What Carter Orthodontics does

Carter Orthodontics is a privately held orthodontic practice founded in 1976, operating across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) from four office locations in Martinez, Augusta, North Augusta, and Aiken, plus the Brace Bus mobile clinic that serves 15+ partner schools. The practice delivers traditional braces (metal, ceramic, self-ligating) and clear aligner systems (Invisalign, Angel Aligner, and proprietary Spring Aligner) for families, teens, and adults, with treatment durations averaging 12-24 months. Service is enabled by a technology stack that includes AI-assisted treatment planning, 3D digital scanning, the FDA-registered Grin Scope remote monitoring device, and virtual orthodontic consultations that reduce in-office visit frequency.

The business model combines one-time treatment revenue (typical case value $3,645-$5,995) with subscription-style monthly payment plans (Pay-As-You-Go programs at $250/month under the Smile Flex and Braces Flex labels) and recurring post-treatment revenue from retainer replacement ($79 per Essix retainer) and the Forever Aligned Club membership ($29/year, which also unlocks exclusive access to the patent-pending Airway Aligner for sleep-disordered breathing). Specialty services include TMJ/TMD treatment, DaVinci professional whitening, and the Airway Aligner oral appliance. Financing is supported through Cherry Payment Plans (0% APR for 6 months) and CareCredit, and the practice advertises savings of up to $1,000 for new patients and accepts dental insurance covering $500-$3,000 of treatment cost.

The practice is led by founder Dr. David Carter, who also serves as President of the American Aligner Society, with Dr. Katherine Cooper as co-founder. Across its ~50-year operating history, Carter Orthodontics claims to have created 40,000+ smiles, holds a 4.9-star verified rating across 1,600+ Trustindex reviews, and operates without external private equity, venture capital, or institutional backing. Go-to-market combines digital advertising (Google Ads, Bing, AdRoll, paid social), content marketing, email automation (HubSpot, ActiveCampaign), and community-based school partnerships through the Brace Bus.

Name

Carter Orthodontics

Legal name

Carter Orthodontics

Website

https://carterorthodontics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Carter Orthodontics is a private orthodontic practice founded in 1976, serving families, teens, and adults across the CSRA region with braces and clear aligners from four office locations and a mobile Brace Bus clinic, supported by AI-assisted planning, remote monitoring, and subscription-based payment plans.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Orthodontic Services

NAICS

Offices of Dentists (621210)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Orthodontic Clinics (HLABABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Clear Aligner Orthodontics (HLABABAD), Interceptive/Phase I Pediatric Orthodontics (HLABAGAG), Orthodontic Group Practices (HLABAKAC)

Keywords

• Orthodontic treatment services
• Traditional braces
• Clear aligners
• Mobile dental clinic
• TMJ treatment

Headquarters

HQ city

Augusta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Orthodontic Treatment Services: One-time orthodontic treatment services including braces (metal, ceramic, self-ligating) and clear aligners (Invisalign, Angel Aligner, Spring Aligner). Treatment spans 12-24 months with payments distributed over the treatment period.
2. Pay-As-You-Go Programs: Month-to-month orthodontic treatment programs (Smile Flex Plan for aligners at $250/mo, Braces Flex Plan at $250/mo) with no long-term contracts. Patients pay until satisfied with results, providing flexible ongoing revenue.
3. Retainer Sales: Replacement retainers sold to patients for post-treatment maintenance. Clear Essix retainers at $79 each, with recommendations to replace every 3-6 months for ongoing revenue from completed patients.
4. Airway Aligner: Sleep apnea and snoring device exclusively available to Forever Aligned Club members. Upper or lower aligner at $249, or both at $249.
5. Teeth Whitening: Professional DaVinci LED whitening system treatment including one in-office session, custom trays, and whitening gel for touch-ups.
6. TMJ Treatment: TMD evaluation, custom splint therapy, and bite correction treatments for jaw disorders and associated symptoms.
7. Forever Aligned Club Membership: Lifetime care program providing retainer replacement and discounted retreatment for members. School-aligned club at $29/year with $20 going directly to chosen school.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Carter Orthodontics delivers comprehensive orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults, offering traditional braces (metal, ceramic, self-ligating) and multiple clear aligner options (Invisalign, Angel Aligner, Spring Aligner). The practice supplements core orthodontic treatment with retainers, professional teeth whitening, TMJ/TMD therapy, and a patent-pending Airway Aligner for sleep-related breathing issues. Treatment is distributed through three fixed office locations, a fourth Grovetown office, and a unique mobile Brace Bus clinic that brings orthodontic care directly to schools.

