Orthodontist in Memphis

June 15, 2026

Orthodontics is the field that corrects malocclusion, the misalignment of teeth and jaws, using fixed braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, and a range of supporting appliances. A general dentist may handle minor alignment work, but an orthodontist has completed dedicated specialty training in tooth movement, bite correction, and facial growth. That distinction matters in Memphis in particular, because the city is home to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, the state’s only public dental school, which helps anchor a sizable dental and orthodontic community across Shelby County. With a population of roughly 619,000 as of 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau), Tennessee’s second largest city supports a broad set of established practices, several of them multi-generational.

The path to becoming an orthodontist runs through dental school first. A practitioner earns a DDS or DMD, then completes an additional two to three year residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Licensing for every dentist and specialist in the state rests with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, part of the Department of Health. Orthodontics is one of the dental specialties recognized under TCA 63-5-112, and under TCA 63-5-113 the board may certify a qualified dentist as a specialist. Some Memphis orthodontists also hold the Diplomate credential of the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary certification earned after residency that is separate from, and additional to, the state license.

Treatment time often spans one to two years, so visiting an office in person, meeting the doctor, and reviewing a plan before committing is a reasonable way to start. On the regulatory side, Tennessee issues no separate orthodontics business license beyond each doctor’s dental and specialty credentials, and a practice simply registers as a standard business. The 7% state sales tax and local option tax apply to taxable retail goods rather than professional clinical care, so the roughly 9.75% combined rate in Shelby County generally does not attach to treatment fees. Patients can confirm a doctor’s active, unencumbered license and view any disciplinary history through the Department of Health verification portal under the Health Related Boards and the Board of Dentistry; the board operates statewide from 665 Mainstream Drive in Nashville.

When comparing practices, look past the marquee credentials to the everyday details. Offerings usually include traditional metal braces, ceramic or clear braces, and removable clear aligners, plus interceptive treatment for children with developing jaws and comprehensive treatment for adults. Many Memphis offices provide a free initial consultation, in-house financing, and insurance coordination, so requesting a written plan with itemized fees and an expected timeline lets you compare like for like. Should a dispute arise, concerns about care or conduct go to the Department of Health’s Health Related Boards, while billing and contract issues fall under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCA 47-18-104), administered by the Division of Consumer Affairs. This article is informational and is not dental advice; decisions about treatment should be made with a licensed orthodontist.

Top Orthodontists in Memphis

1. Memphis Orthodontic Specialist

Address: 6425 Quail Hollow Road, Suite 201, Memphis, TN 38120
Phone: (901) 767-5415
Website: https://www.mossmiles.com
Services: traditional braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Express, Invisalign Teen, early treatment, teen treatment, adult treatment, retainers, emergency orthodontic care
Description: Memphis Orthodontic Specialist traces its roots to a practice founded by Dr. Stanley Werner in 1968 and is now led by Dr. Scott Werner alongside the founder. The practice operates three offices, with its East Memphis location on Quail Hollow Road plus additional offices in Munford and Collierville, giving families options across the Memphis area. Services span early orthodontic treatment for children, teen and adult care, traditional braces, and several Invisalign options including Express and Teen versions. The office uses dental monitoring technology and offers emergency orthodontic care and financial options, reflecting more than five decades of continuous operation in the Memphis market.

2. Weiss & Glassell Orthodontics

Address: 5866 Ridge Bend Road, Memphis, TN 38120
Phone: (901) 767-7370
Website: https://www.weissandglassellortho.com
Services: metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, early and interceptive treatment, accelerated orthodontics, adult orthodontics, palatal expanders, retention, emergency care
Description: Weiss & Glassell Orthodontics is led by three orthodontists who are each Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics: Dr. Danny Weiss, DDS, MS; Dr. Brenton Glassell, DDS, MDS; and Dr. Simon Chanin, DDS, MDS. The practice maintains a Memphis office on Ridge Bend Road along with locations in Arlington, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas. Its services include metal and clear braces, Invisalign, early and interceptive treatment for children, accelerated orthodontics, and adult treatment, supported by digital X-rays and in-office retention and palatal expansion appliances. The shared board certification across all three doctors is a distinguishing feature, as the Diplomate credential is held by a minority of practicing orthodontists.

3. J. Philip Wiygul Orthodontics

Address: 5340 Poplar Avenue, Suite 1, Memphis, TN 38119
Phone: (901) 682-4007
Website: https://www.wiygulorthodontics.com
Services: metal brackets, clear brackets, Invisalign, dentofacial orthopedics, rapid palatal expander, Herbst appliance, headgear, face mask, lingual arch, functional retainers
Description: J. Philip Wiygul Orthodontics is a Memphis practice on Poplar Avenue led by Dr. J. Philip Wiygul, DDS, MS. The office offers traditional metal brackets, clear brackets, and Invisalign, and it provides dentofacial orthopedics for guiding jaw growth in younger patients. Its appliance range is notably broad, including the rapid palatal expander, removable functional retainer, lingual arch, Herbst appliance, headgear, and face mask, which supports treatment of a variety of bite and jaw concerns. The practice treats both children and adults, with the doctor’s DDS and MS credentials reflecting completion of dental school and specialty training in orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontists in Memphis

Q: How do I verify that a Memphis orthodontist is licensed?

You can confirm a dentist’s or orthodontist’s license through the Tennessee Department of Health’s online license verification portal by selecting the Health Related Boards option and the Board of Dentistry. The portal shows current license status and disciplinary history and is updated regularly. The Board of Dentistry regulates dentists and recognized dental specialists across Tennessee, including those practicing in Shelby County.

Q: What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

Both complete dental school and earn a DDS or DMD, but an orthodontist then finishes an additional two to three year residency in orthodontics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. That specialty training focuses on diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Tennessee recognizes dental specialties under TCA 63-5-112, including orthodontics, and under TCA 63-5-113 the Board of Dentistry may certify a qualified dentist as a specialist.

Q: What does it mean for an orthodontist to be board certified?

Board certification refers to becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary credential earned by passing the board’s examinations after residency. It is separate from the state dental license required to practice. At Weiss & Glassell Orthodontics, for example, all three orthodontists hold the Diplomate credential, while other practices operate under their state specialty licensure.

Q: What orthodontic treatment options are available in Memphis?

Memphis practices commonly offer traditional metal braces, ceramic or clear braces, and removable clear aligners such as Invisalign. Many also provide early or interceptive treatment for children with developing jaws and comprehensive treatment for adults, along with appliances such as palatal expanders. The right option depends on the type and severity of the malocclusion, which a licensed orthodontist evaluates during a consultation.

Q: How can I compare the cost of orthodontic treatment?

Request a written treatment plan with itemized fees, the expected length of treatment, and the financing terms before starting. Many Memphis practices offer free initial consultations, in-house payment plans, and insurance coordination. Comparing written plans from more than one practice helps clarify what is included, since fees vary with the complexity of the case and the appliances involved.

Q: How do I file a complaint about a Memphis orthodontist?

Complaints about the conduct or care of a licensed orthodontist can be filed with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Health Related Boards, which oversee the Board of Dentistry. Billing or contract disputes may also fall under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCA 47-18-104), enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. Keeping your signed treatment agreement, payment records, and correspondence supports any complaint.