Top 5 Best Orthodontists in NYC: 2026 Expert Ranking
New York City is home to over 500 orthodontists, but only a handful have earned recognition as the absolute best. After analyzing credentials, technology, patient reviews, and treatment outcomes, we've identified the top 5 orthodontists practicing in NYC today.
2026 Top 5 at a Glance
- • #1 Dr. Adam Schulhof — World leader in invisible lingual braces
- • #2 Dr. David Seligman — Top 1% Invisalign Diamond Plus provider
- • #3 Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen — Trusted Park Avenue boutique practice
- • #4 Dr. Jacquie Smiles — Celebrity-favorite cosmetic specialist
- • #5 Dr. Marina Katz — Compassionate care for anxious patients
How We Ranked NYC's Top Orthodontists
This ranking is based on rigorous evaluation across four critical pillars:
- Board Certification & Credentials: Every orthodontist listed is an ABO Diplomate—achieved by only 30% of orthodontists
- Technology Investment: 3D digital scanners, Cone Beam CT imaging, in-house labs
- Patient Reviews & Reputation: 500+ reviews analyzed from Google, Zocdoc, and Yelp
- Treatment Range & Expertise: Comprehensive options from braces to lingual systems to Invisalign
| Rank | Orthodontist | Location | Specialty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dr. Adam Schulhof | Upper East Side | Lingual Braces | 100% invisible treatment |
| #2 | Dr. David Seligman | Park Avenue | Invisalign Diamond+ | Complex clear aligner cases |
| #3 | Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen | Park Avenue | Comprehensive Care | Personalized boutique experience |
| #4 | Dr. Jacquie Smiles | Multiple locations | Cosmetic Orthodontics | Camera-ready smile makeovers |
| #5 | Dr. Marina Katz | Union Square | Patient-Centered Care | Anxious or nervous patients |
The Official 2026 NYC Orthodontist Ranking
#1: Dr. Adam Schulhof - The Invisible Orthodontics Virtuoso
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Why He's #1: Dr. Schulhof is arguably one of the world's foremost experts in lingual (behind the teeth) braces. For patients seeking ultimate discretion without compromising power, his practice is the pinnacle.
- Key Specializations: Global leader in lingual orthodontics (InBrace, SureSmile), top-tier Invisalign provider
- The Patient Experience: High-tech, professional, exclusive environment for discerning clientele including professionals and celebrities
- Technology: Advanced digital treatment planning, 3D imaging, cutting-edge lingual systems
#2: Dr. David Seligman - The Modern Patient-Centric Expert
Location: Park Avenue, Manhattan
Why He's #2: Dr. Seligman's practice blends cutting-edge technology with warm, patient-first culture. Exceptional results with Invisalign and commitment to efficiency and transparency.
- Key Specializations: Invisalign Diamond Plus Provider (top 1%), treats complex cases others would only treat with braces
- The Patient Experience: Friendly, accessible, communicative; known for running on time and transparent pricing
- Technology: Fully digital with iTero scanners and 3D printing for in-house retainers
#3: Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen - The Trusted Park Avenue Authority
Location: Park Avenue, Manhattan
Why She's #3: Decades of experience serving New Yorkers. Her boutique practice is known for personalized, non-rushed approach and expertise in treating adults and complex adolescent cases.
- Key Specializations: Comprehensive treatment plans considering tooth alignment and facial harmony
- The Patient Experience: Bespoke, one-on-one care; personally invests time with each patient
- Technology: Modern essentials including digital imaging and advanced diagnostics
#4: Dr. Jacquie Smiles - The Cosmetic & Media-Savvy Pro
Location: Multiple locations in Manhattan, NJ, and Long Island
Why She's #4: Dr. Jacquie Fulop-Goodling has built a powerful brand for creating beautiful, camera-ready smiles with strong media presence.
- Key Specializations: Top-tier Invisalign provider, accelerated orthodontics expert
- The Patient Experience: Modern, welcoming offices; proven track record in cosmetic orthodontics
- Technology: Full suite including Invisalign, AcceleDent, and aesthetic braces
#5: Dr. Marina Katz - The Compassionate Perfectionist
Location: Downtown Manhattan (Union Square)
Why She's #5: Dr. Katz of Astor Orthodontics earns glowing reviews for meticulous attention to detail and exceptionally compassionate chairside manner.