Product overview

Carter Orthodontics offers a comprehensive orthodontic care platform centered around two primary treatment categories: Traditional Braces (metal, ceramic, and self-ligating options) and Clear Aligners (Invisalign, Angel Aligner, and generic clear aligners). The portfolio also includes specialty products like Spring Aligners for minor adjustments, Spring Retainers and Clear Retainers for post-treatment retention, TMJ Treatment for jaw disorders, Airway Aligner for sleep/snoring issues, and DaVinci Professional Teeth Whitening for cosmetic enhancement. The practice differentiates through technology-enabled services including AI-Driven Treatment planning, Grin Scope remote monitoring, Virtual Orthodontic consultations, and the unique Brace Bus mobile clinic. Flexible financing is available through Pay-As-You-Go programs (Smile Flex Plan and Braces Flex Plan), all backed by the Forever Aligned Club lifetime care membership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Brace Bus: Fully-equipped mobile orthodontic clinic that brings professional orthodontic care directly to schools. The only mobile orthodontic clinic in the CSRA region.
• Forever Aligned Club
• Smile Flex Plan
• Braces Flex Plan
• 7 & Up Program
• Grin Scope
• Airway Aligner

Products and services

• Traditional Braces Metal, ceramic, and self-ligating bracket-and-wire orthodontic system that gradually straightens and aligns teeth. Starting at $4,645 with insurance and $99/month payment plans, with up to $1,000 off for new patients.
• Clear Aligners (in-house brand) Nearly invisible custom-made transparent trays that gently shift teeth into place, offering a discreet alternative to traditional braces. Starting at $3,645 with insurance, average treatment 12-18 months, includes 3D scanning and virtual monitoring.
• Invisalign Virtually invisible clear aligner system using thermoplastic material custom-made for each patient. Down payment $249, total cost $5,995, 24 monthly payments of $232. Dr. Carter holds specialized Invisalign certification.
• Angel Aligner Clear aligner system powered by advanced digital precision technology from a global brand with 1M+ patients treated, offered as a more affordable alternative to premium aligner brands. Starting from $4,695, with up to $3,000 off with insurance and 0% APR for 6 months via Cherry.
• Spring Aligner Removable orthodontic appliance made from clear acrylic base with built-in springs that exert gentle pressure to gradually shift teeth, designed for quick results over a few months for minor adjustments.
• Spring Retainer Custom orthodontic appliance made of clear acrylic with metal springs that retains teeth alignment after treatment while making minor adjustments if teeth begin to shift.
• Clear Retainers (Essix) Nearly invisible clear plastic retainer that fits over teeth to maintain orthodontic results. Priced at $79 each with replacement recommended every 3-6 months; Hawley retainers also available at $250-$750.
• TMJ Treatment Comprehensive evaluation and treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) addressing jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and discomfort using custom splint therapy and bite correction.
• Airway Aligner Patent-pending custom oral appliance that reduces snoring and improves sleep quality by gently positioning the jaw forward during sleep to prevent airway obstruction. Available exclusively to Forever Aligned Club members at $249 per device.
• DaVinci Professional Teeth Whitening Light-accelerated LED whitening system using DaVinci natural plant and mineral-based gel with enamel-strengthening formula. Includes one 60-minute in-office session, custom trays, and one syringe of DaVinci gel for at-home touch-ups.
• Pay-As-You-Go Orthodontics (Smile Flex / Braces Flex) Subscription-based orthodontic treatment programs with no long-term contracts: Smile Flex Plan delivers 2 sets of clear aligners per month at $250/month after $500 first month; Braces Flex Plan provides monthly in-office adjustments at $250/month after $395 first month. Up to 5 years coverage and cancellable anytime.
• Brace Bus Mobile Clinic Fully-equipped mobile orthodontic clinic that brings professional orthodontic care directly to 15+ partner schools in the CSRA region, eliminating the need for parents to take time off work and children to miss school for routine orthodontic appointments.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.9★ patient rating from 1,600+ reviews
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and flagship.

