As a child, Dr. Cottingham always thought she would pursue a career in the healthcare field, but it was ultimately orthodontics that grabbed her full attention. The results achieved through the orthodontic process are truly amazing, especially when it restores a person's confidence in his/her smile.
Today, Dr. Cottingham enjoys getting to know and helping all the wonderful families who visit her office. She strives to make every minute of the day enjoyable for her patients and staff with her warm and fun-loving personality. Dr. Cottingham is truly thankful to have one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, and she shares that enthusiasm and spirit with everyone she meets.
A strong foundation of education and professional experience is important to instill the confidence and trust of our patients. Originally a native of Alabama, Dr. Cottingham received her bachelor's degree in 1991 from Troy University, in Troy, Alabama. She achieved her doctor of dental medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1995, and practiced general dentistry for one year at the Veterans' Administration hospitals in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama.
In 1996, Dr. Cottingham moved to Indiana to work on her master's degree in orthodontics at Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. She achieved her master's degree in 1998 and resided as faculty until joining Clemons Orthodontics in 1999, working closely with Dr. Larry Clemons. Dr. Clemons retired in 2003 and Cottingham Orthodontics was born, with two offices on the west side of Indianapolis, one near 38th Street/I-465 and one in Avon, Indiana.
To provide our patients with state-of-the-art smiles and the latest treatment techniques, Dr. Cottingham is an active member of several local, regional and national dental and orthodontic organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, the Indiana Association of Orthodontists, the American and Indiana Dental Associations, and the Indianapolis District Dental Society. She exceeds the annual continuing education courses required by the profession.
Giving back to the community is one of Dr. Cottingham's passions. She donates time, money, and orthodontic services to Smiles Change Lives, Give Kids a Smile, and Donated Dental Services. Over the years, she has also granted several wishes for children of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. In addition, Dr. Cottingham supports many local philanthropic organizations, including Special Olympics of Indiana, Riley Hospital for Children, Sheltering Wings (Hendricks County domestic abuse shelter), United Way, Shop-with-a-Cop (providing school supplies for underprivileged children), and several community school, band, and sports programs.
Dr. Cottingham and her husband live in northwest Indianapolis. They enjoy traveling and food together, especially any opportunity to combine the two! Whenever possible, these native Southerners love to escape cold Indiana winters and trek to warm places such as Puerto Rico or Florida. The Cottingham 's also have a passion for music, performing occasionally in a 'garage band' with friends to raise money for charity. Dr. Cottingham loves to sing, so it is not uncommon for patients to get serenaded while in the orthodontic chair!
Our friendly experienced team is always caring and accommodating to our patients. If you or your family have been to our office in the past, you will certainly recognize the many familiar faces. Most of our staff have been with our office for over 15 years, some up to 35 years. They have seen multiple generations of families over the years, treating kids, parents, and grandparents. Their combined experience of over 95 years represents their commitment to our patients and to each other. You can be confident that those familiar faces will be there for you on your next visit. And you'll love the wonderful atmosphere they create, as they are always finding ways to make our patients happy and comfortable, while providing the highest level of service possible.
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance.
Dr. Cottingham loves her adult patients and solving the sometimes challenging orthodontic issues they may have. She especially enjoys working with a team of dental professionals, such as a restorative dentist, oral surgeon and/or periodontist to treat complex cases. You are never too old for braces Dr. Cottingham has many patients who are in their 50's, 60' and 70's.
The main difference between treating adults and children or teens is that the jawbones of younger patients are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may make orthognathic surgery necessary to align the jawbones. Other differences include:
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. Cottingham Orthodontics offers clear ceramic braces, and many of our patients tell us their family and friends didn't even notice the braces!
