Orthodontist in Providence, RI: What to Look For and What to Expect

Looking for an orthodontist in Providence, RI? What to look for, what to expect at a first visit, and why East Side families choose Anchor Orthodontics.

By Dr. Courtney Lavigne, DMD, Board-Certified Orthodontist

March 8, 2026

Finding the right orthodontist for your family is a bigger decision than it might seem. You're not just picking a provider for a one-time appointment — you're choosing someone your child (or you) will see regularly for a year or more. The relationship matters. So does the expertise.

What Makes a Great Orthodontist?

Board certification matters. An orthodontist who is board-certified through the American Board of Orthodontics has voluntarily gone beyond their degree and residency to demonstrate clinical expertise through a rigorous examination process.

Experience with your specific needs. Orthodontics covers a wide range of cases — from simple cosmetic alignment to complex bite corrections, airway issues, and pre-restorative work for patients who need implants or veneers.

Technology. Digital scanning, 3D-printed appliances, and custom bracket systems have made treatment more precise, more comfortable, and often faster.

About Anchor Orthodontics in Providence

We opened our Providence office at 133 Pitman Street on the East Side because our patients kept coming from this side of the state — crossing the bridge, making the drive down to Wakefield — because they wanted care from Dr. Lavigne. We figured it was time to meet them closer to home.

Dr. Courtney Lavigne is Rhode Island's only board-certified orthodontist who is also an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AAACD) — a distinction held by fewer than 1% of dentists worldwide. She has advanced training in airway-focused orthodontics, early intervention, and complex restorative cases.

Dr. Lauren Cardarelli is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she earned her DMD, Orthodontic Certificate, and Master of Dental Science.

What We Offer

We provide orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Our services include Invisalign and clear aligners, LightForce custom braces, clear braces, traditional metal braces, palate expanders, early intervention orthodontics, airway evaluation, and adult orthodontics.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

You'll be greeted by our team and we'll start with photos, X-rays, and a 3D digital scan — no uncomfortable impressions. Then you'll meet with Dr. Lavigne or Dr. Cardarelli, who will walk you through everything they're seeing in plain language. Most first visits take about an hour. You'll leave knowing exactly where things stand.

Ready to Get Started?

Consultations are available in person or virtually. Book online or call us at (401) 782-1221. We're at 133 Pitman Street, Providence, RI 02906, Monday through Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in an orthodontist?

Three things stand out. Board certification, which means the orthodontist went beyond their degree and residency to prove clinical expertise through the American Board of Orthodontics. Experience with your specific needs, since orthodontics ranges from simple alignment to complex bite, airway, and pre-restorative work. And current technology like digital scanning, 3D-printed appliances, and custom brackets, which make treatment more precise and comfortable.

Who are the orthodontists at Anchor's Providence office?

Dr. Courtney Lavigne is Rhode Island's only board-certified orthodontist who is also an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of dentists worldwide, with advanced training in airway-focused orthodontics and early intervention. Dr. Lauren Cardarelli earned her DMD, Orthodontic Certificate, and Master of Dental Science at the University of Connecticut.

What services do you offer?

Care for all ages, including Invisalign and clear aligners, LightForce custom braces, clear braces, traditional metal braces, palate expanders, early intervention orthodontics, sleep apnea evaluation, and adult orthodontics.

What happens at a first visit?

We start with photos, X-rays, and a 3D digital scan, no uncomfortable impressions. Then you meet with Dr. Lavigne or Dr. Cardarelli, who walk you through what they see in plain language. Most first visits take about an hour, and you leave knowing exactly where things stand.

Ready to find the right fit? Consultations for kids at Anchor Orthodontics are complimentary and no referral is needed, in Providence and Wakefield. Book a consultation.