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!

Jordan Formby
1 day ago
We live out of state, but we were in Portland for a basketball tournament. My son started having one of the wires from his braces all the sudden really start bothering him. This was Sunday morning at 10am, and he was in such pain, he did not even want to eat his donut. I called Southern Maine Orthodontics and left a message. Within a minute I had a call back from Dr. Murphy. He said that I was close to his office and he could meet me there in 10 minutes to look at my son. Mind you, this is 10am on a Sunday morning, and we are not a patient of Dr. Murphy. He ended up fixing my sons braces where he had no more pain. My son was able to play his games later that day. We can not thank Dr. Murphy enough for taking time on a Sunday morning, for an emergency for someone that was not even his patient. On top of all that, he did not even charge us $1. Free of charge. Thank you very much. Kid was able to play his games and then we were able to enjoy the coast on our way back home. None of that would have been possible had he not gotten his braces fixed then to alleviate his pain. Above and beyond is an understatement. Highly recommend!
Heather Lightle
6 days ago
Few things in life are as personal as having your mouth worked on. Dr. Murphy is knowledgeable, patient, and always upbeat - and it’s clear he treats his staff well also. I highly recommend his office for your orthodontic journey!
Beneshia Mathew
1 week ago
I am truly impressed by the kindness, professionalism, and genuine care demonstrated by Dr. Murphy. While my fiancée was temporarily in Maine and in need of prompt attention, Dr. Murphy was not only willing to assist, but went above and beyond to ensure that his issue was thoroughly addressed.
As a practicing dentist, I can confidently say that I would refer my own patients to him without reservation—they would be in exceptional hands.
Blake Moloney
2 weeks ago
Southern Maine Orthodontics has been an absolutely fantastic experience for our family. Both my daughter and son go here, and I honestly couldn’t ask for a better team to take care of them. The doctor is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely funny and kind, which makes such a difference in helping kids feel comfortable and relaxed.

The assistants are amazing, truly experts with kids. They’re patient, gentle, and clearly know what they’re doing, which puts both me and my kids at ease every visit. The whole office has a welcoming, positive vibe that makes what could be a stressful experience actually enjoyable.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist who combines skill, warmth, and a great sense of humor, this is the place. Highly recommend!
Inga Bozsik
2 weeks ago
Very family friendly, great service and atmosphere, highly recommend!
Ashley Briggs
2 weeks ago
Dr. Murphy and the team are amazing! My Invisalign experience has been so smooth from start to finish. Everyone is friendly, professional, and makes you feel comfortable. I’m beyond happy with my results—highly recommend!
rachu patel
2 weeks ago
It was fun and nice. when my expander fell they weren’t angry and fixed it very nicely.
Terry Peterson
2 weeks ago
The team here is great! Very happy with the outcome.
Dr. Murphy is so professional, funny and kind. It's been amazing to have him not only perfect my smile, but my kiddos as well.
Chatty Catty
2 weeks ago
Pretty nice place, very quick, nice doctor and nurses.

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.