A true Southern California native, Dr. Carlson was born and raised in Orange County. Unable to leave the sunshine, he stayed local, graduating Summa Cum Laude fromUCLAwith aDoctorate of Dental Surgery before continuing onand completing hisSpecialty Certificate in Orthodonticsand a Masters Degree in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, alsoatUCLA.
Dr. Carlson is passionate about life and orthodontics and he loves what he does! He believes that every individual seeking to improve their life through a smile transformation deserves a unique approach to treatment. An over-achiever and perfectionist, you can rest assured he will work tirelessly to give you the results you or your child deserve.
Because of his meticulous attention to detail, he was honored with the Best Case presented at the 2014 American Board of Orthodontics Examination. In 2016, Dr. Carlson published a Case Report in the prestigious American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO) that was later chosen as the 2017 Case Report of the Year by the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. His contributions to orthodontic research include furthering automated analysis of three-dimensional surface morphology in craniofacial structures.
Dr. Chuck is also a husband and proud father. He lives with his wife, Tara, daughter, Bradyn, and the worlds greatest dog, Kingston. In his free time, you might find him in the ocean, on a mountain, building something, or simply relaxing at the beach or pool. He is passionate about travel, food and meeting new people.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 54 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMichele Serhan
a year ago
Dr. Chuck and his team made this entire experience a breeze. My son looked forward to his appointments. Dr. Chuck's bedside manner was exceptional and he was able to explain every decision he made in terms that were easy to understand. We had total confidence in Dr. Chuck and his decisions. It's rare that you find both competence and personality but Dr. Chuck may have hung the moon in the entire family's opinion!
Walter Mitchell
2 years ago
My daughter completed treatment and has a beautiful smile! The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. They made the process easy. Dr. Chuck is attentive, skilled, and friendly. This is a wonderful practice and we are exceptionally pleased to have worked with the team!
Jonathan Lisizin
2 years ago
Dr. Carlson and Surf City Smiles Amazing Orthodontist, Amazing Team, Amazing Office! I went in for a consultation Feb 2020. Dr. Carlson and staff provided me with great advice on how to fix my smile, and it honestly changed my life. The comfortable consultation brought me to the conclusion on something I've been avoiding for a while. Upon analysis, we decided on full Invisalign treatment. In my case about 18 months. Dr. Carlson kept me up to date on the process throughout my ortho treatment. (I ask a lot of questions) After 18 months, things were looking awesome. We decided to add another 3 months of treatment to perfect my teeth, I couldn't be more happy and thankful for Dr. Chuck and the professional Surf City Smiles Team. Cheers to a life changing experience. Thank You Jon L
MICHELE BELL
2 years ago
Dr. Carlson is hands down one of the best orthodontists we've ever been to. Chuck is caring and very gently with the kids. My son is 12 years old has no problems even with his braces getting tightened. We would highly recommend him to anyone even thinking about getting braces. Thank you so much!!!
vyvy
2 years ago
Nine months going strong! I first received my braces in September 2021, start of Freshman year, and now towards the end, my teeth already look so different and I'm only halfway through! Dr. Carlson is super gentle and nice and he always makes sure that his patients are in comfort during their appointments. The workers at this place are also super sweet! They're all gentle and polite and I absolutely love coming back here. Safe to say my little brother will be coming back when he's ready for his braces Keep it up! Five stars well deserved.
Caryn Leingang
2 years ago
You can stop scrolling for a new orthodontist right now. Dr. Carlson and his staff are the best of the best! His level of patient care, knowledge and skills are beyond. From start to finish, he is there with you every step of the way, and it doesn't hurt that my kids love him! The office is gorgeous and inviting, and he has the newest technology to create the best smile for you! Check him out, you won't be disappointed!
Donna Bachoura
2 years ago
Dr. Carlson is the best! He was so kind and informative and my daughter had a really great experience with him. He was very caring during each appointment, took his time to explain everything and made her (and I) feel very comfortable with the entire process. The staff were also very caring and helpful. I definitely recommend Surf City Smiles!!
