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Best Braces Dentists in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)

45 clinics offering braces, rankedUpdated 2 orthodontists0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for braces: Hulme Orthodontics, ranked #1 of 45 by service score; an orthodontist on staff, 4.9★ from 267 Google reviews, 5 of 20 collected reviews mention braces.

  2. 2

    Best specialist (orthodontist): Seabright Dental [Joseph S Kim DDS], an orthodontist on staff, 4.7★ from 97 Google reviews.

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

45 Santa Cruz clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 2 list an orthodontist and 5 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 2 of them.

Top 10 braces dentists in Santa Cruz at a glance

Top 10 braces dentists in Santa Cruz at a glance
RankClinicService scoreSpecialist on staffRating (reviews)Reviews mentioning braces
1Hulme Orthodontics79Yes (orthodontist)4.9★ (267)5
2Seabright Dental [Joseph S Kim DDS]68Yes (orthodontist)4.7★ (97)—
3Advanced Dentistry67———
4Brose Karl M DDS67———
5Guy Peabody67———
6Kevin Reuter67———
7Primavera Carl V DDS67———
8Santa Cruz Dentists67———
9Vogel Dari w DDS67———
10Vu H Le DDS Corporation47———

The 45 best braces dentists in Santa Cruz, 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.

  13. #13 Peabody Dental Care

    620 Frederick St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #13 for braces in Santa Cruz: evening hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 11 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Peabody Dental CareFull profile(831) 457-0343
    In their words

    Whether you need a general dentist, cosmetic dentist, restorative dental services, emergency dental care or sedation to ease your dental anxiety, the office of Peabody Dental Care, in Santa Cruz, California can assist! We have helped patients maintain bright smiles since 1988. Peabody Dental Care is here to serve both your oral health and personal comfort.

    From Peabody Dental Care's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  14. #14 Western Dental & Orthodontics

    1107 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #14 for braces in Santa Cruz: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Western Dental & OrthodonticsFull profile(831) 227-2160
    In their words

    We make high quality dental care convenient and affordable at our Western Dental office located near you. Our friendly and experienced dental professionals provide a wide range of family dental services including orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental care. Our general dentists, specialists and hygienists are all under one roof. Which means that treatment for implants, braces, or periodontal care can take place in the same office. Here, we gladly treat…

    From Western Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  16. #16 Christie Family Dentistry

    550 Water St Suite E-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #16 for braces in Santa Cruz 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

    Book appointment at Christie Family DentistryFull profile(831) 429-8419

  18. #18 Donald P Connolly DDS

    824 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #18 for braces in Santa Cruz 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

    Book appointment at Donald P Connolly DDSFull profile(831) 426-1056
    In their words

    Serving the Santa Cruz, Aptos, and Watsonville, CA, areas with affordable, comfortable and efficient orthodontic care, Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stan Sokolow, along with our friendly team, have been creating beautiful, straight smiles for more than 35 years. We're excited to build new relationships with the next generation of patients in our community with the same commitment to excellence that we've established over the past three decades.

    From Donald P Connolly DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  19. #19 Dr. Robert Matiasevich Jr. DDS

    1775 Dominican Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #19 for braces in Santa Cruz 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–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Dr. Robert Matiasevich Jr. DDSFull profile(831) 316-1580
    In their words

    For their patient’s benefit, advanced learning and the implementation of new technologies at the leading edge of dentistry is a constant for Dr. Matiasevich and his office. The friendly team is known for their down to earth and non-technical communication style making complex dentistry easy to understand. We are open daily to meet your Santa Cruz dentistry needs.

    From Dr. Robert Matiasevich Jr. DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  20. #20 A. Gavin McClure, DDS

    525 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #20 for braces in Santa Cruz 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–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at A. Gavin McClure, DDSFull profile(831) 426-1343

  21. #21 E. John Baron, DDS, INC.

    550 Water St Ste L-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #21 for braces in Santa Cruz 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–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at E. John Baron, DDS, INC.Full profile(831) 325-0236
    In their words

    At E. John Baron, DDS, INC. dentist office in Santa Cruz CA, your smile is our top priority. Dr. Baron with the entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs.

    From E. John Baron, DDS, INC.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.

  22. #22 Dr. Mohana Awasthi DDS Inc

    1588 Soquel Dr Suite #3, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for braces in Santa Cruz 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 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Dr. Mohana Awasthi DDS IncFull profile(831) 454-8120

  23. #23 Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz: Niyati Patel DDS

    550 Water St Bldg I-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #23 for braces in Santa Cruz 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 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz: Niyati Patel DDSFull profile(831) 427-1660
    In their words

    Thank you for your interest in Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz. We are specialist members of the American Association of Endodontists. We look forward to being of service to you. Our expert team, led by respected endodontic specialist Dr. Niyati Patel, includes an experienced endodontic staff. We provide the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment. By referring you to our office, your dentist has shown their concern that you receive the…

    From Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz: Niyati Patel DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  24. #24 Alana Thompson DDS- Seabright Dental Studio

    1016 Soquel Ave #2, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for braces in Santa Cruz 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–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Alana Thompson DDS- Seabright Dental StudioFull profile(831) 431-6477

All 45 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #45, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR Score
26Onsite Dental37
27Santa Cruz Dental Care37
28Audrey Wingo, DDS37
29Five Gables Family Dentistry37
30Jeffrey Smith, DDS37
31Advanced Dentistry Kevin Ippisch, DDS, Inc.37
32Aura Marcela Torres DDS37
33Mission Hill Dental - Flavio Cheng D.M.D37
34Dr. Randall Medefesser, DDS37
35Kai Family Dentistry: Lynda Tran, DDS37
36David Refaee DDS33
37David Refaee DDS Kathy Ansarinia DDS33
38Santa Cruz Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery33
39Dientes Community Dental Care, Beach Flats33
40Dientes Community Dental Care, Capitola Road33
41Trang K Tran, DDS33
42Dr. David L. Biles, DDS33
43Heit Family Dentistry DDS33
44Dr. Steve S. Kerba, DDS33
45Yien Laurence DDS33

Find the right dentist in Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz, CA

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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.

2 of Santa Cruz's 45 clinics offering braces have an orthodontist on staff. See orthodontists in Santa Cruz

How much do braces cost in Santa Cruz?

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

How much do braces cost in Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz

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 Santa Cruz braces dentists

We scored 45 Santa Cruz clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 1 was excluded (1 duplicate listing). 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in Santa Cruz?

Hulme Orthodontics ranks #1 of 45 Santa Cruz clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. It has an orthodontist on staff and 4.9★ from 267 Google reviews. Seabright Dental [Joseph S Kim DDS] 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 Santa Cruz, CA?

Braces in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz do braces?

Yes. 43 of the 45 Santa Cruz clinics offering braces do not list an orthodontist, so general dentists there typically provide it. 2 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 Santa Cruz braces dentists are open on Saturday?

5 of 45 Santa Cruz clinics offering braces list Saturday hours, including Vu H Le DDS Corporation, Santa Cruz Smiles and Santa Cruz Children's 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 Santa Cruz?

45 Santa Cruz clinics list braces in our data. 2 of them list an orthodontist on staff. They include Hulme Orthodontics and Seabright Dental [Joseph S Kim DDS]. 5 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 2 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Santa Cruz

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 63 clinics.
  2. : 1 duplicate listing merged.

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