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Best Braces Dentists in Wilmington, NC (2026)

77 clinics offering braces, rankedUpdated 5 orthodontists0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for braces: Link Dental Health, ranked #1 of 77 by service score; an orthodontist on staff, 4.9★ from 70 Google reviews, 1 of 20 collected reviews mentions braces.

  2. 2

    Best specialist (orthodontist): Browning Orthodontics, an orthodontist on staff, 5.0★ from 563 Google reviews, 1 of 20 collected reviews mentions braces.

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

77 Wilmington clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 5 list an orthodontist and 4 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 5 of them.

Top 10 braces dentists in Wilmington at a glance

Top 10 braces dentists in Wilmington at a glance
RankClinicService scoreSpecialist on staffRating (reviews)Reviews mentioning braces
1Link Dental Health79Yes (orthodontist)4.9★ (70)1
2Browning Orthodontics77Yes (orthodontist)5.0★ (563)1
3Dr. John F. White Jr, DDS73———
4Family Dental Care of Wilmington73———
5Live Oak Dental73———
6The Dental Studio of Wilmington73———
7Your Community Dental, Schryer & Associates, DDS, PLLC73———
8Lundgren Dental73Yes (orthodontist)5.0★ (125)—
9Smile Straight Orthodontics - Wilmington73Yes (orthodontist)4.8★ (168)1
10Port City Ortho - Shipyard71Yes (orthodontist)5.0★ (35)2

The 77 best braces dentists in Wilmington, 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.

  4. #4 Family Dental Care of Wilmington

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 for braces in Wilmington 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 Family Dental Care of WilmingtonFull profile
    In their words

    At Family Dental Care of Wilmington, we continually work to provide our patients with the best care modern cosmetic and family dentistry has to offer. We offer a modern, technologically advanced facility that is optimized for patient comfort, safety, and convenience. We care deeply about mutual respect between our patients and our staff, most of whom have been with us for many years.

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

  5. #5 Live Oak Dental

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #5 for braces in Wilmington 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 Live Oak DentalFull profile
    In their words

    Live Oak Dental is committed to improving the lives of our community through world class dentistry. We do this by providing comfortable, efficient and quality dentistry in a unique environment. One of the things that sets Live Oak Dental apart is the dedication of our amazing professional team. It takes a strong commitment to teamwork to provide you with an experience that is perfect from the moment you arrive until you leave our office with a happy smile.

    From Live Oak Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  6. #6 The Dental Studio of Wilmington

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #6 for braces in Wilmington 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 The Dental Studio of WilmingtonFull profile
    In their words

    Wilmington Dentist, The Dental Studio, is an experienced cosmetic dental practice with a focus on providing excellent personalized care to patients from the Wilmington and Hampstead area. We utilize modern technology and advanced techniques to ensure your treatment is efficient, effective, and comfortable. Dr. Jacob Long and our compassionate team are welcoming new patients to our convenient Wilmington dental office. Our dentistry services include: Preventive dentistry…

    From The Dental Studio of Wilmington's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  7. #7 Your Community Dental, Schryer & Associates, DDS, PLLC

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #7 for braces in Wilmington 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 Your Community Dental, Schryer & Associates, DDS, PLLCFull profile
    In their words

    Your Community Dental believe everyone deserves quality dentistry at fair and affordable prices. Our caring, experienced professionals are committed to providing accessible and quality care. We discuss treatment options that focus on economical ways to solve problems and maintain good oral health with all our patients. We manage our practice cost effectively and forego unnecessary “extras” to keep our fees reasonable and as low as possible. If you have specific concerns…

    From Your Community Dental, Schryer & Associates, DDS, PLLC's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  22. #22 National Dental Care, Barangaroo

    67/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for braces in Wilmington 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 National Dental Care, BarangarooFull profile
    In their words

    Part of the National Dental Care Group, National Dental Care Barangaroo is located in the beautiful Barangaroo precinct of Sydney, with parking available at Barangaroo Reserve. As Barangaroo sets the benchmark for design and sustainability, our practice's goal is to provide state of the art dental technology and services, bringing a fresh energy to the patient experience.