Kiannaa Sadge
2 years ago
Three words to describe my experience: Brilliance * Giving * Devotion I had a unique problem when I came to Dr. Carlson's Office for a consult. I had a nightmare Invisalign issue from another dentist that needed to be corrected. From the moment I entered the offices I felt my health and alignment were the priority. Dr. Carlson did not tell me what I wanted to hear, but what I needed to heal. He cares deeply about providing excellent results for each client. I trusted him and I am thrilled with my Ortho journey. Dr. Carlson a perfectionist of the best kind. His care and consideration was evident in every interaction. His clarity during my consultation left me hopeful and optimistic that I was in the right place. Every step of my ortho experience with Surf City Smiles and Dr. Carlon's staff was exceptional. They are thorough, detailed and customer care oriented. They go above and beyond any other medical facility I have visited. Keena, one of the Ortho Assistant's, is a beautiful example of a shinning star. She was gentle, caring, kind, and considerate at all times. She made all my adjustments painless (which speaks volumes of her skills). Tara Carlon and Kaylie Gordon are a great team and were available for all questions and issues I had along the way. Overall experience, 5 stars. I highly recommend anyone considering braces to go for it. You will not regret your choice to go with Surf City Smiles
Cassidy Tran
2 years ago
Surf City Smiles is an amazing place! I've only had a consultation with Dr. Carlson, but I already feel so thankful to have found this place. I walked in and it was super cute and cozy. They gave me a tour of everything and it was such a clean and beautiful office. Then I had my x-rays taken by Kaylee, who is so kind and caring. Kaylee was super helpful and energetic and made me feel really comfortable while taking the x-rays (which didn't hurt in any way). Then Kaylee asked what my concerns were with my teeth, and it's so nice that they ask you what you are concerned about. I can tell that everyone in this office is super genuine and compassionate. When Dr. Carlson came in to talk about my teeth, he was honest and I felt like he really cared about what I wanted and what was the best choice. This office is just so awesome and all the people there are too!
Todd Friedrich
2 years ago
I was so happy with the whole experience, we didn't shop around. My daughter has braces now.
Steven Atherton
2 years ago
Dr. Chuck and his staff are amazing! Kids love coming to their appointments. Massage chair and flat screens for patients are on the short list of highlights!
Melissa Ruiz
2 years ago
My experience at Surf City has been amazing i was previously a patient about a year ago with it being my third time getting braces. First 2 times i had been with a different orthodontist. My experience was good until I had my braces with Surf City. Dr. Carlson really set the bar high. His attention to detail showed thru his work. I didn't get my braces removed until my teeth were perfect. The staff is friendly and polite. My son was recommended braces by his dentist, they handed me a slip to go to their orthodontist but without hesitation I thought of Surf City. Scheduled his consultation and now he is a month in to treatment. His experience so far has been great i can already see an improvement. He was miserable the first 2 days, I had warned him the first week was the worst but after day 2 he felt better and was able to eat. Would definitely (and have) recommended their office to family and friends.
Tim C
2 years ago
Both my of my daughters have been patients here and it has been an absolutely fantastic experience. The office is beautiful, very cool and cutting edge. The entire staff have been nothing short of amazing. Our time with Dr. Carlson and his team has been exceptional. Thank you Surf City Smiles!
Oliver
2 years ago
What an awesome place! This is the most beautiful dental office I've ever been to!!! The staff and Dr. Carlson are amazing... friendly, and they answered all of my questions without hesitation! I would highly recommend Dr. Carlson and his team.
Jake Friedrich
3 years ago
Great place. My daughter got braces here. Professional, super service, clean and very close to me. Can't ask anything more except free service.