Adults often ask, 'Will my treatment take longer because I am older?' Most of the time the answer is 'No.' The majority of our adult patients are treated in the same time frame as our teenage patients. However, adults can certainly have other complicating factors that may extend treatment time or limit what can be accomplished. Sometimes in these situations, adults may choose to have limited vs. comprehensive treatment to address specific issues only.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 93 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestPatty Childress
a year ago
We had an excellent experience at Cottingham Orthodontics! Very kind staff, Dr. Cottingham was open with options that were best financially (AND didn't hesitate to ask my opinion and expectations), and my daughter left with an absolutely perfect smile. Wouldn't dream of going elsewhere with my other kids.
Arike Fasan
a year ago
Great service , great people, awesome experience!! Dr. Cottingham told me at the beginning of my braces journey that I will love the end result and she was right! If you are looking for an orthodontist in the avon and Indianapolis area, this is the place to go!
Frances Jazmine Manalo
a year ago
I was worried getting my braces as an adult but Dr. Cottingham and her team made me feel comfortable during the whole treatment. Dr. Cottingham was so personable and knowledgeable. She was very patient with me and answered all of my questions promptly. The staff were all so friendly. I definitely recommend this practice.
Nicole Stark
a year ago
You will never find a better Orthodontist than Dr. Cottingham. She and her staff are the most amazing people you will ever meet. Adults and children, alike, are treated as family and you will never feel like you don't matter. She is just as excited as you are to see your final results and they are with you every step of your journey! I came in with a mouthful of crooked and walked out with perfection. If you do not go with Cottingham, you shouldn't go at all!
Savannah Harvey
a year ago
Cottingham Orthodontics not only helped give me a beautiful smile, but also helped give me freedom from jaw pain by fixing my bite and teeth placement ! I am a college student who had to fly home for appointments, and they worked around my schedule so well and tried to work me in as best they could! They are a fun team who I would highly recommend to anyone looking for quality work and service!
Moriah Haile
2 years ago
My teeth look so good thank you Mrs. Cottingham we love you!!
noah michael
2 years ago
I got my braces off about 3 months ago. I just wanna say that cottingham and her employees are amazing! If I had any questions about anything related to my braces or teeth they knew how to help. I couldn't recommend a better ortho than cottingham. My teeth came out way more perfect than I thought they would. I can now smile with confidence and honesty I have smiled way more in the past 3 months than I have in forever, I am in love.
Ashley Dodson
2 years ago
My son had a bicycle accident two years ago and most of the damage was to his teeth and face. Today he got his braces off and you would never know the damage he had. Dr. Cottingham and her team are fantastic. They walked us through everything, answered all my questions, and took such great care of my son. I highly recommend them to anyone and I will be using them for my daughter when she needs braces.
tiffany burnett
2 years ago
My daughter had braces for 3 years Dr. Cottingham and her staff are amazing never had a problem! Thanks You
Lori Anderson
2 years ago
Thanks to 3 1/2 years of treatment with Dr. Cottingham, it feels good to smile--really smile--again. I am an older patient, and my treatment plan was complicated on several levels. Dr. Cottingham went above and beyond to find solutions that would work for us both. Two and a half years into my treatment, we needed to relocate to Texas. However, I very much wanted Dr. Cottingham to finish my treatment and so I began traveling back to Avon for my monthly appointments. This made the treatment plan even trickier; however, Dr. Cottingham was very conscious of the time and expense involved in my travel. She was amazing in her flexibility, and her staff was always very accommodating to my schedule. Several times I went in for what had been scheduled as a simple appointment, to end up being there for a couple of hours as she adjusted, removed, and replaced bands to get the best result. This past week, we were finally able to take my braces off. It hadn't been scheduled for that appointment; despite that, her staff stayed well into their lunch hour to get everything finished. The end result? My smile is now officially AMAZING, and I have stopped feeling self-conscious when I open my mouth to speak, smile, or cheer on my grandsons and granddaughters. Choosing Dr. Cottingham was one of the best choices I have ever made. She is very, VERY good at what she does, and her staff is uber-professional and friendly. I highly recommend Cottingham Orthodontics.
