Compare 36 orthodontists in Cleveland, OH. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
36
Orthodontists
100%
Accepting patients
56%
Most common: DDS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Cleveland is, in many ways, a healthcare city first. Cleveland Clinic is one of the most recognized hospital brands in the world, and University Hospitals provides the academic counterweight. Together, they employ more people than any other industry in northeast Ohio and attract patients from around the globe for cardiac surgery, transplant medicine, and cancer care.
Cleveland has 36 orthodontists. The most common credential is DDS (56%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Ohio City, Tremont, University Circle, and Lakewood (nearby).
Most major medical facilities cluster along the Euclid Avenue corridor from downtown through University Circle. Cleveland Clinic's main campus sits in the Fairfax neighborhood, while University Hospitals is just up the road in University Circle. MetroHealth serves the west side and safety-net populations. RTA's HealthLine bus rapid transit runs directly between the two hospital systems, making it one of the few cities where you can reach top-tier care by public transit.
Nearby hospitals include Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and MetroHealth Medical Center. Local training programs run through Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Cleveland State University. Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the nation and is a global leader in cardiac care.
Medical Mutual of Ohio is the largest Ohio-based health insurer and has strong networks with both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the other major commercial carrier. Ohio Medicaid is managed through CareSource, Molina, and Buckeye Health Plan. Many Cleveland employers offer plan options specifically designed around Cleveland Clinic or UH networks.
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.
Case Western Reserve's School of Dental Medicine operates a teaching clinic in University Circle with reduced fees. For private practice, the west-side suburbs (Lakewood, Rocky River) and east-side suburbs (Beachwood, Solon) both have strong options.
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
Cleveland's cold winters and heavy comfort-food diet contribute to higher rates of gum disease compared to national averages. Dentists here emphasize regular periodontal screenings.
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.
Cleveland, OH has 36 licensed orthodontists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of orthodontists in Cleveland, OH are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Medical Mutual of Ohio and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are the dominant carriers. Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals each have preferred relationships with different insurers, so check your plan's network before booking. Ohio Medicaid through CareSource and Molina is accepted at MetroHealth and most Clinic and UH locations.
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 Cleveland, OH 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.
The Cleveland healthcare market is essentially a two-system town: Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. MetroHealth serves as the public safety-net hospital. Your insurance will likely steer you toward one system, so start there.
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Cleveland, OH, 56% hold the DDS credential and 11% hold DMD. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
Some orthodontists in Cleveland, OH accept Ohio Medicaid, 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 Ohio Medicaid participation before scheduling.
For complex cardiac, transplant, and cancer cases, it genuinely is one of the best in the world. For routine primary care, you may find shorter wait times and more convenient locations through University Hospitals or independent practices.
For many specialties, yes. Cleveland Clinic allows self-referral for new patients, though your insurance may still require a referral from your primary care doctor for coverage purposes. Call their appointment line to verify.
Top accepted carriers in Cleveland, OH include humana, qhp-87571, qhp-33602, qhp-30751, and unitedhealthcare.
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.