Top 5 Orthodontists in NYC for 2026: Expert-Reviewed Ranking

New York City has more than 500 practicing orthodontists spread across all five boroughs, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. After evaluating board certifications, provider tiers, office technology, published patient reviews, and clinical outcomes, we have compiled the definitive 2026 ranking of the five best orthodontists in NYC. Whether you need Invisalign, traditional braces, or lingual braces, these specialists represent the highest level of orthodontic expertise the city has to offer.

Our Ranking Methodology

Rankings without transparent methodology are just opinions. We evaluated every orthodontist on this list against five weighted criteria, drawing from publicly available data, professional registries, and aggregated patient feedback. Here is exactly how we scored each provider.

Every provider on this list is an ABO board-certified orthodontist with at least a decade of experience in the New York City market. Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontists requires passing rigorous written and clinical examinations beyond the orthodontic residency -- a level of commitment that only about 30% of practicing orthodontists voluntarily pursue.

The 2026 NYC Orthodontist Ranking

#1: Dr. Adam Schulhof — The Lingual Braces Pioneer

Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan

Specialties: Lingual orthodontics (InBrace, SureSmile), Invisalign, comprehensive braces

Why he is number one:

Dr. Adam Schulhof has earned an international reputation as one of the foremost authorities on lingual braces -- orthodontic brackets placed behind the teeth, rendering them completely invisible from the outside. While many orthodontists offer lingual systems, few have the case volume, technical precision, and training depth that Dr. Schulhof brings. He regularly lectures at orthodontic conferences worldwide and has trained other clinicians in lingual techniques, which speaks to a level of mastery that transcends routine clinical practice.

His Upper East Side practice feels more like a technology lab than a traditional dental office. Every patient receives a full CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan for three-dimensional diagnostic imaging, and treatment planning is entirely digital. For patients who need powerful orthodontic correction but cannot have visible appliances -- think Wall Street executives, television personalities, and performing artists -- Dr. Schulhof's practice is the gold standard in New York City.

Beyond lingual braces, Dr. Schulhof is also a top-tier Invisalign provider. His ability to offer truly invisible options across the full spectrum of case complexity is what distinguishes his practice. Whether your case calls for aligners, lingual brackets, or a combination approach, he has the expertise to deliver.

"Lingual braces are the most technically demanding orthodontic appliance to place and manage. Very few orthodontists master them. Dr. Schulhof is among the best in the world at this technique."

#2: Dr. David Seligman — The Invisalign Virtuoso

Location: Park Avenue, Manhattan

Specialties: Invisalign Diamond Plus (top 1% nationally), complex clear aligner cases, teen orthodontics

Why he is number two:

Dr. David Seligman holds Invisalign's Diamond Plus designation, placing him in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the entire United States. This is not a marketing title -- it reflects a verified case volume of hundreds of Invisalign patients per year, accumulated over more than a decade. That volume translates directly into pattern recognition: Dr. Seligman has seen virtually every variation of aligner case imaginable, giving him an edge in treatment planning that less experienced providers simply cannot match.

What sets Dr. Seligman apart is his willingness to take on complex cases with Invisalign that many orthodontists would default to braces for. Deep bites, moderate crowding with extraction space, and combination cases that require elastics and attachments are all within his comfort zone. His practice is fully digital, with iTero scanning replacing traditional impressions and 3D printing enabling in-house retainer fabrication.

Patient reviews consistently highlight three themes: transparent pricing with no hidden fees, running on schedule (a rare quality in NYC medical practices), and a warm, communicative chairside manner. For patients seeking Invisalign for anything from a simple alignment case to a complex bite correction, Dr. Seligman is the provider to see.

#3: Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen — The Boutique Perfectionist

Location: Park Avenue, Manhattan

Specialties: Comprehensive orthodontics, adult treatment, facial harmony-focused planning

Why she is number three:

In a city where high-volume practices dominate, Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen takes the opposite approach. Her Park Avenue practice deliberately limits patient volume to ensure that every individual receives deeply personalized attention. Dr. Stoess-Allen personally handles every adjustment, every scan, and every consultation -- no handoffs to assistants for critical decisions.

Her clinical philosophy centers on the relationship between tooth alignment and overall facial aesthetics. Rather than simply straightening teeth, she designs treatment plans that consider lip position, smile arc, facial symmetry, and soft-tissue balance. This holistic approach is particularly valuable for adult patients who want their orthodontic results to enhance their appearance in a natural, age-appropriate way.

With decades of experience serving New York's most discerning patients, Dr. Stoess-Allen offers both Invisalign and braces, selecting the system that best serves the clinical goals of each case rather than defaulting to one approach. Her patients frequently describe the experience as "like having a personal orthodontist" -- a rarity in Manhattan.

#4: Dr. Jacquie Smiles — The Cosmetic Orthodontics Authority

Location: Multiple locations -- Manhattan, New Jersey, Long Island

Specialties: Cosmetic orthodontics, accelerated treatment, Invisalign, celebrity clientele

Why she is number four:

Dr. Jacquie Fulop-Goodling, known professionally as Dr. Jacquie Smiles, has built one of the most recognizable orthodontic brands in the New York metro area. Her emphasis on cosmetic outcomes -- not just straight teeth, but camera-ready, aesthetically optimized smiles -- has attracted a clientele that includes media figures, models, and entertainment professionals.

Clinically, Dr. Jacquie Smiles is a top-tier Invisalign provider with expertise in accelerated orthodontic techniques designed to reduce treatment time. Her practices feature modern technology including digital scanning and 3D treatment visualization, and her team is known for creating a welcoming, high-energy patient experience.

