rosa Dental37
44Central Coast Vet Services37
45Dr. John A. Freeman, DDS37
46Negom Ricuccio a DDS37
47Feather Dental Office of Jessica Smith DDS37
48Devin L. Stewart, DDS. FACP37
49Michael Colleran DDS37
50Mission Family Dental37
51Pacific Pediatric Dentistry37
52Shervin Gholian D.M.D., M.M.Sc.37
53Douglas Ng, DDS37
54Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy, DDS37
55Randall Lonsbrough D.D.S., Inc.37
56Comprehensive Periodontics & Dental Implants Dr. Patrick Goroski Dr. Caroline Arceo37
57Islay Hill Dentistry Co.37
58Solomon Daniel R DDS33
59San Luis Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center33
60Ackerman Laurence DDS33
61Gilman W Carr Inc33
62Krueckel Sarah DDS33
63SLO Noor Foundation Clinics33
64SLO Noor Foundation Dental Clinic33

Find the right dentist in San Luis Obispo

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San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo's 64 clinics offering braces list an orthodontist on staff in our data yet. See orthodontists in San Luis Obispo

How much do braces cost in San Luis Obispo?

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

How much do braces cost in San Luis Obispo?
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 San Luis Obispo

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 San Luis Obispo braces dentists

We scored 64 San Luis Obispo clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 6 were excluded (6 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in San Luis Obispo?

Brightwood Dental - Charlotte Milch, DDS ranks #1 of 64 San Luis Obispo clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. Johnson Family Dental 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 San Luis Obispo, CA?

Braces in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo do braces?

Yes. None of the 64 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo braces dentists are open on Saturday?

1 of 64 San Luis Obispo clinics offering braces lists Saturday hours, including CaliDental. 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 Luis Obispo?

64 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 68 clinics.
  2. : 6 duplicate listings merged.

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