• Angel AlignercoreTechnology or Integration5-year partnership providing Angel Aligner clear aligner technology. Angel Aligner has served 1M+ patients worldwide with advanced digital precision technology. Carter Orthodontics offers Angel Aligner as an affordable alternative to premium aligner brands.
• Grin (Grin Scope)coreTechnology or IntegrationGrin Scope FDA-registered intraoral scanning device partnership. Smartphone-compatible scope enables patients to capture high-quality dental images at home for remote orthodontic monitoring, reducing in-office visit frequency while maintaining professional oversight.
• DaVinci Teeth WhiteningsupportingTechnology or IntegrationDaVinci professional teeth whitening system using LED-accelerated technology with natural plant and mineral-based gel. Provides enamel-strengthening formula safe for existing dental work.
• Forever Aligned ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLifetime orthodontic care program providing retainer replacement, discounted retreatment, and exclusive access to Airway Aligner. Supports 5-year aligner coverage and ongoing patient relationships.
• Cherry Payment PlanssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerThird-party financing partner offering 0% APR payment plans for up to 6 months, enabling patients to spread treatment costs over time.
• CareCreditsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare credit card financing partner for orthodontic treatment payments, offering flexible payment options for patients.
• American Aligner SocietyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. David Carter serves as President of the American Aligner Society, the leading organization advancing clear aligner orthodontic treatment. Leadership role establishes Carter Orthodontics as an industry authority.
• InvisaligncoreTechnology or IntegrationInvisalign clear aligner treatment offered as one of multiple aligner options. Dr. Carter holds specialized certification in Invisalign and clear aligner systems.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Emerging players

• Tend: Tech-forward, design-led dental startup offering orthodontic services including clear aligners through a digitally-integrated retail experience — represents the emerging consumer-orthodontic competitive threat on convenience and branding.

Direct peers

• Rock Dental Brands: Multi-specialty dental support organization with orthodontic service lines across multiple states, combining group practice scale with specialty orthodontic offerings — comparable operating model to a multi-location Carter.
• Smile Doctors: Largest pure-play orthodontic DSO in the U.S. with hundreds of locations, offering braces and multiple aligner brands (including Invisalign) under a multi-location group practice model — the closest structural analogue to Carter Orthodontics' multi-office, multi-product orthodontic approach.
• Orthodontic Partners: PE-backed orthodontic group practice aggregator operating multiple regional orthodontics offices with a focus on clear aligners and braces — directly comparable business model and patient mix to Carter.

Broad incumbents

• Aspen Dental: One of the largest U.S. dental service organizations with 1,000+ locations offering general dentistry plus orthodontic services; broader portfolio but overlapping orthodontic patient base with Carter.
• Pacific Dental Services: Large dental support organization providing business and clinical support to hundreds of dental offices including orthodontic specialty practices — relevant incumbent adjacent to Carter's category.
• Great Expressions Dental Centers: Multi-state dental support organization with general dentistry and orthodontic services; comparable multi-location group practice structure serving families and adults.
• Heartland Dental: Largest U.S. dental support organization supporting 2,500+ doctors across general and specialty dentistry including orthodontics — broadly incumbent in the same ambulatory dental services market.
• Western Dental & Orthodontics: Major multi-specialty DSO with a strong orthodontic service line and a value-oriented pricing model — directly comparable positioning on affordability and access.

Others

• Align Technology (Invisalign): Manufacturer of Invisalign clear aligners and iTero scanners — a critical upstream technology partner for Carter (and the broader orthodontic industry) rather than a direct competitor; included as an ecosystem reference point.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CarterOrthodontics
• Instagraminstagram.com/carterorthodontics
• TikToktiktok.com/@carterorthodontics
• Pinterestpinterest.com/carterorthodontics
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/carterorthodontics
• Xx.com/cartersmylz

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carter Orthodontics