'I absolutely love my job! For me, everyday at 'work' is a gift to be a part of a person 's journey to transform their smile and witness its life-changing effects. There 's so much I could say about my passion for orthodontics, but one aspect that I truly love are the relationships that I develop with my patients during the course of their orthodontic journey.
Dr. Gary Lau is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and care to you and your family in a friendly and caring environment. He is known to be warm and compassionate because he values each individual patient's concerns and approaches treatment as if you are family. It is the goal of Dr. Lau and San Carlos Orthodontics team to provide every patient with a fun, pleasant, and enjoyable experience.
Dr. Gary Lau is a board certified orthodontist - a significant step beyond the 2-3 years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. Dr. Lau attended the UCLA School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, orthodontic specialty certificate, and Masters in Oral Biology. Recognized for his skill, integrity, and leadership abilities, he was selected by his colleagues and faculty to serve as chief resident. Dr. Lau continues to support the UCLA School of Dentistry through donations and teaching.
I grew up in San Jose and have lived in the Bay Area my whole life. My passion for dentistry began in high school when I had braces. I enjoyed watching the assistants who worked on my teeth and helped me achieve the perfect smile. I earned my AA in dental assisting from San Jose Community College and have since worked over 20 years in the dental field. I enjoy orthodontics because I get to know the families that visit our office and get to witness our patients blossom into young men and women. I am happy to help give patients confidence as they achieve their perfect smiles.
What I love most about orthodontics is working with patients and seeing their transformation from the beginning to the end of treatment. Its a great feeling seeing how happy and confident patients become with their new smile.
I grew up in the Bay area and was raised in San Mateo. For the past 21 years I have called Half Moon Bay my home. I attended the College of San Mateo for dental assisting and have been in the field for 25 years. I have always enjoyed the medical field and decided to pursue orthodontics because I love the long term relationships we develop with our patients.
I was born and raised in Placerville, CA and moved to San Bruno when I was 18. I have been in orthodontics for over 13 years and absolutely love what I do. I have two kids who keep me busy every weekend with softball and baseball!
At San Carlos Orthodontics, we work hard to treat you and your family the same way we would like to be treated: with respect, professionalism, and sensitivity toward your needs. We understand your expectations, and we do everything we can to make sure that you have an exceptional experience at our practice.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 69 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestDavid
a year ago
Dr. Lau and his staff are simply the best. They are responsive, friendly, gentle, honest, and thorough. If Michelin Star rated Orthodontists then they would give Dr. Lau and his team the maximum number of stars.
Alex Kwok
2 years ago
Dr. Lau and his team were absolutely wonderful. I had Invisalign work done and I couldn't be happier with the results. Dr. Lau even helped fix issues that I didn't know I had, and I feel more confident with my smile. I would highly recommend him and his team.
Joe Revels
2 years ago
Dr. Lau is incredible. Very thorough and thoughtful in every way. He is answers all questions and doesn't rush you through appointments. Staff is very happy and engaging to everyone who walks through the door. A great place for all ages.
Miya Imazumi
2 years ago
San Carlos Orthodontics is amazing! I had braces 10+ years ago through another orthodontist, but after years of not wearing my retainer my teeth began to shift and treatment was needed. Choosing to get treatment through San Carlos Orthodontics was one of the best decisions I made during the pandemic because my teeth look beautiful! Dr. Lau and all of his staff are wonderful, making the drive from the South Bay to San Carlos well worth it. There was a time where I had lost a set of aligners (rookie mistake) and getting a replacement was so easy. I simply just sent them a text letting them know what happened, Dr. Lau gave me instructions on what set to wear in the mean time, and once the replacement was ready they mailed it to my home. So great! I highly recommend Dr. Lau's practice to anyone (kid or adult) seeking orthodontic treatment in the Bay Area :)
Natasa Vulovic
2 years ago
Dr. Lau is extremely thorough, focused on perfect results, and at the same time very friendly. He was always willing to take time to explain each step of the treatment and why it was necessary and what I could do to shorten the treatment time and get the best results. My teeth came out perfect. They look and feel great. And the office environment and staff are very friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Lau's office.
Rchayo
2 years ago
Dr. Lau and his staff are amazing! Would give them a 10 out of 10!
Lynn M
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr. Lau and his team for your next orthodontic treatment/procedure. Dr. Lau is particularly good with teens, and was so patient and kind with my middle school daughter. He always took the time to explain to me next steps and expectations; I really appreciate the communication during the two years my daughter had her braces. We could not be happier with the final result! Thank you, Dr. Lau and team!!
sandra schatz
2 years ago
As an older adult, I decided to do some corrective, but not full mouth, dental work and I chose Dr. Gary Lau. His staff is excellent along with the process. You know exactly what is needed, what and how they do it, and how much it will cost before any work is started. Dr. Lau is talented in his work, and an exceptionally kind and thoughtful man. I have finished my corrections now am in stabilization and feel appreciative for everyone who works here, along with Dr. Lau's expertise.
