Average Orthodontist Salary in the United States
Percentile Wage Estimates for Orthodontists
Orthodontist Salary in the United States
Orthodontists are among the highest earners in the dental profession, reflecting the extensive training, specialized skills, and precision required to diagnose, prevent, and correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Their work not only improves dental aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in long-term oral health, proper bite function, and patient confidence. As more people, from children to adults, seek effective and discreet orthodontic solutions, the demand for qualified orthodontists continues to grow steadily across the United States.
Recent data indicates that orthodontists’ earnings in the U.S. are within the impressive range of average annual salaries of approximately $369,000, positioning them well above many other dental professionals and comparable healthcare providers. Depending on factors such as geographic location, patient demographics, practice ownership, and years of clinical experience, orthodontists typically earn between $247,000 and $490,000 per year, with top earners in thriving practices or multi-location operations often surpassing these figures significantly.
There are currently more than 3,200 job openings for orthodontists nationwide, a strong indicator of the profession’s robust outlook. This high demand reflects both the growing awareness of the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the increasing number of patients seeking modern options like clear aligners and advanced digital treatment plans to achieve healthy, functional, and confident smiles.
Orthodontist's Salary in the United States
| States | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $34,167 | $410,000 | $214/hour |
| New York | $27,500 | $330,000 | $172/hour |
| Florida | $21,167 | $254,000 | $132/hour |
| California | $33,417 | $401,000 | $193/hour |
The demand for licensed orthodontists is expected to remain steady in both urban and suburban areas as more adults and teens seek orthodontic care, including clear aligners and other modern treatments. Expanded insurance coverage and increased awareness of dental aesthetics continue to drive demand and help maintain high salary benchmarks for orthodontic specialists.
Orthodontists; Salary Trends in US
Current data places the average annual orthodontist’s salary in the U.S. between $247,000 and $490,000, with experienced specialists and practice owners earning well over $490,000 in busy regions. Demand for orthodontic care continues to grow as more patients, especially adults, seek discreet options like clear aligners alongside traditional braces.
Orthodontist’s Roles and Responsibilities
Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, improving oral function, and enhancing patients’ confidence and overall quality of life.
- ●Developing Comprehensive Treatment Plans
- Orthodontists design individualized treatment plans using detailed diagnostic records, including digital scans, X-rays, and photographs, to assess teeth and jaw alignment.
- ●Fitting and Adjusting Orthodontic Appliances
- They install and adjust braces, clear aligners (such as Invisalign), retainers, palatal expanders, and other appliances to guide teeth into proper alignment over time.
- ●Monitoring Patient Progress
- Regular follow-up visits allow orthodontists to monitor tooth movement, make necessary adjustments, and ensure treatment stays on schedule.
- ●Treating Bite and Jaw Irregularities
- Beyond cosmetic alignment, orthodontists correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites, which can affect chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health.
- ●Using Advanced Technologies
- Modern orthodontists utilize 3D imaging, digital impressions, and computer-aided treatment planning to increase precision and patient comfort.
- ●Educating Patients and Families
- Orthodontists counsel patients and parents on oral hygiene, appliance care, and the importance of wearing retainers post-treatment to maintain results.
- ●Collaborating with General Dentists and Other Specialists
- They often work closely with general dentists, oral surgeons, and pediatric dentists to provide comprehensive care for complex cases.
- ●Managing Practice Operations
- In private or group practice settings, orthodontists oversee staff, scheduling, billing, and compliance with health and safety protocols.
Orthodontists- Scope of Practice and Work Settings
Orthodontists in the U.S. typically work in dedicated private orthodontic practices, multi-specialty dental clinics, or larger dental service organizations (DSOs) that serve diverse patient populations. Many orthodontists choose to own and manage their own practices, allowing them greater autonomy over treatment approaches, scheduling, staffing, and the adoption of the latest technologies. Some expand their reach by operating multiple practice locations, increasing their patient base and revenue potential while building strong community relationships.
Beyond private practice, some orthodontists take on roles in academia, teaching future dental professionals at universities and dental schools. Others contribute to clinical research aimed at advancing orthodontic techniques and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, experienced orthodontists may consult with clear aligner manufacturers and dental technology companies to help develop innovative products that shape the future of orthodontic care.
The flexibility to work full-time or part-time allows many orthodontists to maintain a balanced lifestyle, which is one of the appealing aspects of this profession. Orthodontists practicing in rural or underserved areas may also benefit from attractive state or federal incentive programs, loan repayment assistance, or grants that help bring specialized care to communities with limited access to dental specialists.
Practices located in high-demand urban or suburban markets often experience a steady influx of patients seeking both traditional braces and newer options like clear aligners, which can boost overall practice profitability. Meanwhile, orthodontists in smaller towns may benefit from lower competition, strong word-of-mouth referrals, and loyal, long-term patient relationships that contribute to consistent case flow and community trust.
Key Factors Driving Orthodontist Salaries in the US
- ●Increased Demand for Aesthetic Treatments
- A greater focus on dental aesthetics among teens and adults fuels steady demand for orthodontic services.
- ●Advancements in Clear Aligner Technology
- The popularity of clear aligners like Invisalign has expanded treatment options and boosted practice revenue streams.
- ●Private Practice Ownership
- Many orthodontists own their clinics or operate multiple offices, significantly increasing income potential.
- ●Collaboration with General Dentists
- Strong referral networks ensure a constant flow of new patients needing orthodontic care.
- ●Growing Awareness of Oral Health Benefits
- Patients increasingly understand the health benefits of properly aligned teeth and jaws, further driving demand.
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