In today’s digital world, online reviews are one of the most powerful tools for growing an orthodontic practice. When potential patients search for an orthodontist, they almost always turn to Google Reviews before making a decision. If your practice has hundreds (or thousands) of positive, detailed reviews, you instantly stand out from competitors. If you only have a handful of reviews—or worse, a mix of bad and mediocre ones—it can severely limit your ability to attract new patients.
Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever
Google reviews are one of the quickest and most effective ways to improve your local search ranking. When Google sees a business with a steady stream of new, high-quality reviews, it signals that the practice is trusted and active, leading to higher placement in local search results.
If someone searches “best orthodontist near me”, Google prioritizes offices with:
High review counts
Recent reviews
High star ratings
Detailed feedback that includes keywords like ‘braces,’ ‘Invisalign,’ or ‘orthodontist’
Simply put: The more positive, recent reviews your practice has, the higher you’ll rank—and the more new patients you’ll attract.
Studies show that 95% of consumers rely on online reviews before making a purchasing decision—especially for high-cost services like orthodontic treatment. A parent deciding whether to invest $5,000–$7,000 in braces or Invisalign will likely read multiple reviews before choosing an orthodontist.
In fact, a study by BrightLocal found that:
87% of consumers won’t even consider a business with low ratings.
The average consumer reads 10+ reviews before trusting a business.
Reviews influence patient perception even before they visit your website.