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Invisalign ProviderAccepting new patients
H2O Orthodontic Specialists
H2O Orthodontic Specialists is a family-owned orthodontic practice serving children, teens, and adults across three locations in Winston-Salem, Advance, and Lexington, NC.
1700 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
4.8(60 reviews)
About H2O Orthodontic Specialists
Fast fixes for broken retainers and emergency appointments, plus therapy dogs on hand for anxious patients, mark this office's approach.
Reviews highlight quick turnarounds on retainer repairs and emergency visits, sometimes for exchange students or unexpected issues, along with therapy dogs used to ease nervous patients before treatment. Several families mention bringing multiple children through braces here over the years, with the team praised for making even young kids comfortable before placement. Treatment results mentioned include an underbite corrected with Invisalign and a rare lower incisor extraction that reviewers say gave a fuller, natural smile. Staff are frequently described as warm, though a couple of reviews mention friction with office management.
Summary of 54 patient reviews, November 2015–July 2026, updated September 2026
H2O Orthodontic Specialists is a family-owned orthodontic practice serving children, teens, and adults across three locations in Winston-Salem, Advance, and Lexington, NC.
They offer Invisalign, clear braces, and traditional braces using cutting-edge technology, with many cases completed in 15-18 months.
Treatments offered
Who They Treat
H2O Orthodontic Specialists provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:
Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+
Technology & Equipment
H2O Orthodontic Specialists uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.
3D Digital Scanning
Orthodontists at this office
provider
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Dr. CAROLINE BATES, DDS
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients4 yrs experience
provider
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Dr. T. GORDON HANDY Jr., DDS, MS
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients19 yrs experience
provider
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Dr. THOMAS G. HANDY --, DDS, MScO
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients19 yrs experience
Insurance accepted
1 plan listedMedicaid / CHIP
H2O Orthodontic Specialists accepts Medicaid. Coverage varies by plan tier — confirm with the office before your first visit.
What patients say
Latest review 2 months ago
What patients praise
- Reviews mention same-day fixes for broken retainers and accommodating emergency appointments, including for a visiting exchange student.
- Therapy dogs in the office are noted as helping ease anxious patients through appointments.
- Reviews describe treatment outcomes such as an underbite corrected with Invisalign and a rare extraction that led to a fuller-looking smile.
Things to know
- A few reviews describe friction with office management, including one account of rudeness and unresolved billing concerns.
Who it suits
- Families with young children
- Families with multiple kids in treatment
- Anxious or nervous patients
Doctors patients mention
- Dr. Caroline Bates · 1 review
- Last 12 months
- 13 reviews
- averaging 5.0★
- Owner replies
- 4% of reviews
11
Oct 2023Sep 2026
| Oct 2023 | 1 |
|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | 11 |
| Dec 2023 | 2 |
| Jan 2024 | 2 |
| Feb 2024 | 0 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 |
| Apr 2024 | 0 |
| May 2024 | 1 |
| Jun 2024 | 0 |
| Jul 2024 | 0 |
| Aug 2024 | 0 |
| Sep 2024 | 0 |
| Oct 2024 | 4 |
| Nov 2024 | 0 |
| Dec 2024 | 0 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 |
| Feb 2025 | 2 |
| Mar 2025 | 0 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 |
| May 2025 | 0 |
| Jun 2025 | 0 |
| Jul 2025 | 0 |
| Aug 2025 | 8 |
| Sep 2025 | 0 |
| Oct 2025 | 0 |
| Nov 2025 | 0 |
| Dec 2025 | 0 |
| Jan 2026 | 0 |
| Feb 2026 | 0 |
| Mar 2026 | 2 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 |
| May 2026 | 6 |
| Jun 2026 | 0 |
| Jul 2026 | 2 |
| Aug 2026 | 1 |
| Sep 2026 | 1 |
- 5★67
- 4★3
- 3★0
- 2★0
- 1★2
- 20155.0
- 20163.7
- 20174.0
- 20184.7
- 20195.0
- 20205.0
- 20235.0
- 20245.0
- 20255.0
- 20265.0
1★5★
- Braces10
- Invisalign / clear aligners5
- Retainers4
PraiseCriticism
- Friendly staff31 / 2
- The orthodontist16 / 2
- Treatment results11
- Great with kids8
- Gentle, comfortable care5 / 1
- Clear explanations4
- Scheduling & wait times4
- Responsiveness4
| Theme | Praise | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly staff | 31 | 2 |
| The orthodontist | 16 | 2 |
| Treatment results | 11 | 0 |
| Great with kids | 8 | 0 |
| Gentle, comfortable care | 5 | 1 |
| Clear explanations | 4 | 0 |
| Scheduling & wait times | 4 | 0 |
| Responsiveness | 4 | 0 |
Recent reviews from Google
4.8
60 reviews
Scott Serkin
2 months ago
The H2O staff was extremely friendly and helpful to my daughter. They could help her with any problem. Highly recommended!!
Stephanie Quade
3 months ago
Customer Service 10/10. Invisalign experience with Dr. Caroline Bates 10/10. I am over the moon with my results and so happy I made the decision to treat myself. I finally love my smile!
Kristi Eidson
4 months ago
My first experience with Handy & Handy was back in 2001, and it was such a positive one that when I needed orthodontic treatment again in 2024, there was never any question where I would return. What makes this office so special is not just the professionalism and beautiful results, but how genuinely kind and personal everyone is. The entire team always made me feel welcomed and cared for, even asking about my Great Dane, Walter, at appointments, which always made me smile. I’m so happy with my results and honestly a little sad to be finished because they’ve been such a pleasure to work with. I would recommend Handy & Handy to anyone without hesitation.
LaWanda Parms
4 months ago
There are no words that can express or explain how they made me feel so welcome and how they took great care of me during the time that my husband transitioned the out pouring of love that was shown to me is unexplainable I will be getting my braces off my next visit and I don't even want to get them off just because I'm going to miss them so much and to my girl Amanda you are the best I will always remember our bond that we made with one another I will Highly Recommend H2O orthodontist to everyone again thanks for your great professional service. LeWanda Parms
Oraina Campbell
4 months ago
I cannot say enough wonderful things about H2O Orthodontics! From the moment you walk in, the staff makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable — honestly like family. Everyone is so kind, personable, and genuinely interested in you and your orthodontic journey. The orthodontists are incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and truly care about helping you achieve your goals. They take the time to listen, answer questions, and work with you to make your dream smile happen. The level of care and professionalism they provide is absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend H2O Orthodontics to anyone looking for an orthodontic provider. If you’re considering treatment, definitely schedule a consultation and move forward with them — you will not regret it! - Tell them Raina sent you ❤️
Questions about this practice
What orthodontic treatments does H2O Orthodontic Specialists offer?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists offers: Invisalign, Self-Ligating Braces, Traditional Braces, Early Treatment.
Does H2O Orthodontic Specialists accept dental insurance?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists accepts Medicaid / CHIP.
Does H2O Orthodontic Specialists offer free consultations?
Yes, H2O Orthodontic Specialists offers a free initial orthodontic consultation. Call (336) 765-7870 to schedule.
Is H2O Orthodontic Specialists accepting new patients?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists is currently welcoming new patients in Winston-Salem, NC. Call (336) 765-7870 to schedule.
Where is H2O Orthodontic Specialists located?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists is located at 1700 S Hawthorne Rd. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=14985672102077319810&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for H2O Orthodontic Specialists?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists office hours: Mon 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tue 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Wed 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat Closed–Closed, Sun Closed–Closed.
Does H2O Orthodontic Specialists offer payment plans?
Yes, H2O Orthodontic Specialists offers flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment affordable.
Who are the orthodontists at H2O Orthodontic Specialists?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists is staffed by Dr. CAROLINE BATES, Dr. T. GORDON HANDY Jr., Dr. THOMAS G. HANDY --.
What is the patient rating for H2O Orthodontic Specialists?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists has a 4.8-star rating based on 60 patient reviews on Google.
How long has H2O Orthodontic Specialists been in practice?
H2O Orthodontic Specialists has been providing orthodontic care since 1972, serving the Winston-Salem, NC community for over 54 years.
Research with AI
Accepting new patients
Est. 1972
Free Consultation
Payment Plans Available
In-House Financing
Virtual Consultations
Online Booking Available
Accessibility & Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFC
Mon8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
- Google reviews synced
- SOURCED
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