The multi-location model is a practical advantage for patients who split time between Manhattan, the suburbs, and New Jersey -- a common pattern in the tri-state area. Being able to attend appointments at whichever location is most convenient on a given day adds real value over the course of a 12-18 month treatment.

#5: Dr. Marina Katz — The Patient Whisperer

Location: Union Square, Downtown Manhattan

Specialties: Comprehensive orthodontics, patient-centered care, anxious patient management

Why she is number five:

Not every patient prioritizes cutting-edge technology or celebrity credentials. For those who value compassion, patience, and a genuinely reassuring clinical experience, Dr. Marina Katz of Astor Orthodontics stands out. Her Union Square practice has earned a devoted following among patients who describe themselves as nervous, anxious, or intimidated by dental and orthodontic procedures.

Dr. Katz's reviews are remarkable in their consistency: patients repeatedly praise her gentle hands, thorough explanations, willingness to answer every question, and the absence of any feeling of being rushed. She is board-certified, technologically current with digital scanners and modern diagnostic equipment, and fully capable of handling complex cases -- but it is her chairside manner that truly distinguishes her.

For adult patients entering orthodontic treatment for the first time, especially those carrying anxiety from past dental experiences, Dr. Katz creates an environment where they feel safe and heard. Her downtown location is also convenient for patients working in Midtown, the Financial District, or commuting through Union Square.

"The technical skill of your orthodontist matters enormously, but so does the relationship. You will see this person every month for one to two years. If you do not feel comfortable and heard, the whole experience suffers -- and so can your compliance."

Side-by-Side Provider Comparison

How to Choose the Right Orthodontist for You

A ranking gives you a starting point, but the best orthodontist for you is the one who matches your specific needs, preferences, and practical requirements. Here is a framework for narrowing down your choice.

Match Your Treatment Needs

• Need completely invisible fixed treatment? Dr. Schulhof (#1) is the clear choice for lingual braces
• Want Invisalign for a complex case? Dr. Seligman (#2) has the Diamond Plus expertise and case volume
• Value deeply personalized, unhurried attention? Dr. Stoess-Allen (#3) offers true boutique care
• Focused on cosmetic perfection and a short timeline? Dr. Jacquie Smiles (#4) specializes in this
• Nervous about treatment or had bad past dental experiences? Dr. Katz (#5) excels at making anxious patients comfortable

Practical Considerations

Beyond clinical skill, consider logistics that will affect your experience over 12-24 months of treatment. Location matters more than you think: if your orthodontist is hard to reach, you will start skipping appointments, which directly impacts results. Appointment availability, evening or weekend hours, and the overall office atmosphere should all factor into your decision.

What to Expect Cost-Wise in NYC

Orthodontic treatment in New York City generally costs 10-25% more than the national average, primarily due to Manhattan real estate and operational overhead. However, competition among the city's large pool of orthodontists also keeps pricing competitive. Here is a general cost overview for 2026.

Most orthodontists on this list accept major dental PPO plans with orthodontic benefits. Typical insurance coverage ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 as a lifetime orthodontic benefit. Additionally, if your employer offers an FSA or HSA, you can use pre-tax dollars toward your treatment -- effectively saving 20-35% on your out-of-pocket costs depending on your tax bracket. For a detailed breakdown, see our cost and insurance guide.

For French expats and students, there is one more step before booking: verifying whether your French mutuelle covers orthodontic treatment received abroad -- some contracts reimburse up to several hundred euros per year on NYC dental bills, which changes the cost equation significantly.

What Separates a Good Orthodontist From a Great One?

Any licensed orthodontist has completed dental school plus an additional 2-3 year residency in orthodontics. That baseline training means even an average orthodontist has substantial education. But several factors separate the top tier from the rest.

Board certification is the most objective differentiator. The ABO examination process requires orthodontists to present completed cases for review by examiners, demonstrating not just knowledge but real-world clinical excellence. Only about 30% of orthodontists pursue and achieve board certification -- all five on our list have done so.

Case volume and specialization matter enormously. An orthodontist who has treated 3,000 Invisalign cases will handle unexpected tracking issues, difficult IPR decisions, and complex attachment placements with confidence that comes from pattern recognition. A provider who treats 50 cases a year, no matter how smart, simply has not accumulated that same library of clinical experience.

Continuing education and teaching are another signal. Orthodontists who lecture, publish, and train other doctors are typically at the leading edge of their field. Several providers on this list are active educators, which means they are not just applying current best practices -- they are helping to define them.

"Board certification is voluntary, which makes it meaningful. An orthodontist who invests the time and effort to earn ABO Diplomate status is telling you they hold themselves to a higher standard than the minimum required to practice."

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Final Thoughts

This ranking represents the highest tier of orthodontic care available in New York City in 2026, but the "best" orthodontist is ultimately a personal choice. Dr. Schulhof is the clear leader for invisible fixed appliances, Dr. Seligman dominates in complex Invisalign work, Dr. Stoess-Allen offers an unmatched personal touch, Dr. Jacquie Smiles delivers red-carpet-ready results, and Dr. Katz provides a safe harbor for anxious patients.

Your next step is simple: schedule free consultations with your top two or three choices. You will spend 12-24 months working closely with your orthodontist, so the relationship and trust you feel during that initial meeting matters just as much as credentials on paper. Bring your questions, bring your concerns, and find the professional who makes you feel confident about the journey ahead. For more options, explore our broader guide to the best orthodontists in New York.