Trusted Orthodontist Serving Portland, ME

Searching for a trusted orthodontist serving Portland, ME? At Southern Maine Orthodontics, we help children, teens, and adults achieve confident, healthy smiles using braces, Invisalign, and modern orthodontic technology. From your first visit, you’ll experience clear communication, personalized care, and a team that truly knows its patients.

  • Board-certified orthodontic care: Dr. Murphy provides advanced orthodontic treatment backed by specialized training and proven clinical expertise.
  • Community-connected practice: Our team lives and works in the communities we serve, building genuine relationships with local families.
  • Customized treatment plans: Every orthodontic plan is designed around individual needs, goals, lifestyle, and long-term stability.
  • Award-winning care: Proud recipient of the Best of the 207 award for two consecutive years.
  • Comprehensive orthodontics: Specialized care for early interceptive, teen, and adult orthodontic treatment stages.
  • Patient-first philosophy: We know our patients by name and prioritize comfort, trust, and consistent results.

Southern Maine Orthodontics is a frequent stop for families in Portland who are looking for a local orthodontic team. While our office is located at 306 U.S. Route 1, Suite D-1 in Scarborough, we are just a short drive south for our neighbors in the city.

The commute from Portland is very straightforward and usually takes about 12 to 18 minutes depending on your starting point. Most patients find that taking I-295 South to U.S. Route 1 is the fastest way to reach us. This route brings you directly into Scarborough, where our office is easy to find in the main business district. We are located near local landmarks like the Scarborough Public Library and just down the street from Scarborough High School.

Our location is perfect for Portland residents who want to avoid the congestion of downtown while still getting high-quality care. Whether you are coming from the East End, Deering, or the West End, our office offers a relaxed environment and plenty of free on-site parking, so you never have to worry about finding a spot.

Meet Our Board-Certified Orthodontist

Dr. Christopher Murphy

Dr. Murphy is a board-certified orthodontist dedicated to helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles through personalized orthodontic care. A lifelong New Englander, he is proud to call Maine home and remains deeply involved in the communities he serves.

With advanced academic training and extensive leadership experience, Dr. Murphy takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach, combining precision orthodontics with genuine care for every individual.

  • Clinical faculty member and lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine
  • Former President of the Maine Orthodontic Association
  • Nationally recognized for leadership, service, and academic excellence
  • Extensive experience treating children, teens, and adults

Awards & Certifications

Voted "Best of the 207" in 2024 & 2025
Board-Certified Orthodontist

What Financing and Insurance Options Do you Offer?

Orthodontic care should feel clear and manageable. Our team works closely with families to explain costs upfront and help maximize insurance benefits before treatment begins.

  • Limited orthodontic treatment starting as low as $3,060
  • Comprehensive treatment up to $7,760
  • Invisalign clear aligners as low as $3,060
  • Down payments starting as low as $500
  • Monthly payments starting as low as $100

We accept many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife, Point32, UnitedHealthcare, UNUM, and more. Insurance benefits can be applied directly, with remaining balances conveniently financed through our office.

What Orthodontic Services Are Available?

We offer comprehensive orthodontic care for patients of all ages throughout Portland, ME.

Metal & Ceramic Braces

Reliable braces using traditional metal or subtle ceramic brackets to gently guide teeth into healthier, well-aligned smiles naturally.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Comfortable removable clear aligners straighten smiles discreetly for children, teens, and adults with busy everyday lifestyles and flexibility.

LightForce Braces

Custom 3D-printed braces are designed for your smile, helping move teeth efficiently, comfortably, and more precisely with confidence.

Early Orthodontics

Early orthodontic care supports growing smiles by guiding jaw development and reducing complexity of future orthodontic treatment needs.

Teen Orthodontics

Orthodontic care tailored to teen growth, confidence, school schedules, and active daily routines, supporting healthy smiles long term.

Adult Orthodontics

Flexible orthodontic options help adults improve alignment, comfort, function, and confidence at every stage of life with convenience.

Before & After

Before & After Gallery

See the Smile Transformations
Explore real patient results showcasing how braces, Invisalign, and personalized orthodontic care create confident, lasting smiles.

Read What Our Happy Patients Have to Say!