M. J.
3 years ago
First I would like to apologize because for the long review, but believe me it is not enough. FYI, I was looking for an Orthodontist for more than 3 years for my son. I won't even mention how many bad experience of first impressions with over than 5 Orthodontists. After researching and reading tons of reviews, we found Dr. Carlson, so we said let's give it a try.... Knowing there is a big chance he will be like the others.... So it's ok.... 1- Calling and customer service: Guess what ?!!! when I called ....someone answered the phone.... It was not an automated service or recorded message or one of these third party answering service.... Kaylie answered the phone....(OMG, I am talking to a live person from the first time....WOW) She was very very friendly over the phone and we booked a consultation appointment just like that.... pain free and we didn't have to wait for 3 months to be seen.... 2-Office Visit: I live in HB and the address wasn't that far...... so we parked there and I told my husband... uuh .... I bet this Doctor will be very expensive, can't you see the decor in this place. So as we entered, we were welcomed by name.... they know us by name and we didn't even meet yet. They took us in a quick tour, OMG ... you won't believe how clean the place is ....this doesn't look like an Ortho clinic at all.... The Decor is so chic and not only that.... once you walk in, you feel good energy in the air right away.... The place is a very very high tech and screens to watch your own movie if you are a patient or a massage chair if you are waiting as a parent.... Wow... what a service !!! 3-Dr. Carlson: So it was time for consultation..... Dr. Carlson came over and introduced himself, he was so professional, friendly and started talking to my son...... you can tell how good he is. After checking my son's teeth, he came and talked to us thoroughly and explained everything (how and how long the process will take), as we already know that our son's case is little difficult, you can tell how honest he is. It was an amazing consolation, we felt comfortable right away and the most important thing we trusted Dr. Carlson. You can really tell that Dr. Carlson is taking this profession more as a passion, not thinking how to get more and more money from our insurance and us like ALL the previous Orthodontists we have seen before. He really cares about the patient..... that's something is super rare to find nowadays ....... We did not hesitate at all and took the decision right there and we agreed to go with him....(never happened before). 4-Financial: My expectations that he will be super expensive, which turned out to be the opposite, they gave us a really good plan and worked with us, of course thanks to Kaylie.... She is an amazing friendly person. 5- Schedule: I can't thank Dr. Carlson enough for having this amazing schedule that help working parents. Can't thank him enough to stay late and work weekends....... Believe me, I have shopped and researched a lot of Orthodontists ...... NO ONE stays late or work Fridays or weekends.... 6-Fun: It is really fun for my son to go to DR. Carlson. On the consultation day, they brought him this big table full of CANDY.... They gave him a big bag to take all the candy he wants to eat before starting braces........ that was really a brilliant idea.... my son had so much fun....... It is all about the simple details...... Dr. Carlson again can't thank you enough for being our Orthodontist and will keep referring to you. You deserve 7 stars not only 5. Thank you
Todd Friedrich
3 years ago
I was so happy with the whole experience, we didn't shop around. My daughter has braces now.
Ashley Cline
3 years ago
Surf City Smiles is treating my son - who was 9 when he started - with Invisalign! My son was adamant about getting Invisalign and Dr. Carlson was surely an expertise at guiding us through the process with him being at such a young age. My son is almost done with treatment and his teeth look amazing. Dr. Carlson was very thorough and kept his treatment on track adjusting aligners along the way as needed. My daughter can't wait until it's her turn! ...also worth noting for parents curious, my son remained very compliant when it came to wearing and caring for his aligners!
Cassidy Tran
3 years ago
Surf City Smiles is an amazing place! I've only had a consultation with Dr. Carlson, but I already feel so thankful to have found this place. I walked in and it was super cute and cozy. They gave me a tour of everything and it was such a clean and beautiful office. Then I had my x-rays taken by Kaylee, who is so kind and caring. Kaylee was super helpful and energetic and made me feel really comfortable while taking the x-rays (which didn't hurt in any way). Then Kaylee asked what my concerns were with my teeth, and it's so nice that they ask you what you are concerned about. I can tell that everyone in this office is super genuine and compassionate. When Dr. Carlson came in to talk about my teeth, he was honest and I felt like he really cared about what I wanted and what was the best choice. This office is just so awesome and all the people there are too!
Kristin Shallahamer
3 years ago
Dr. Carlson is the best!! The staff is always so friendly and welcoming. So glad I chose to get my Invisalign at Surf City Smiles Beyond happy with how beautiful and straight my smile is
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