Contact Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics at 50th Street in West Des Moines, IA

Smiling adult couple outdoors for orthodontic care at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Looking for a trusted orthodontist on 50th Street, West Des Moines, IA? At Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, we provide customized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults using modern techniques and a patient-centered approach. From your first visit, you’ll receive clear guidance, individualized treatment planning, and a comfortable experience focused on achieving lasting results.

As a locally owned practice with deep ties to the Des Moines community, we prioritize long-term relationships and personalized care. Our experienced team and orthodontists work together to deliver treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, goals, and lifestyle.

  • Locally Owned Practice: A trusted, independently owned orthodontic office rooted in the Des Moines community.
  • Experienced Team: Many staff members have been part of the practice for over a decade, providing consistency and trusted care.
  • 55+ Years of Combined Experience: Our doctors bring decades of orthodontic knowledge and expertise to every case.
  • Individualized Treatment: Every plan is carefully designed to meet each patient’s unique orthodontic needs.
  • Comfort-Focused Environment: A welcoming setting that helps patients feel relaxed and confident throughout treatment.
  • Special Needs Care: Our team has experience providing orthodontic treatment for patients with a wide range of special needs.

Conveniently Located Near 50th Street and I-235

Bernhardt and Smith Orthodontics is located at 245 50th St., Suite 120, in a highly accessible part of West Des Moines. This office provides a comfortable, professional setting where our team delivers expert orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults using the latest technology and personalized treatment plans.

Our office is conveniently situated just off EP True Parkway and 50th Street, making it a primary destination for families in the established neighborhoods of West Des Moines and nearby Clive. We are located near several major community hubs, including Valley West Mall, Jordan Creek Mall, and the West Des Moines Public Library, allowing you to easily coordinate your orthodontic visits with your daily errands or commute.

We are perfectly positioned for families with students at Valley High School, Valley Southwoods, Stillwell Junior High, and Western Hills Elementary, among other schools. Whether you are coming from school or the Jordan Creek area, our location offers a straightforward commute and ample free on-site parking directly in front of our office. We strive to make every visit as efficient and stress-free as possible for our local neighbors.

Meet Our Orthodontists in 50th Street

Dr. Melissa Bernhardt portrait for the Bishop Drive Office at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Dr. Melissa Bernhardt

Dr. Melissa Bernhardt is an experienced orthodontist committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care that helps patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. With advanced orthodontic training and decades of clinical experience, she focuses on precise treatment planning tailored to each individual.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa and completed her orthodontic residency along with a Master of Science in Orthodontics at the same institution. She also contributes to dental education as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Iowa
  • Master of Science in Orthodontics, University of Iowa
  • Adjunct faculty, University of Iowa College of Dentistry
  • Past President, Iowa Society of Orthodontists
  • Leadership roles with MSO and the American Association of Orthodontists
Dr. Blair Smith portrait for the Bishop Drive Office at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Dr. Blair Smith

Dr. Blair Smith is a skilled orthodontist focused on providing personalized, high-quality care for patients of all ages. His approach emphasizes comfort, precision, and long-term results, helping patients feel confident throughout their orthodontic journey.

He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Iowa. He also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency during his service in the United States Navy.

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Master of Science in Orthodontics, University of Iowa
  • Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)
  • Former President, Des Moines District Dental Society
  • Current President, Iowa Society of Orthodontists

Awards & Certifications

American Association of Orthodontists member logo for Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA
Invisalign Provider logo for Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

What Financing and Insurance Options Are Available?

At Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves access to a healthy, confident smile without financial stress. That’s why we offer clear pricing and flexible payment options designed to fit your budget.

Financing options include in-office payment plans, low- and no-interest financing, third-party financing solutions, and discounts for select payment arrangements.

We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and electronic payments, and our team assists with verifying insurance benefits, explaining coverage, and submitting claims to keep the process simple and straightforward.

Smiling adult patient with family member for orthodontic financing and insurance options at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

What Orthodontic Services Are Available?

We provide comprehensive orthodontic care focused on improving alignment, correcting bite concerns, and supporting long-term oral health and stability.

Dental model with metal braces for metal and clear braces treatment at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Metal & Clear Braces

Traditional metal and clear braces provide precise, dependable tooth movement and consistent alignment results for patients of all ages.

Clear Invisalign aligners in a case at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Clear removable aligners straighten teeth discreetly while offering comfort, flexibility, and fewer in-office visits throughout treatment.

Smiling young patient wearing braces for surgical orthodontic treatment at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontic treatment corrects severe bite and jaw alignment issues by combining orthodontic care with specialized surgical procedures.

Smiling child wearing braces for early orthodontic treatment at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Early Orthodontics

Early treatment helps guide jaw development, create space for incoming teeth, and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

Smiling teen wearing braces for teen orthodontic treatment at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Teen Orthodontics

Teen treatment addresses alignment and bite concerns while supporting confidence, comfort, and consistent progress during growth stages.

Smiling adult patient for adult orthodontic treatment at Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Bishop Drive Office and 50th Street Office in West Des Moines, IA

Adult Orthodontics

Adult orthodontic care improves alignment, bite function, and overall smile confidence using modern, comfortable treatment options.

Read What Our Happy Patients Have to Say!

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!
Their expertise fixed my teeth. Very professional and talented orthodontists.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Dr. Bernhardt treated both of my children. The care was excellent and the staff was gentle and professional. Highly recommend!!
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.
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!
Always a positive attitude and did a great job!
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!
Dr Bernhardt treated all three of my kids. She and her team are fantastic! 😁
Great staff, experience, and knowledgeable team!!!!
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!
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!
I couldn’t be happier with my results after wearing braces. Dr. Bernhardt & her staff do a great job!
Wonderful people, very personable... Just make sure you go to the right location on the right day, they have two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontic care often comes with important questions. Here are answers to some common topics patients ask during consultations.

Your first visit includes an evaluation, digital records, and a personalized discussion about treatment options.

We evaluate your bite, alignment, and goals to design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Yes. Clear braces and Invisalign aligners offer more discreet orthodontic treatment options.

Proper alignment can make teeth easier to clean and reduce the risk of future dental issues.

Retainers help maintain tooth alignment and protect the results achieved during orthodontic treatment.

Let’s Create Your Perfect Smile!

Whether you’re ready to visit us in person, our team is here to help you take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile.