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Board CertifiedAAO MemberInvisalign ProviderAccepting new patients
Tompkins Orthodontics
Tompkins Orthodontics is a family orthodontic practice in Columbia and Irmo, South Carolina, offering traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners.
5250 Clemson Ave, Columbia, SC 29206
4.9(186 reviews)
About Tompkins Orthodontics
A father-son orthodontist team, Dr. Richard Tompkins and his son, offers early phase-1 treatment alongside braces and Invisalign, with particular attention to young children and nervous first-timers.
This practice is run by a father-son pair of orthodontists, both described as knowledgeable and patient, who see patients interchangeably for braces, Invisalign, and clear aligners. Reviews highlight early treatment for younger children more than is typical, along with experience easing anxious kids and even cleft palate patients through their first visits. The doctors are noted for laying out treatment options plainly, using digital scanners and visual aids rather than messy impressions, and for giving straightforward assessments before recommending a course of action. A few reviewers who transferred mid-treatment from other orthodontists say the switch was handled smoothly without added cost or delay.
Summary of 97 patient reviews, June 2017–September 2026, updated September 2026
Tompkins Orthodontics is a family orthodontic practice in Columbia and Irmo, South Carolina, offering traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners.
They provide treatment for all cases of unaligned teeth and bad bites, and also offer sleep apnea treatment with custom oral devices.
Treatments offered
Who They Treat
Tompkins Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:
Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+
Technology & Equipment
Tompkins Orthodontics uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.
3D Digital Scanning
Cone Beam CT (3D X-Ray)
Digital Records
iTero/TRIOS
CBCT
Orthodontists at this office
provider
headshot
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Tompkins, DMD
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Lead OrthodontistNPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
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Dr. RICHARD SIMS TOMPKINS --, DMD
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients19 yrs experience
What patients say
Latest review 4 weeks ago
What patients praise
- The father-son doctor team is credited with explaining diagnoses and treatment options clearly, including using digital scanners and visual aids.
- Reviews point to attentive early treatment for young children, including patients with cleft palates or special needs.
- Several families describe smooth mid-treatment transfers from other orthodontists without extra time or cost.
Things to know
- A couple of reviews mention scheduling issues, including a long wait despite having an appointment.
Who it suits
- Young children needing early orthodontic evaluation
- Families with multiple kids in treatment at once
Doctors patients mention
- Dr. Richard Tompkins · 29 reviews
- Dr. Thompkins · 8 reviews
- Last 90 days
- 24 reviews
- averaging 4.8★
- Last 12 months
- 68 reviews
- averaging 4.9★
- Owner replies
- 0% of reviews
- Compared with Columbia
- Higher rated than 60%
- of 24 practices we track
10
Oct 2023Sep 2026
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- 5★202
- 4★4
- 3★2
- 2★0
- 1★2
- 20175.0
- 20195.0
- 20205.0
- 20215.0
- 20224.9
- 20235.0
- 20244.9
- 20254.9
- 20264.9
1★5★
- Braces8
- Early (phase 1) treatment5
- Invisalign / clear aligners3
PraiseCriticism
- Friendly staff30
- The orthodontist25
- Clear explanations13
- Great with kids11
- Scheduling & wait times9 / 2
- Gentle, comfortable care6
- Treatment results5
- Office & technology4
| Theme | Praise | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly staff | 30 | 0 |
| The orthodontist | 25 | 0 |
| Clear explanations | 13 | 0 |
| Great with kids | 11 | 0 |
| Scheduling & wait times | 9 | 2 |
| Gentle, comfortable care | 6 | 0 |
| Treatment results | 5 | 0 |
| Office & technology | 4 | 0 |
Recent reviews from Google
4.9
186 reviews
Blair Wessinger
a month ago
We have had such a wonderful experience with Tompkins Orthodontics! Between my husband David, myself, and our son Carter, we have been through both braces and Invisalign with their office, and every experience has been fantastic. The doctors are knowledgeable, caring, and always take the time to explain everything and make sure you feel comfortable. The entire staff is just as amazing—everyone is friendly, welcoming, helpful, and genuinely makes you feel like they care about you and your family. From the front desk to the clinical staff, we have consistently received the best service. We truly couldn’t recommend Tompkins Orthodontics enough!
Lee In South Carolina
a month ago
Everyone was very pleasant. Based on their demeanor, it appears that they enjoy working there. Clean environment.
Kita Lee
a month ago
I was very disappointed with my experience. The office knew well before my appointment that they did not accept my insurance, but no one informed me until the day of my appointment. As a result, I wasted my time, gas, and made an unnecessary trip rushing back to South Carolina. This could have easily been avoided with a simple phone call. They should notify patients as soon as they know there is an insurance issue so people don't waste their time and money traveling for an appointment they can't keep.
Jack Hanrahan
Edited a month ago
I had a great visit. They took a lot of time to adjust my appliance and get it fitted just right
Diana Thorne
2 months ago
My dental appliance for sleep apnea was adjusted, and I got a bite plate for morning use that is very helpful. Thanks to everyone- my sleep has improved significantly!
Questions about this practice
What orthodontic treatments does Tompkins Orthodontics offer?
Tompkins Orthodontics offers: Invisalign, Clear Aligners, Traditional Braces.
Does Tompkins Orthodontics offer free consultations?
Yes, Tompkins Orthodontics offers a free initial orthodontic consultation. Call (803) 738-9715 or book online to schedule.
Is Tompkins Orthodontics accepting new patients?
Tompkins Orthodontics is currently welcoming new patients in Columbia, SC. Call (803) 738-9715 or book online to schedule.
Where is Tompkins Orthodontics located?
Tompkins Orthodontics is located at 5250 Clemson Ave. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=778119539792006483&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for Tompkins Orthodontics?
Tompkins Orthodontics office hours: Mon 8:45 AM–5:00 PM, Tue Closed–Closed, Wed 8:45 AM–5:00 PM, Thu 8:45 AM–5:00 PM, Fri Closed–Closed, Sat Closed–Closed, Sun Closed–Closed.
Who are the orthodontists at Tompkins Orthodontics?
Tompkins Orthodontics is staffed by Tompkins, Dr. RICHARD SIMS TOMPKINS --. The practice is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and board-certified.
What is the patient rating for Tompkins Orthodontics?
Tompkins Orthodontics has a 4.9-star rating based on 186 patient reviews on Google.
How long has Tompkins Orthodontics been in practice?
Tompkins Orthodontics has been providing orthodontic care since 1963, serving the Columbia, SC community for over 63 years.
Research with AI
Accepting new patients
Est. 1963
Free Consultation
Weekend Hours
Online Booking Available
Accessibility & Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFC
Mon8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
TueClosed
Wed8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
FriClosed
SatClosed
SunClosed
- Google reviews synced
- SOURCED
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