Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics

Creating Healthy, Confident Smiles.

At Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles through personalized orthodontic care. If you’re searching for an orthodontist near you or exploring the best teeth-straightening options, including braces or Invisalign, our team is here to help. Dr. Melissa Bernhardt and Dr. Blair Smith bring a combined 55+ years of experience and a patient-first approach to create treatment plans tailored to every smile.

As a privately owned practice with deep roots in the Des Moines community, we believe orthodontic care should feel personal, comfortable, and trustworthy. From your very first visit to your final results, our team is here to guide you with honest recommendations, advanced treatment options, and the kind of support that makes every appointment a positive experience.

Experience You Can Trust

Our practice has served families in the area for many years, and that experience shows in every part of your care. Dr. Bernhardt and Dr. Smith are both local to the area, and many members of our team have been with us for 10, 15, and even 20 years or more. That consistency means you can count on familiar faces, knowledgeable support, and a team that truly understands how to make orthodontic treatment smooth and successful.

Personalized Care for Every Smile

No two smiles are exactly alike, which is why every treatment plan we create is customized to the individual. Whether you are considering braces, Invisalign, or early orthodontic treatment for your child, we take the time to understand your needs, explain your options clearly, and help you feel confident in your care.

A Practice Built on Relationships

We believe that great orthodontic care goes beyond straightening teeth. It is about building long-term relationships with our patients and creating an experience that feels welcoming, supportive, and focused on what matters most to you. Get in touch to schedule a consultation!

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Melissa Bernhardt

Dr. Melissa Bernhardt is an experienced orthodontist dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles through personalized care. She combines advanced training with a thoughtful approach to deliver precise, effective results in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Dr. Blair Smith

Dr. Blair Smith is an experienced orthodontist focused on helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through customized care. He combines advanced training with a patient-first approach to deliver reliable results in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

First Visit

Your first visit includes a comprehensive orthodontic exam, personalized recommendations, and time to answer your questions so you feel confident moving forward with treatment.

Easy Financing

We offer flexible financing options and work with your insurance benefits to make braces and Invisalign treatment affordable and manageable for your entire family.

Advanced Technology

We use advanced technology like digital X-rays and 3D scanning to improve accuracy, comfort, and efficiency, helping deliver more precise and predictable results.

Meet Our Team

Our friendly, experienced team is here to make every appointment welcoming, supportive, and focused on providing a positive and comfortable orthodontic experience.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth comfortably and discreetly, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss with ease.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces remain one of the most reliable and effective ways to correct tooth alignment and bite issues with consistent results.

Clear Braces

Clear braces offer the strength of traditional braces with a more discreet appearance, making them a popular choice for teens and adults.

Early Orthodontics

Early orthodontic evaluations help identify growth and bite concerns before they become more complex and difficult to treat later. We offer personalized care designed to guide development and support a healthy, confident smile as your child grows.

Teen Orthodontics

The teen years are often the ideal time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth are in place and bite issues can be corrected efficiently. We offer personalized options designed to fit your teen’s smile goals and lifestyle.

Adult Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is not just for teens. Many adults choose treatment to improve alignment, bite function, and confidence later in life. We offer modern options designed to fit your lifestyle, including discreet solutions to enhance your treatment experience.

Why Choose Us

Privately owned practice focused on personalized care
Over 55 years of combined orthodontic experience
Deep roots in the Des Moines community
Long-standing, experienced team you can trust
Customized treatment plans for every patient
Welcoming environment for patients of all ages
Compassionate care for patients with special needs

Read What Our Happy Clients Have to Say!

Nolan W.

Dr. Bernhardt and her team did a fantastic job. I have been going there for 2 years while getting jaw surgery. Every time I walk into their office I was greeted with a hello and a smile. Dr. Bernhardt and her team are passionate about their jobs and make it known they want whoever walks in the door to be comfortable and to be taken care of the right way. I would highly recommend anyone who is needing any sort of ortho help to go through Bernhardt and Smith Orthodontics!

Hunter N.

Their expertise fixed my teeth. Very professional and talented orthodontists.

Carey N.

Dr. Bernhardt and her staff treated all four of my children through braces. I highly recommend her for your orthodontic needs. Very knowledgeable, very easy to work with, ease in scheduling appointments, continuous care throughout.

Just J.

I took my son to Dr. Bernhardt & I have to say, 10-12 years later his teeth are still beautiful! She's efficient, great with young people, & her office made the whole process easy to navigate. I won't lie, I didnt love all the weird colored teeth bands available, but I know my son did!

Melissa S.

Dr. Bernhardt provided my kids with excellent care when they went through braces so I had no doubt that she was also who I would trust when I was interested in Invisalign for my own needs! She is extremely knowledgeable and explains options and instructions thoroughly. I would highly recommend Dr. Bernhardt and her office for my family and friends!

Maggie K.

Dr. Bernhardt and her staff treated all three of my kids. Their teeth look beautiful and function perfectly and the entire office was extremely supportive during the process. After the kids were done with their braces I decided to fix my own teeth and everything I had observed with my kids was true for me too. So glad I did it and Dr. Bernhardt was wonderfully positive and easy to work with through it all.

Dayle S.

Dr Bernhardt and her staff are wonderful and the office atmosphere is great! With multiple offices, it was always so easy to get our daughter in and out quickly without missing too much school. I can highly recommend Dr Bernhardt.

Michelle C.

Dr. Bernhardt treated both of my children. The care was excellent and the staff was gentle and professional. Highly recommend!!

Karen L.

I highly recommend Bernhardt and Smith Orthodontics! Dr. Bernhardt and her staff provided our son with professional, personal, and compassionate care. The office is very well run. It was always easy to schedule appointments that worked around our schedules.

Jill M.

The team at Bernhardt and Smith is always so helpful and accommodating whether it’s a monthly appointment or something more urgent. Dr. Bernhardt has treated both of our children and helped them gain confidence and a beautiful smile with a very professional and personal experience. Highly recommend!

Dustin B.

Always a positive attitude and did a great job!

Amy B.

Dr Bernhardt and her staff are extremely professional and knowledgeable. They always make me feel welcome and are very friendly! Highly recommend this office to anyone!

Lisa A.

Dr Bernhardt treated all three of my kids. She and her team are fantastic! 😁

Renee H.

Great staff, experience, and knowledgeable team!!!!

Kristie B.

Every experience and interaction with Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics has been positive and enjoyable. The staff is friendly and responsive, and Dr. Bernhardt always has a smile on her face. She's thorough and attentive, and you can tell she cares. As an adult patient, I highly recommend Bernhardt & Smith!

Ann P.

You won't find a better person or Orthodontist than Dr. Smith and his staff are all amazing people as well. The pricing was reasonable and the results tremendous. Truly great people!

Jeanice C.

I couldn’t be happier with my results after wearing braces. Dr. Bernhardt & her staff do a great job!

Aaron J.

Wonderful people, very personable... Just make sure you go to the right location on the right day, they have two.