    From National Dental Care, Barangaroo's own description. Not part of the ranking.

All 77 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #77, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR ScoreEvenings / weekends
26Tarasco Helen67
27Winslett & Walls Dental Excellence57Evenings · Sat
28MedNorth Health Center57Evenings · Sat
29Wilmington Smiles Gregory B. Garrett DDS50
30CarolinasDentist47Evenings
31CarolinasDentist47Evenings
32Racine Dental Care47Sat
33O2 Dental Group of Wilmington47Sat
34Northchase Family Dentistry47Evenings
35Burns Family Dentistry47Evenings
36Dr. Norma Cortez, DDS43Evenings
37Dr. Mark E. McGee, DDS43Evenings
38Edgerton and Glenn DDS - Wilmington37
39Dr. Robert P. Mellis, DDS37
40Independence Dental Care37
41Coastal Pines Dental37
42Dr. Milligan's Family Dental Care37
43Long Dental of Wilmington37
44Wrightsville Dental37
45Wilmington Kids Dentist37
46Atlantic Dental Group37
47DANICA DENTAL HOUSE Rafaela Dejanovic DDS & Coleman Burgess DDS37
48Sandra Miles Dentistry37
49Southeast Smiles37
50Kuzma Advanced Dentistry37
51Arboretum Dental37
52Barnes Family Dentistry37
53Brush Dental Care37
54Clayton B Smith III, DDS, PA37
55Hoggard Family Dentistry37
56Port City Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - Dr. Jillian Wolske37
57Salling and Tate Family Dentistry37
58C. Clayton Walker III, DDS, PA37
59French Family Dentistry37
60Porters Neck Cosmetic and Family Dentistry37
61Cory Williams DDS37
62Wetherill Family Dentistry37
63Jennifer M. Pan, DMD, PLLC37
64Mayfaire Family Dentistry - John A Overton DDS37
65Donald S. Bland, D.D.S37
66Myles Family Dentistry37
67Coastal Smiles General and Implant Dentistry33
68Affordable Dentures & Implants33
69DentalWorks Wilmington33
70Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry33
71Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry (Formerly Complete Dental - Barclay)33
72Wilmington Dental Care33
73James N. Smith, D.M.D.33
74Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry33
75Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery33
76D. Scott Skinner, D.D.S., P.A.33
77Dr. Holly J. Carter, D.D.S.33

Find the right dentist in Wilmington

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Wilmington, NC

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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.

5 of Wilmington's 77 clinics offering braces have an orthodontist on staff. See orthodontists in Wilmington

How much do braces cost in Wilmington?

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

How much do braces cost in Wilmington?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Metal braces$3,050–$7,150DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
Ceramic braces$4,100–$8,150DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
Self-ligating braces$3,550–$8,150DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
Lingual braces$8,150–$12,200DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—

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

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 Wilmington braces dentists

We scored 77 Wilmington clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 11 were excluded (11 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in Wilmington?

Link Dental Health ranks #1 of 77 Wilmington clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. It has an orthodontist on staff and 4.9★ from 70 Google reviews. Browning Orthodontics 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 Wilmington, NC?

Braces in Wilmington typically costs $3,060–$7,140 USD. By type: metal braces $3,050–$7,150; ceramic braces $4,100–$8,150; self-ligating braces $3,550–$8,150. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Do general dentists in Wilmington do braces?

Yes. 72 of the 77 Wilmington clinics offering braces do not list an orthodontist, so general dentists there typically provide it. 5 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 North Carolina?

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 Wilmington braces dentists are open on Saturday?

4 of 77 Wilmington clinics offering braces list Saturday hours, including Winslett & Walls Dental Excellence, MedNorth Health Center and Racine Dental Care. 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 Wilmington?

77 Wilmington clinics list braces in our data. 5 of them list an orthodontist on staff. They include Link Dental Health and Browning Orthodontics. 4 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 5 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Wilmington

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 113 clinics.
  2. : 11 duplicate listings merged.

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