Kim Morris
2 years ago
Both daughters are happy! (Mom is too!) Two down, one to go!
Rock Ya-Sin
2 years ago
Great people, great experience, great results! Thank you Dr. Cottingham!!
Louise
2 years ago
Dr .Cottingham is a GREAT Orthodontics. The Dr.C and staff are all very professional and friendly. They put your dental concern first .I had braces put on my bottom teeth only. My concern was to straightened and tightened, my bottom teeth. Dr.C made it happen ,what a difference and let me say I'm a senior who would refer Dr.Cottingham to the world, Thank you so much for my beautiful smile.,you hooked me up. Grateful LJackson
Jeri Miller
2 years ago
Highly recommend I just got my braces off today at 26! Two years ago I decided to get my teeth fixed and it's been the best experience w braces I could hope for. Cottingham and her whole team are very sweet, down to earth ladies that take care of you. They're always honest with you about your best options and they know what they're doing! I can hardly believe how good my teeth look
Melanie Esamann
2 years ago
I've had 3 children here over the past 20 years and had a great experience everytime. Wonderful staff!
Taylorzvlogz
2 years ago
I went here for a Consultation and I was there for about 2 hours but they were so nice and made sure to check up on us pretty often. Amazing place. Totally recommend
Kelli Carter
2 years ago
Get your orthodontics at Cottingham's!! SERIOUSLY, not only is she such an amazing and bright woman, so are her staff! Just got my braces off today after 2 years and I feel fantastic!! Let me tell you, my teeth needed some serious care and they CARED! She has an office in Indy as well as Avon so it's pretty convenient for many and you just can't find a more caring set of people! I gave Cottingham a huge hug before I left as I'm so grateful! At almost 29 years old now, I had wanted braces all my life. They made my dream come true! Can't thank them enough!!!
Jaymie Carrico
2 years ago
Thank you, Dr. Karen Cottingham and her amazing staff for enhancing my son's smile back in 2016 and now recently mine in 2021! Dr. Cottingham took the extra time needed to correct my smile that previous rounds of braces, retainers and invisalign could not fix. As an adult patient I needed to endure a palate expander to truly correct my smile. Dr. Cottingham clearly explained, shared my X-ray pictures and models to help me understand what previous years of ortho torture could not properly execute. Dr. Cottingham and staff set clear expectations with my teenage son five years ago about the importance of retention and he still continuously wears his retainers nightly and still has a perfect smile to this day! If you are looking for a wonderful Orthodontist...look no further! Remember education and implementation is a two way street! Dr. Cottingham will help you achieve the smile you've dreamed of as long as you are willing to implement and know it's a lifetime commitment!
Jeri Miller
3 years ago
Highly recommend I just got my braces off today at 26! Two years ago I decided to get my teeth fixed and it's been the best experience w braces I could hope for. Cottingham and her whole team are very sweet, down to earth ladies that take care of you. They're always honest with you about your best options and they know what they're doing! I can hardly believe how good my teeth look
Jaymie Carrico
3 years ago
Thank you, Dr. Karen Cottingham and her amazing staff for enhancing my son's smile back in 2016 and now recently mine in 2021! Dr. Cottingham took the extra time needed to correct my smile that previous rounds of braces, retainers and invisalign could not fix. As an adult patient I needed to endure a palate expander to truly correct my smile. Dr. Cottingham clearly explained, shared my X-ray pictures and models to help me understand what previous years of ortho torture could not properly execute. Dr. Cottingham and staff set clear expectations with my teenage son five years ago about the importance of retention and he still continuously wears his retainers nightly and still has a perfect smile to this day! If you are looking for a wonderful Orthodontist...look no further! Remember education and implementation is a two way street! Dr. Cottingham will help you achieve the smile you've dreamed of as long as you are willing to implement and know it's a lifetime commitment!
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