What’s the biggest misconception patients have when they meet you for the first time?
Many people believe that braces and aligners, including Invisalign™, work the same no matter where you go. But braces and aligners are only tools, much like a paintbrush in the hands of an artist. The outcome depends entirely on the skill and judgment of the doctor using them. Experience, training, treatment planning, and attention to detail determine whether a smile looks beautiful and functions properly for life.
Orthodontics is not something you “get.” It is something that is done to you, and not all orthodontists have the same level of skill.
I have owned my private practice for more than 20 years and am currently the longest-practicing orthodontist in Fort Lauderdale. With that experience, I can say with complete humility that becoming a great orthodontist is difficult. It requires understanding how teeth, bone, bite, and facial structure work together to create a healthy, long-lasting smile. That level of care simply cannot be achieved in highvolume corporate settings built around speed rather than precision.
What distinguishes your practice from others?
As a private practice, I am not restricted by corporate policies or production quotas. Every patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their goals, facial aesthetics, and long-term health. Early in my career, I focused on becoming the best clinician possible. Twenty years later, that foundation allows my team and me to focus just as much on how patients feel in our office.
Our practice is built on honesty, compassion, and hospitality. Patients receive exceptional results, but they also feel genuinely cared for. Many even tell us they are sad when treatment ends because they enjoy their visits so much.
Can you share an experience that reflects your practice philosophy?
One example of our compassion and skill involved a teenager who came to me after recently completing orthodontic treatment locally, yet still had a severe bite issue. After listening carefully to what he wanted and applying decades of experience, we transformed his smile and facial balance. His mother cried with joy.
Another example of our hospitality is when a team member personally delivered a patient’s retainers at a community event so he would not need to schedule an additional visit. These moments reflect excellent healthcare delivered with genuine care, and that is who we are.
DR. CHRIS FREEMAN
BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST
FREEMAN ORTHODONTICS
1825 NE 45th Street, Suite B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-772-1600
