Compare 34 orthodontists in Raleigh, NC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
34
Orthodontists
100%
Accepting patients
50%
Most common: DDS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Raleigh benefits enormously from sitting at one corner of the Research Triangle. While Duke (in Durham) and UNC (in Chapel Hill) get more national attention, Raleigh itself has WakeMed, UNC REX, and a Duke Raleigh campus. Residents can access three separate university hospital systems within a 30-minute drive, a concentration of academic medicine that few metro areas can match.
Raleigh has 34 orthodontists. The most common credential is DDS (50%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Raleigh, North Hills, Five Points, and Cameron Village.
Raleigh's medical facilities are spread along the I-440 beltline and the US-70/I-40 corridor connecting to Durham and Chapel Hill. WakeMed's main campus is near downtown, while UNC REX sits near the western edge of the city. Duke Raleigh Hospital is off Wake Forest Road. The Triangle's highway network makes cross-city medical travel manageable, though there is no rail transit connecting the three cities yet.
Nearby hospitals include WakeMed Raleigh Campus, UNC REX Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital. Local training programs run through North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (nearby). The Research Triangle region (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) has one of the highest concentrations of medical researchers per capita in the US.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the broadest provider network in the Triangle. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are common through tech-sector employers. NC Medicaid is managed through WellCare, AmeriHealth Caritas, and Healthy Blue, with strong coverage at WakeMed and UNC facilities. The state employee health plan (covering NC government and university workers) is a major covered population here.
The first visit includes a visual exam of your teeth and bite, plus X-rays and photos. The orthodontist will explain whether treatment is needed, outline your options (braces vs. aligners), estimate treatment time, and discuss costs. No treatment begins at the initial consultation.
The UNC School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill (about 30 minutes away) offers reduced-cost dental care through its teaching clinic. In Raleigh itself, dental practices in North Hills and Cameron Village tend to have more same-week availability.
Consider an orthodontic evaluation if you or your child has crowded or crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite, jaw pain when chewing, difficulty cleaning between overlapping teeth, or speech issues related to jaw alignment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get their first evaluation by age seven.
Metal braces: $3,000-7,000 · Ceramic braces: $4,000-8,000 · Clear aligners: $3,000-8,000
Raleigh's pine pollen season (March through May) is intense and can cause chronic sinus congestion and mouth breathing, contributing to dry mouth. Dentists here see this pattern frequently.
Overlapping or rotated teeth are harder to keep clean and can lead to cavities and gum disease over time. Orthodontic treatment gradually moves teeth into alignment using braces or clear aligners.
Bite misalignment affects chewing, speech, and jaw health. Orthodontists correct these issues during childhood when possible, but adult treatment is effective at any age.
An uneven bite forces your jaw muscles to compensate, which can lead to chronic jaw pain and TMJ symptoms. Correcting the alignment often resolves the pain at its source.
Gaps between teeth can be cosmetic concerns or signs of underlying gum or bone issues. Orthodontic treatment closes gaps while ensuring the bite stays balanced.
After braces or aligners, retainers keep teeth in their new positions. Regular follow-up ensures your results last and catches any early signs of relapse.
Raleigh, NC has 34 licensed orthodontists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of orthodontists in Raleigh, NC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the dominant carrier. WakeMed, Duke, and UNC Health all participate in most BCBSNC plans, but network tiers can vary. NC Medicaid through WellCare and AmeriHealth Caritas is accepted at WakeMed and UNC REX.
Metal braces typically cost $3,000 to $7,000. Ceramic braces run $4,000 to $8,000. Clear aligners range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity. Actual costs in Raleigh, NC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Most orthodontists offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment, often with no interest. Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $2,500.
Raleigh sits at the intersection of three hospital systems: WakeMed (local), UNC Health (Chapel Hill-based), and Duke Health (Durham-based). All three have facilities in or near Raleigh. Start with your insurance network to see which system is covered.
Some orthodontists in Raleigh, NC accept NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities), the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid typically covers orthodontic treatment for children when there is a documented medical need. Adult orthodontic coverage is rare under Medicaid. Requirements and documentation standards vary by state. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities) participation before scheduling.
During active treatment, orthodontists typically see patients every four to eight weeks for adjustments. After treatment, retainer check visits happen once or twice a year. With 34 orthodontists in Raleigh, NC, you can search on FindClarity to find a provider who fits your schedule.
For routine care and emergencies, WakeMed and UNC REX in Raleigh are excellent and convenient. For specialized surgery, cancer treatment, or rare conditions, Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill offer more subspecialty depth. The drive is typically 25 to 35 minutes.
Costs are comparable between the two cities. However, the Research Triangle's three competing hospital systems can give patients more options for in-network care, which may help with out-of-pocket costs if one system offers better rates through your insurer.
Top accepted carriers in Raleigh, NC include qhp-46082, qhp-21989, humana, qhp-87571, and qhp-33602.
Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum, commonly $1,000 to $2,500. This usually covers only one round of treatment. Most orthodontists offer in-house payment plans that spread costs over the length of treatment with no interest. Ask about your plan's age limits, as some only cover patients under 19.