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Best Braces Dentists in Santa Monica, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for braces: Santa Monica Dental Studio, ranked #1 of 47 by service score; an orthodontist on staff, 5.0★ from 86 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Best specialist (orthodontist): Santa Monica Dentistry for Children, an orthodontist on staff, 4.9★ from 483 Google reviews, Saturday hours.

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47 Santa Monica clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 2 list an orthodontist and 10 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 2 of them.

Top 10 braces dentists in Santa Monica at a glance

Top 10 braces dentists in Santa Monica at a glance
RankClinicService scoreSpecialist on staffRating (reviews)
1Santa Monica Dental Studio77Yes (orthodontist)5.0★ (86)
2Santa Monica Dentistry for Children74Yes (orthodontist)4.9★ (483)
3Dr. Orly Hendizadeh, DDS73——
4Advanced Aesthetic Dental Centre67——
5Apex Dental Services67——
6Emergency Dental Care67——
7Michael Drake67——
8Shamoeil DDS Professional Dental Care Los Angeles67——
9Wong Kenneth DDS67——
10Dr. Ali Mogharei, DDS57——

The 47 best braces dentists in Santa Monica, 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. #10 Dr. Ali Mogharei, DDS

    2222 Santa Monica Blvd #400, Santa Monica, CA 90404

    57/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #10 for braces in Santa Monica: evening hours and Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–7 PM · Wed 8 AM–4:30 PM · Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Our goal is to provide each and every patient with the very best dental care in the most supportive and comfortable manner possible. Our office has a friendly atmosphere and staff that will immediately put you at ease. Our professional staff will help you feel welcome and comfortable as we strive to provide the highest standard of personalized dental care in the most gentle, clean, and effective way possible. We want you to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile your entire life.

    From Dr. Ali Mogharei, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. #11 Vision Dental Montana

    1502 Montana Ave UNIT 205, Santa Monica, CA 90403

    57/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #11 for braces in Santa Monica: evening hours and Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–5 PM · Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed 10 AM–7 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Vision Dental Montana is a friendly and gentle, cutting-edge dental office located in Santa Monica. We also treat families in the Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and West L.A. areas. Our team specializes in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental surgery. We provide comprehensive dentistry for patients of all ages and hope to have your family in our office for years to come. We treat our patients like family and make sure your…

    From Vision Dental Montana's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. #14 Dr. David Youssefi DMD, Rapid Smile Dental Group

    2428 Santa Monica Blvd #403, Santa Monica, CA 90404

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #14 for braces in Santa Monica: evening hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Looking for a new dentist? We are a cosmetic & family dental practice located in the heart of Santa Monica, California. Dr. Youssefi is devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using state-of-the-art procedures that will result in healthy, beautiful, long lasting smiles! Visit our comfortable office at 2428 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 403. Call now for your appointment (310)696-6996.

    From Dr. David Youssefi DMD, Rapid Smile Dental Group's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. #15 Santa Monica Bay Dental

    2730 Wilshire Blvd #410, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #15 for braces in Santa Monica: evening hours.

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

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

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Our experienced dentist and team love welcoming patients of all ages to our practice. When you visit Santa Monica Bay Dental, we give you our full attention, focusing on the details to treat the root of the problem so that you can improve your oral health and restore your smile. We offer a full range of services to meet your needs, including full mouth rehabilitation, same-day crowns, dental implants, dental veneers and restorative dentistry.

    From Santa Monica Bay Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #16 Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry

    1418 7th St Ste 101, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #16 for braces in Santa Monica: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–1 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients achieve life-long dental health and happiness. The key to excellent dentistry is of two parts: superior service and superior ability. We only operate with state-of-the-art technology, equipment and materials. We are a fun, immaculate, and loving team.

    From Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  6. #17 Westside Pediatric Dental Group: Gross E Bernard DDS

    1304 15th St #206, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #17 for braces in Santa Monica: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–12 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  7. #18 Paradise Dental

    1304 15th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #18 for braces in Santa Monica: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–5 PM · Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri–Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    At Paradise Dental we provide excellent and ethical services. We make every effort possible to take care of your oral health; to create a comfortable, pleasant environment for all; to make procedures pain-free; to see you leave the office satisfied and with a smile, and to return knowing you can count on us. Santa Monica Dentistry Services General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorations, Root Canal Therapy, Implant Dentistry, Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment, Laser Teeth…

    From Paradise Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  8. #20 Pacific View Smile Center: Kari Sakurai DDS

    2811 Wilshire Blvd Suite 590, Santa Monica, CA 90403

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #20 for braces in Santa Monica: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–1 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Are you looking for a family & general dentist in Santa Monica, CA? Come to Pacific View Smile Center for all your dental needs. When you visit our office, your smile is our top priority. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve.

    From Pacific View Smile Center: Kari Sakurai DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  9. #22 Santa Monica Tooth Doctor

    2222 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for braces in Santa Monica: evening hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–7 PM · Tue–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  10. #23 Kathy Zahedi, DDS & Associates - Santa Monica Dentists

    1450 10th St #400, Santa Monica, CA 90401

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #23 for braces in Santa Monica 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–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Kathy Zahedi, DDS & Associates has delivered compassionate dental care to residents of Santa Monica, California, and the surrounding area for 20 years. During that time, Dr. Kathy Zahedi has built a dental practice with one goal in mind: To care for all of your dental concerns in one place with a team of specialists dedicated to delivering gentle, painless, and top-notch dental services. Dr. Zahedi and her associates consider their patients to be extended family. Patients…

    From Kathy Zahedi, DDS & Associates - Santa Monica Dentists's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  11. #24 Spencer Face, DDS

    2730 Wilshire Blvd #410, Santa Monica, CA 90403

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for braces in Santa Monica 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 8 AM–5 PM · Tue–Thu 7 AM–5 PM · Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  12. #25 Best Natural Smile

    1260 15th St #1117, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for braces in Santa Monica 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–Tue 7 AM–5 PM · Wed 7:30 AM–5 PM · Thu 7 AM–4 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    We get it! Choosing a smile care provider can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve carefully curated every aspect of your experience to be the best in town And we focus our attention on smile longevity instead of here today and gone tomorrow! Simple, practical and most of all stress free, we are very confident that you’ll have the best dental visit of your life. The spectacular ocean and mountain views from our Santa Monica office alone are worth experiencing. This coupled with…

    From Best Natural Smile's own description. Not part of the ranking.

Find the right dentist in Santa Monica

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Santa Monica, 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 Monica's 47 clinics offering braces have an orthodontist on staff. See orthodontists in Santa Monica

How much do braces cost in Santa Monica?

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

How much do braces cost in Santa Monica?
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 Monica

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 Monica braces dentists

We scored 47 Santa Monica 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 Monica 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 Monica: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica Dental Studio ranks #1 of 47 Santa Monica clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. It has an orthodontist on staff and 5.0★ from 86 Google reviews. Santa Monica Dentistry for Children 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 Monica, CA?

Braces in Santa Monica 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 Monica do braces?

Yes. 45 of the 47 Santa Monica 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 Monica braces dentists are open on Saturday?

10 of 47 Santa Monica clinics offering braces list Saturday hours, including Santa Monica Dentistry for Children, Dr. Ali Mogharei, DDS and Vision Dental Montana. 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 Monica?

47 Santa Monica clinics list braces in our data. 2 of them list an orthodontist on staff. They include Santa Monica Dental Studio and Santa Monica Dentistry for Children. 10 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 2 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Santa Monica

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 56 clinics.
  2. : 1 duplicate listing merged.