For most orthodontist profiles the best primary category is Orthodontist — use it when: braces and aligners are the core of the practice. Health categories describe who is licensed to treat patients at this location, so match them to the clinicians on site rather than to every treatment on your website.
Open the free tool for an orthodontist → tick what you really offer and get a copy-ready setup sheet
Primary category
- Orthodontist — Braces and aligners are the core of the practice who else uses it
Secondary (additional) categories
Add one only if the condition is genuinely true at this location. Fewer, accurate categories beat a full list of nine.
- Dentist — only if: general dentistry also offered who else uses it
- Pediatric dentist — only if: practice treats mainly children who else uses it
Categories to avoid
These are often added to orthodontist profiles but usually describe a different or broader business:
- Cosmetic dentist (unless you genuinely offer it)
- Dental clinic
Address or service area?
Usually a storefront: show the full address exactly as it appears on your signage, and keep it identical on Google, Apple Business Connect, Bing Places and your website. Service-area vs storefront rules.
Starter services to add
Categories say what you are; services say what you do. Good first entries:
- Free orthodontic consultation
- Clear aligners
- Metal & ceramic braces
Check before you change anything
Search “orthodontist” on Google Maps in your own area, open the top few profiles and note their primary category (shown under the business name). Use what's common as a sanity check, not a template — your categories must describe your business. Ready to switch? How to change your category safely.
Profile problems?
Suspended, stuck in verification, or not showing on Maps? See the free fix guides: suspended profile · verification failed · not on Maps · name rules.