Tap to connect directly with this practice
Board CertifiedAAO MemberAccepting new patients
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma
The Smart Orthodontic Group offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment including traditional braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign clear aligners for children, teens, and adults.
2302 S Union Ave B-14, Tacoma, WA 98405
4.9(48 reviews)
About The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma
Several children from the same family often complete treatment here over the years, with reviews noting Invisalign as an option alongside braces for different kids.
Reviews at this practice frequently describe families bringing multiple children through treatment over time, sometimes mixing braces and clear aligners for different kids in the same household. The front office and treatment coordination are described as warm and welcoming across many years of reviews, and the orthodontist is noted for easing anxious children and for using 3D animations to walk through treatment options. A number of reviews also mention adult corrections, including one extended case involving jaw surgery that patients say resulted in noticeably straighter, healthier teeth.
Summary of 37 patient reviews, June 2012–April 2025, updated September 2026
The Smart Orthodontic Group offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment including traditional braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign clear aligners for children, teens, and adults.
The practice features four board-certified orthodontists who utilize advanced digital imaging technology and stay current with the latest treatment modalities.
Treatments offered
Early TreatmentInvisalignSelf-Ligating BracesSurgical OrthodonticsTMJ TreatmentClear AlignersTraditional BracesRetainers
Who They Treat
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:
Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+
Technology & Equipment
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.
3D Digital Scanning
iTero/TRIOS
Orthodontists at this office
provider
headshot
headshot
Dr. Chad Smart, DDS
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Lead OrthodontistNPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot
headshot
Dr. Bianca Lau
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Accepting New Patients
provider
headshot
headshot
Dr. Kristy Merriman, DDS
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients20 yrs experience
provider
headshot
headshot
Dr. Vincent Kokich, DDS, MSD
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
Insurance accepted
2 plans listedCignaRenaissance Dental
If your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment, you may qualify for coverage. Patients should contact their insurance provider to determine extent of coverage.
What patients say
Latest review 7 months ago
What patients praise
- Families with more than one child in treatment describe returning to the practice repeatedly over the years for each kid.
- The orthodontist is described as skilled with both anxious children and complex adult corrections, using 3D animations to explain treatment stages.
- Reviews mention Invisalign and clear aligners as options alongside traditional braces, with payment plans available.
Who it suits
- Families with several kids needing treatment over time
- Adults seeking orthodontic correction
- Anxious or nervous patients
- Last 12 months
- 1 review
- averaging 5.0★
- Owner replies
- 50% of reviews
- Compared with Tacoma
- Higher rated than 74%
- of 17 practices we track
17
Oct 2023Sep 2026
| Oct 2023 | 4 |
|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | 0 |
| Dec 2023 | 0 |
| Jan 2024 | 0 |
| Feb 2024 | 0 |
| Mar 2024 | 0 |
| Apr 2024 | 0 |
| May 2024 | 2 |
| Jun 2024 | 17 |
| Jul 2024 | 2 |
| Aug 2024 | 0 |
| Sep 2024 | 0 |
| Oct 2024 | 0 |
| Nov 2024 | 0 |
| Dec 2024 | 0 |
| Jan 2025 | 0 |
| Feb 2025 | 0 |
| Mar 2025 | 0 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 |
| May 2025 | 0 |
| Jun 2025 | 0 |
| Jul 2025 | 0 |
| Aug 2025 | 0 |
| Sep 2025 | 0 |
| Oct 2025 | 0 |
| Nov 2025 | 0 |
| Dec 2025 | 0 |
| Jan 2026 | 0 |
| Feb 2026 | 0 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 |
| Apr 2026 | 0 |
| May 2026 | 0 |
| Jun 2026 | 0 |
| Jul 2026 | 0 |
| Aug 2026 | 0 |
| Sep 2026 | 0 |
- 5★47
- 4★0
- 3★0
- 2★1
- 1★0
- 20125.0
- 20154.0
- 20165.0
- 20175.0
- 20185.0
- 20195.0
- 20235.0
- 20245.0
- 20255.0
- 20265.0
1★5★
- Braces10
- Invisalign / clear aligners4
PraiseCriticism
- Friendly staff23
- The orthodontist13
- Great with kids9
- Treatment results8
- Scheduling & wait times5 / 1
- Clear explanations5
- Gentle, comfortable care4
- Cost, insurance & financing3 / 1
| Theme | Praise | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly staff | 23 | 0 |
| The orthodontist | 13 | 0 |
| Great with kids | 9 | 0 |
| Treatment results | 8 | 0 |
| Scheduling & wait times | 5 | 1 |
| Clear explanations | 5 | 0 |
| Gentle, comfortable care | 4 | 0 |
| Cost, insurance & financing | 3 | 1 |
Recent reviews from Google
4.9
48 reviews
Desert-Ray Borland
2 years ago
I've been going to the smart orthodontist for a few year and every visit is a really good one always! I enjoy coming here because the staff is always so friendly and kind. 😁
Robyn Martin
2 years ago
The Smart Orthodontic group has been a great experience so far. The scheduling is quick and easy. All of the staff are friendly and answers any questions we may have. We definitely would recommend this place.
