Clifton Lauritzen DMD, Inc

I cannot recommend this office enough if you are looking for the best orthodontist in Merced. After years of putting it off, I finally decided to get braces for myself as an adult, and the experience has been seamless. They are hands-down the most professional Merced orthodontist team I’ve encountered. They offered a variety of options, from traditional metal to clear braces, and really listened to my goals for my smile. The office is modern, the wait times are short, and the staff is incredibly supportive of their adult patients. If you’re looking for high-quality orthodontic care in Merced, this is the place to go. My confidence is already through the roof!

Multiple family members have gone to Dr.Lauritzen and have great things to say. However I have had the worst experience with this office. I had scheduled both my daughters for an initial appointment back in August of 2022. My youngest got sick so we only took one daughter in for her appointment; they have said they did an initial appointment on my daughter that never went in. They have a chart with notes on my daughter that never went in. Forward to 2025 I called to schedule the initial for my youngest and they scheduled a follow up instead. At this follow up appointment I was not able to ask the doctor questions regarding the treatment that my daughter was going to need. They gave me the option to move forward on a treatment considered "standard braces". I feel very odd moving forward on

The experience I have had has not been a pleasant one. The first appointments were scheduled ahead of time when I paid the required down payment before services were provided, but after those appointments, 5 months passes by and no one would call me to schedule the next appointment like I was told by the doctor's assistants. Luck of making my daughter's next appointment had already happened once at this office, so I asked one of the assistants by when would they contact me with the next appointment's day and time, but she refused to give me an estimate because she did not know. I was told to wait for them to contact me. I finally called after 5 months of waiting and waiting, and they didn't schedule the appointment my daughter needed until February 27th. When I told this to an employee, I

I appreciated the bedside manners of the entire team. The front desk are friendly, the assistants are knowledgeable and kind. The doctor was funny and approachable. What I enjoyed most was how through the assistants and the doctor were. Both explained the process in depth and took their time. I can understand why we waited and they were patient with us and answered all of our questions. Nancy in billing was sweet and extremely well informed. She explained the cost, process and follow up. She was also patient with allowing us to take the paperwork home to discuss. There was no pressure, she even said she would follow up on the date I suggested. With such a positive experience I am glad we will be returning to do my son’s dental care needs.

No only is this office beautiful, but the staff is so friendly! Dr. Lauritzen gave me an honest opinion on what my daughter needs and that's a rare quality these days! I really appreciate them and their willingness to do what is best for my child. I can tell they genuinely care about their patients.