Meagan Major
4 days ago
We love Southern Maine Orthodontics! Everyone is so friendly and Dr.Murphy is the best. Genuine and loves what he does!
Elise Chiarello
4 days ago
Whether it’s adult or a child orthodontic care, Dr. Murphy and his entire team that Southern Maine Orthodontics is amazing, thorough, helpful and kind! Highly recommend!
The building is clean and inviting l. The staff are very nice and understanding. Southern Maine orthodontist is the best orthodontist I have ever been to.
Michael Chung
4 days ago
I've been seeing Dr. Murphy and the team at Southern Maine Orthodontics for the past 2 years for braces treatment and it has been amazing! The team is wonderful every appointment and every time I feel like I've messed up and maybe broke something, Dr. Murphy was very responsive. I also appreciate how involved they are in the community and will miss dropping in when I'm done. Highly recommend!
MyJoy Ella
2 months ago
From the first day I entered their doors until today, I am beyond happy with their customer service. The phone rings twice and I appreciate that so much. If you are more comfortable with sms, that is what you are getting. No biggie with them!
I truly hope that you pick only Dr. Murphy’s office no matter what. I am glad my google sent me to you guys almost 4 years ago.
Jake Hawthorne
2 months ago
I totally recommend Southern Maine Orthodontics. When I was in a pinch, they took me right in and I was treated by extremely friendly staff all around. Very pleased with my experience.
Liz
2 months ago
Dr. Murphy is fantastic, the staff are friendly and competant and the office is always clean and tidy, regardless of how many patients are being seen. There are many things that make them stand out as the best choice. His practice runs like a well oiled machine, my teeth look great- I HIGHLY recommend Southern Maine Othodontics.
Trina Dinnar
2 months ago
We cannot say enough wonderful things about Southern Maine Orthodontics. My daughter began orthodontic treatment at a young age (8) and was extremely nervous—especially after a prior experience with another orthodontist who unfortunately intimidated her. From our very first visit, Dr. Murphy completely put her at ease.

Dr. Murphy has an incredible way with kids and teens, especially those who are anxious or nervous. He always enters the room with a warm smile, acknowledges each patient, and makes them feel genuinely welcome and comfortable. That alone made a world of difference for my daughter and for us as parents.

Every single staff member we’ve worked with over the years—from the hygienists/orthodontic assistants to the front desk—has been friendly, patient, and highly skilled. They consistently do excellent work and take the time to explain what they’re doing in a way that feels reassuring and age-appropriate.

My daughter completed Phase 1 of treatment in about two years, and now at 13, with all of her adult teeth in, we’ve continued on to Phase 2. Once again, the experience has been nothing but positive. The office is incredibly thorough when it comes to treatment plans, costs, timelines, and answering questions. Communication is clear, scheduling is easy, and everything feels well-organized and thoughtfully handled.

Most importantly, I always feel confident that my daughter is in excellent hands. Southern Maine Orthodontics has made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth, supportive, and even enjoyable. We are so grateful for the care they provide and would recommend them wholeheartedly—especially to families with nervous kids or teens.
Amy Goodness
3 months ago
The team at Southern Maine Orthodontics is absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this practice! I have a son who is extremely sensitive to any dental work and was very fearful of the process of getting braces. The caring staff has gone above and beyond making him feel safe and aware of the entire process. They have made me, mom, feel included in the process as well and my son's smile looks beautiful now. In addition to being a meticulous orthodontist, Dr. Murphy truly cares about the kids and families he works with. We're so glad we chose Southern Maine Orthodontics!
Patrice Szabo
3 months ago
My experience at Southern Maine Orthodontics was amazing from first visit to last. Dr. Murphy and his team made it easy and fun! The Invisalign treatment resulted in perfect alignment and I couldn't be happier. Patients are treated with care and humor; there was none of the usual anxiety associated with a dental visit! I highly recommend SMO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing orthodontic care involves important decisions. These common questions help Portland families feel confident throughout treatment.

Your first visit includes a full evaluation, digital imaging if needed, and a clear discussion of recommended treatment options.

Treatment timing is based on tooth position, jaw development, age, and long-term smile goals.

Treatment timing is based on tooth position, jaw development, age, and long-term smile goals.

Yes. Today’s orthodontic systems are designed to be smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than traditional braces.

Absolutely. Treatment can enhance bite function, oral health, and long-term tooth stability, not just aesthetics.