Alicia Carter
2 years ago
Our family has been so impressed with Dr. Kokich and his staff. Dr. Kokich has a wonderful and patient bedside manner which relaxed and reassured my apprehensive elementary school-aged child. He took the time to review different treatment options and addressed our questions. His team is equally friendly, responsive and communicative. We highly recommend Dr. Kokich and look forward to his continued care and expertise.
Jessica Johnson
2 years ago
7 years and one extensive jaw surgery later and they are finally off!! Big thank you to Smart Orthodontics for taking care of me. Dr. Kokich and staff are by far the best in the tacoma area! If you are in need of ortho work i highly recommend!!
julie arnold
2 years ago
Dr. Kokich and staff are fantastic! From the minute you walk in the door, you are greeted warmly by the front desk then again Dr. Kokich’s team. Appoints run on time and questions are answered thoroughly! Highly recommended!
Questions about this practice
What orthodontic treatments does The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma offer?
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma offers: Early Treatment, Invisalign, Self-Ligating Braces, Surgical Orthodontics, TMJ Treatment, Clear Aligners, Traditional Braces, Retainers.
Does The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma accept dental insurance?
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma accepts Cigna, Renaissance Dental.
Does The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma offer free consultations?
Yes, The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma offers a free initial orthodontic consultation. Call (253) 752-3949 to schedule.
Is The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma accepting new patients?
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma is currently welcoming new patients in Tacoma, WA. Call (253) 752-3949 to schedule.
Where is The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma located?
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma is located at 2302 S Union Ave B-14. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=2204617784859801733&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma?
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma office hours: Mon 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Tue 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Wed 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Thu 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Fri 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sat Closed–Closed, Sun Closed–Closed.
Does The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma offer payment plans?
Yes, The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma offers flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment affordable.
Who are the orthodontists at The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma?
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma is staffed by Dr. Chad Smart, Dr. Bianca Lau, Dr. Kristy Merriman, Dr. Vincent Kokich. The practice is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and board-certified.
What is the patient rating for The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma?
The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma has a 4.9-star rating based on 48 patient reviews on Google.
Other The Smart Orthodontic Group Tacoma locations
Research with AI
Accepting new patients
Free Consultation
Payment Plans Available
Online Booking Available
Accessibility & Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFC
Mon7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tue7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wed7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
- Google reviews synced
- SOURCED
Claim your listing to update info, add photos, and respond to reviews. Claimed profiles are ad-free.
Are you the owner? Claim this listingNearby orthodontists in Tacoma
Within 1 miles
Propper Smiles Orthodontics
5.0 · (33) · Gig Harbor
✓ Board certified · Free consult
Douglas J. Knight Orthodontics
4.8 · (58) · Tacoma · 0.3 mi
✓ Board certified · AAO member
South Sound Dental Care
4.7 · (136) · Tacoma · 0.4 mi
✓ Free consult