- Key Specializations: Board-certified expert in all orthodontic care; excels with anxious patients
- The Patient Experience: Patience, thorough explanations, perfectionism ensuring no detail is overlooked
- Technology: Modern office with digital scanners and state-of-the-art equipment
How to Choose Among These Top 5
- Want completely invisible treatment? → Dr. Schulhof (#1) for lingual braces
- Prefer Invisalign for a complex case? → Dr. Seligman (#2) has Diamond Plus expertise
- Value personalized, unhurried care? → Dr. Stoess-Allen (#3) offers boutique attention
- Looking for a celebrity-level cosmetic result? → Dr. Jacquie Smiles (#4)
- Nervous about orthodontic treatment? → Dr. Katz (#5) for exceptional patience
Pro tip: Most offer free consultations. Schedule 2-3 visits to compare—you'll work with your orthodontist for 12-24 months, so the relationship matters.
FAQ About Top NYC Orthodontists
Dr. Adam Schulhof is globally recognized for pioneering lingual braces techniques, while Dr. Jacquie Smiles has built a strong media presence. However, 'famous' doesn't always mean 'best for you'—choose based on your specific needs and comfort level.
With the specialists on this list, expect Invisalign to cost $6,500-$9,500+ depending on case complexity. Premium Manhattan practices charge more, but you're paying for expertise—Diamond Plus providers like Dr. Seligman have treated thousands of cases.
Yes, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx typically offer 15-25% lower prices than Manhattan. However, consider the travel time for monthly appointments over 12-24 months. For many patients, the convenience of a Manhattan location outweighs the savings.
Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. Dr. Schulhof is considered one of the world's leading experts in this technique, using systems like InBrace and SureSmile. They're ideal for professionals and celebrities who need powerful treatment without visible appliances.
Most do. Free initial consultations are standard practice in NYC orthodontics. Use this opportunity to meet the doctor, see the office, and get a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate before committing.
Popular specialists may have 2-4 week waits for initial consultations. Dr. Schulhof and Dr. Seligman, in particular, have busy schedules due to their reputations. Book early if you're interested in a specific doctor.
Our ranking evaluates: ABO board certification (only 30% achieve this), Invisalign provider tier (Diamond/Diamond Plus = top 1%), technology investment (3D scanners, CBCT), patient reviews (500+ analyzed), and treatment range (braces, lingual, Invisalign).
If you want Invisalign, yes. Diamond Plus providers (like Dr. Seligman) are in the top 1% nationally and have treated thousands of cases. This experience matters for complex cases that less experienced providers might struggle with.
Dr. Marina Katz (#5) is specifically known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach. Reviews consistently praise her patience, gentle manner, and willingness to explain every step—making her ideal for anxious patients.
Yes, multiple options exist: Invisalign (clear aligners), lingual braces (behind teeth), and ceramic braces (tooth-colored). For truly invisible treatment, Dr. Schulhof's lingual braces are the gold standard. For near-invisible, Invisalign with providers like Dr. Seligman is excellent.
Consider your priorities: invisible treatment (Dr. Schulhof), complex Invisalign (Dr. Seligman), personalized boutique care (Dr. Stoess-Allen), cosmetic/media-ready results (Dr. Jacquie Smiles), or compassionate care for anxiety (Dr. Katz). Schedule 2-3 consultations to compare.
It depends on your needs. Celebrity orthodontists like Dr. Schulhof and Dr. Jacquie Smiles offer exceptional expertise and results, but you're also paying for their reputation. For straightforward cases, excellent results are achievable with less famous (and less expensive) specialists.
Conclusion
This ranking represents the pinnacle of orthodontic care in NYC, but the "best" orthodontist is ultimately personal. Each specialist offers unique approach, environment, and expertise. Your next step: schedule consultations with your top 2-3 choices.
A successful orthodontic journey is a partnership. Find the professional you connect with and trust—someone who listens to your goals and makes you feel confident about the treatment plan.
Find More Orthodontists Near You
Use our interactive map to discover orthodontists across all five NYC boroughs.
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