Drs. Courtney Lavigne and Lauren Cardarelli, of Anchor Orthodontics did not set out to create just another orthodontic office. Their vision was more personal – an intentional, community-centered practice built on trust, expertise, and genuine relationships.
Both proud Rhode Island natives, the doctors first crossed paths more than a decade ago through shared high school connections, long before their professional lives would intersect. Those early overlaps eventually led them to work side by side, united by a belief that orthodontic care should be tailored to the individual and guided by thoughtful communication rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Today that philosophy shapes every aspect of Anchor Orthodontics. From the moment patients arrive, the atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, designed to put children, teens, and adults at ease. The practice blends advanced technology with a deeply human approach, reflecting the doctors’ conviction that comfort and confidence are as important as clinical excellence.
Each doctor contributes to a unique expertise. Dr. Courtney Lavigne holds a unique distinction: she is the only dentist in the world who is both a board-certified orthodontist through the American Association of Orthodontists and an accredited cosmetic dentist through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Although her focus is now exclusively orthodontics – using braces, aligners, and expanders – her cosmetic background gives her an exceptional eye for facial harmony and long-term aesthetics, particularly in complex cases.
Dr. Lauren Cardarelli complements that perspective with a passion for research and innovation. Her award-winning academic work centers on 3D imaging, CBCT-based bone analysis, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in orthodontics. This data-driven approach allows for more precise diagnosis, efficient treatment planning, and highly predictable results.
Together they keep the practice at the forefront of the specialty. Anchor Orthodontics operates on a fully digital workflow, offering customized tooth-colored braces created through 3D printing and remote monitoring that lets patients share weekly progress scans from home. For busy families, these tools mean fewer appointments without sacrificing quality.
Yet the doctors are quick to emphasize that orthodontics is ultimately about people. “We do more than straighten teeth, we help change lives,” they often say. Their focus on early intervention and collaboration with medical and dental colleagues supports overall growth and airway health, not just alignment. Visits are designed to feel positive and engaging, helping young patients build confidence from the start.
For adults, the transformation can be just as meaningful. Many arrive after years of hiding their smiles, and watching that shift from self-consciousness to pride, is among the most rewarding parts of the work. Whether treatment lasts months or years, the goal is an experience that feels empowering and even enjoyable.
As locals, Lavigne and Cardarelli are especially proud to offer expertise typically associated with major cities while keeping care close to home. Patients often remark that Anchor Orthodontics feels different – meticulous and high-tech, yet warm and familiar. The practice is woman-led and locally owned, values that reflect their commitment to community and to raising the standard of care in Rhode Island.
Looking ahead, Anchor Orthodontics continues to expand options that make treatment more comfortable, precise, and efficient. But the heart of the practice remains unchanged: success is measured not only in beautifully aligned smiles, but in the trust earned along the way. World-class orthodontic care, they believe, should feel personal – and firmly anchored in Rhode Island.
133 Pitman St., Providence, 24 Salt Pond Rd., Wakefield
401-782-1221, AnchorOrthodontics.com
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