More than straight teeth.
Thoughtful orthodontic care, built around people.
At Sanborn Orthodontics, Dr. Sanborn believes orthodontic care should feel personal, unrushed, and grounded in understanding the whole patient- not just the smile in front of us. Every visit is an opportunity to listen, to explain clearly, and to guide families with care that is both intentional and informed.
For children, teens, and adults alike, our focus is on creating orthodontic treatment plans that make sense for real life. Families who come to us are often looking for an orthodontist who takes the time to know them, remembers their name, and treats their care with the same thoughtfulness they would want for their own family.

Our Approach to Care
A thoughtful, comprehensive approach to every smile.
Dr. Sanborn approaches orthodontic care with intention, combining clinical expertise with a careful, big-picture view of smile development. Each evaluation looks at how the teeth, bite and overall growth and development patters are working together, so recommendations are based on the full picture- not just what's visible in the moment. This allows care to be personalized, well-timed, and aligned with what's best for each patient long-term.
Clear communication is central to our approach. We believe families deserve to understand what we're seeing, why it matters, and what options exist moving forward. Questions are always welcome, and conversations aren't rushed. Our goal is for every patient and parent to leave feeling informed, supported, and confident in the path ahead.

Meet Dr. Sanborn
Dr. Sanborn is a board-certified orthodontist who believes the best orthodontic care begins with listening. Known for his calm, thoughtful approach, he takes time to understand each patient's needs, concerns, and goals before making recommendations. Families often comment on how comfortable they feel knowing their care is guided by both expertise and genuine attention.
As a father of three- with children spanning elementary school, high school and college- Dr. Sanborn has experienced firsthand how orthodontic decisions fit into real family life over time. Watching his own children grow and move through different stages has shaped how he thinks about timing, development and long-term outcomes. That perspective informs his approach to care, especially for growing patients, where observation, patience, and thoughtful planning often matter just as much as the treatment itself.
At Sanborn Orthodontics, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Dr. . Sanborn approaches each case methodically, looking at the full picture of smile development and how treatment will integrate into a patient's daily life. Whether care begins right away or later, his focus is always on clarity, intention, and what makes the most sense for the patient long term.
Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics
UNC-Chapel Hill trained
Serving Morehead City and Carteret County

At Sanborn Orthodontics, our team is at the heart of the experience. From the first phone call to the final appointment, every interaction is shaped by people who genuinely care about the families they serve.
We believe orthodontic care works best when patients feel comfortable, supported, and known. Our team takes pride in building real relationships- remembering names, celebrating milestones, and helping pateints feel at ease throughout their journey. Whether someone is feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, we meet them where they are.
Each member of our team brings professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail to their role. We work closely to ensure care is coordinated, communication is clear, and every visit feels welcoming. It's a team approach- one that families often tell us feels different when they walk through the door.
Our Team
Community Commitment
At Sanborn Orthodontics, being a part of the community means showing up- consistently, thoughtfully, and with care. Our involvement has grown naturally through relationships with local schools, families, and organizations we value.
Giving back is woven into how we practice. A portion of every patient's orthodontic care supports initiatives that invest directly in our local community, including educational programs, student support, and service efforts that matter to the families we serve. It's one way we honor the trust placed in us and ensure our work has a positive impact beyond our office.
We're grateful to care for generations of families and to be trusted not just as an orthodontist, but as neighbors who are committed to the well being of this community. That sense of responsibility guides how we practice and how we give back.
A thoughtful next step
If you are exploring orthodontic care for yourself or your child, we'd be honored to help guide the next step. A complimentary consultation at Sanborn Orthodontics is designed to be informative, unrushed, and supportive- giving you clarity and confidence moving forward.