Jeremiah Banayat
2 years ago
An excellent experience. Dr. Lau and his staff provide wonderful service. They are kind, accommodating, and professional. The atmosphere within can be defined simply by the words relaxed and calm. They are efficient and diligent in their profession, telling you exactly what's happening and what can be done. If you are concerned about anything, they will do their best to address it. Getting braces in my late twenties was a interesting experience, but Dr. Lau and his staff were there to guide me and kept me informed at each point in the process, from putting them on, to taking them off two and a half years later. They advise you when you need it and support whatever decision you make. My only regret is that I can only give them 5 stars when they deserve much more.
Linda S
2 years ago
We had a fabulous experience with Dr. Gary Lau and San Carlos Orthodontics. He helped us navigate a rather complex situation with how my daughter's teeth were growing in, and he always took the time to talk with us, help us think through options, and ultimately provided exceptional care. The results are fantastic. We finished on the timeframe he projected, even through Covid which the office handled extremely responsibly. Both my daughter as the patient and us as parents felt well cared for all the way through. The office staff is responsive and flexible. Dr. Lau also evaluated our son and was a great partner in deciding not to pursue orthodontic treatment in his case. He is honest, thoughtful, caring and gets great results. We are happy to give him and the practice five stars - highly recommend!
Tony Dimaano
2 years ago
As a child, I had gone through wearing braces and eventually a retainer. Then as I progressed throughout adulthood, I stopped wearing the retainer. My teeth started getting crooked, so I consulted with Dr. Lau. I have been very satisfied with the orthodontic care he has provided. He is personable, attentive, and willing to educate me when I ask questions. Many thanks!
AJ
2 years ago
Dr. Lau and his staff were all very friendly and treatment progressed smoothly despite the covid restrictions. I chose to do Invisalign instead of traditional braces so the treatment was more expensive but Ann and Dr Lau accommodated us with a good financial plan. My checkups were thorough and relaxing as I conversed with the staff on how things are with the braces or school and such. Very happy with my excellent experience with San Carlos Orthodontics and loving my improved smile!
Jose Cardona
2 years ago
Amazing Dentist, took good care of me for 5 years before I left for the military. Really appreciate everything him and his team did, from the reminders to the reschedules when I was busy. If you want someone who knows his job extremely well Gary is the guy.
Mike Yao
2 years ago
This is a long overdue review for Dr. Lau and his fabulous team. My wife Xing was a patient with Dr Lau for almost 2 years. She is very satisfied with the result. Every time we visited, Dr Lau and the team explained in details about the progress. The automatic appointment reminder and check-in system is very convenient and thoughtful. Throughout the entire process, Dr Lau kept very clear communication with our dentist Eddy on coordinating the Invisalign adjustment toward making space for the tooth implant. We highly recommend Dr Lau to anyone who is looking for a caring and professional team. Best regards from Xing and Mike.
Sasha Ketchum
2 years ago
Dr. Lau, Lacy and the entire staff at San Carlos Orthodontics are beyond amazing. I completed a three year treatment plan with Dr. Lau: the results were perfect and the experience was somehow joyful and pleasant?! Yes, they can make you look forward to having braces! Throughout the three years, I never had to wait for my appointment! They are so punctual and efficient with scheduling; perfect for an adult like me going through braces. Any questions I had were always answered clearly and I was well informed on the treatment/progress. Everyone is so friendly and kind, I was in good hands and well taken care of. I highly recommend this office for your orthodontic needs :) My only complaint is that now my treatment is over so I don't get to visit!
paige clarke
2 years ago
Dr. Lau and all the staff were so friendly and helpful. My teeth look great, thank you!!
Joelle Pesce
3 years ago
Dr Lau and his team are not only very professional but also very nice. They make you feel confortable, my kids liked to go at his office. Results beyong what expected, by following all the advices during the process. The office is really clean, patients feel safe. We hope to find the same service where we are moving, but I have some doubts!
Phillip Lee
3 years ago
I went to Dr. Lau after my former orthodontist towards the end of my invisalign treatment went out of business and left me with no instructions on how to go about my treatment. From the outset, I knew Dr. Law was a pro, and he laid out my options for the remainder of my treatment. He was caring and thorough, and I felt taken care of (much different than what I had experienced at my former orthodontist's office). Thank you, Dr. Lau!
Laura Segervall
3 years ago
Dr. Lau is a patient, detail oriented, and a very kind and caring person -- all of the qualifications one wants in an orthodontist. I enjoyed each visit and the new smile he gave me.
Nadya Chuprina
3 years ago
I was a patient at San Carlos Orthopedics for my Invisalign treatment. My experience from the moment I walked into the office for the first time till the final checkup a couple of days ago has been excellent. Dr Lau and his entire team are incredibly professional, attentive, friendly, and accommodating. Appointments were always smooth and on time, I never felt rushed. The office is meticulously clean and organized. I am really happy with the results of the treatment, my teeth look great! I highly recommend Dr. Lau and his practice!
Load more