Welcome to Smith Orthodontics Overland Park KS
Modern Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way. Today, children, teens, and adults have more comfortable and discreet options for creating healthy, beautiful smiles. At Smith Orthodontics, Dr. Smith combines personalized treatment planning with modern technology and options such as traditional braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. Every smile is unique, so treatment is customized to each patient's needs, goals, growth, and bite. Our goal is not just straight teeth, but a healthy, balanced smile that looks great and lasts.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Organismal Biology in 1992. He then entered the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1997. Dr. Smith knew his passions were in straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles and soon he began Orthodontic Residency and earned a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from UMKC in 2000. He practiced with Dr. Dyer for four years, then began solo practice as Dr. Dyer retired in 2004.
In 2010 Dr. Smith accepted a part time teaching position as an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Graduate department of the UMKC Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedics department, instructing two days a month.
Dr. Smith has been committed to creating fantastic smiles as well as growing long lasting relationships with his patients over the years.
Shannon
Dr. Smith
Shannon started working for Dr. Smith in August of 2020 and is the first person you will see when you enter the clinic. Shannon manages all scheduling and appointment reminders, but also assists Dr. Smith with patients. She was born and raised in Western Kansas and moved to the KC area in 1997 with her husband. Prior to working with Dr. Smith, Shannon ran an in-home daycare for 20 years and has experience working with young children. She is not only dedicated to our patients, but also to her husband and two boys. She enjoys being outside, crafting, and spending time with her family.
Awards and Professional Honors
Awards and Professional Honors
UMKC Orthodontist of the year 2025
- Dan Blackwell excellence in teaching
- First place award 2002 ADEA Educational Computing in Dentistry in the World Wide Web Category.
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Top ten % academic fraternity)
- Phi Kappa Phi (Academic fraternity)
- American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award
- American Dental Society of Anesthesiology's Horace Wells Student Award
- John C. and Ruberta Weaver Award for Excellence in Periodontics and Prosthodontics
- Graduated with Honors
Dean's List
- Dr. George Aden Esterly Scholarship
- UMKC shool of Dentistry Second Century Fund Scholarship
- Summer Dental scholar Research program
- Research: "A Multi Media Educational Program to Identify Orthodontic Bands." 2000-2002
- "Success and Failure of Endosseous Implants"1993
Organizations:
- President of the Tweed Study Club of the Midwest 2010-2011
- President of the UMKC Orthodontic Alumni 2007
- Pres. Of the Greater Kansas City Society of Orthodontists 2004
- Member of the Southwest Society of Orthodontists
- Member of the Kansas Society of Ortho
- Member Tweed study club of the Midwest
- Member of the American Dental Association
- Member of the Kansas Dental Association
- Member of the Fifth District Dental Society
- Kansas Dental Board Licensed
- Missouri Dental Board Licensed.
Community Service:
- Smiles Change Lives. Pro Bono orthodontic treatment to the under-served community
- Kansas Mission of Mercy. Donated dental care to the underprivileged
- American Cancer Society
- Cub Scout assistant Scout Master and Den leader
- Ronald McDonald House
- Kansas City Free Health Clinic
Hobbies:
- Fishing, Guitar playing, metal detecting, Author, a Mason
Why Choose an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are dentists who receive additional specialized training in straightening teeth, correcting bite problems, and guiding jaw development. Dr. Smith's orthodontic training allows him to evaluate not only the alignment of your teeth, but also your bite, jaw relationships, facial balance, and long-term stability. At Smith Orthodontics, we offer customized treatment options including traditional braces, clear braces, Iconix brackets, and clear aligners. Every treatment plan is designed around the individual patient—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Straighten Your Teeth?
Orthodontic treatment is about more than creating a beautiful smile. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can make it easier to bite, chew, and maintain good oral hygiene. A well-aligned bite can also improve comfort and function while giving you greater confidence in your smile. Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment Improved tooth alignment A healthier, more functional bite Easier brushing and flossing Improved smile appearance Greater confidence Better long-term stability At Smith Orthodontics, our goal is to create a healthy, balanced smile that you can enjoy for years to come.
When to see the Orthodontist
Recognize any of these early warning signs? It might be time to schedule an orthodontic exam.
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking or other oral habits
- Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
What is the difference between an Orthodontist and Dentist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialized training in straightening teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw development.
Dentists provide general oral health care, including cleanings, fillings, gum care, and other dental treatments. Orthodontists focus specifically on tooth and jaw alignment.
In short: all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
