To meet Dr. Michael G. Willes (pronounced Willis) is to meet someone who truly loves what he does:both the daily challenge of achieving excellence in orthodontics, and the opportunity to interact with exceptional people his patients and staff each day. In all aspects of his life, Dr. Willes is a perfectionist who strives to excel in everything he undertakes.
A Southern California native, Dr. Willes established his practice in Carlsbad in 1996, and cant imagine living anywhere else or doing anything else for a career. His journey here included growing up in Fullerton, where he played high-school football and baseball, and was named football league MVP his senior year.
He went on to play baseball at Brigham Young University, where he was a two-time All-American and led the nation in home runs in 1987 and 1988. In addition to baseball, Dr. Willes took two years off during his undergraduate studies to serve an LDS mission to Paris, France.
After graduating with a pre-dental zoology major and French minor, Dr. Willes continued his education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry where he was on the deans list, had research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, and graduated with honors. Dr. Willes received his orthodontic specialty training at UCLA. While there, he put braces on himself to know what it felt like since he had never needed them as a kid: He wanted to be sure he understood what his patients would be experiencing.
Dr. Willes has earned the prestigious designation of lifetime Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He is also an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and the American and California Dental Associations. Dr. Willes is past president of the San Diego Academy of Orthodontists. As a dental student, he was named to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society all four years.
In his spare time, Dr. Willes enjoys spending time with his wife, four children and their families, as well as surfing, wakeboarding, riding his motorcycle, running (including three marathons), camping, playing rhythm guitar in a rock band, shaping his own surfboards, and reading. His wifeHeidialso appreciates his ability to repair just about anything and his willingness to tackle all her honey-do requests when hes not taking care of patients.
Carrie is usually the first person youll meet when you call or come into Willes Orthodontics. With more than 30 years of orthodontic experience both in the front office and as RDA, Carrie is qualified to help, whatever your needs. Even more important than her experience, though, is that she loves the chance to serve each patient and her warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine concern for others show through. Carrie explains, It is exciting to see patients smiles transform over the course of treatment, and it is rewarding to see how happy patients are with the end result! I enjoy the opportunity to get to know each patient and hear all the exciting things that happen in their lives during their treatment. She adds, Working for Dr. Willes is an honor. He is a great orthodontist!
Bria chose to work in orthodontics because of positive orthodontic memories from her youth, and now she wantsto make orthodontics great for others. Her goal is to help each patient feel comfortable, cared for, and have fun. As she explains, Ortho is definitely the most fun, enjoyable, rewarding specialty to work in. Getting to know each patient and helping them feel like family is one of my favorite things, especially knowing Ive helped change patients lives one smile at a time. Her experience here is completely opposite that of her youth: Working at Willes Orthodontics is awesome! The team is great, and I love how Dr. Willes is a perfectionist; he truly wants whats best for our patients!
Heidi loves being part of the Willes Orthodontic teamin a variety of supporting roles. As Dr. Willess wife, she utilizes her background in journalism and public relations to oversee the marketing aspects of the practice, like planning and running our fun patient and colleague activities, as well as managing oursocial media.She also does the bookkeepingand she can make a Costco run with the best of em! Her favorite part of being on the team, though, is the chance it gives herto associate with the incredible staff and patients that are Willes Orthodontics. As for the doctor himself, Heidi thinks hes the greatest! But, of course, shes biased. (Heidi also enjoyed taking the beach scene photos for our website.)
When there are so many orthodontic choices out there, Why Choose Willes Orthodontics? is an important question. And our best answer is because not only is Dr. Willes a highly trained, extremely experienced, board-certified orthodontic perfectionist, but because he LOVES what he does: He genuinely enjoys the challenge of providing the best treatment possible and making sure you have the healthiest, most perfect smile imaginable.
The whole Willes Ortho team strives to make the entire experience fun and give you a reason to smile with EVERY interaction. We hope you look forward to coming to our office, not only because you know you will receive amazing orthodontic care, but because you also know well be there to support and cheer you on and celebrate your successes, and even sympathize when things dont always go as hoped in daily life. We want to be your smile-makers in more ways than just straightening your teeth.
We also seek to always communicate clearly, answer all your questions, and address any concerns. Our goal is your complete comfort and trust ...and yourhealthy, beautiful smile.Soif youre not already part of our orthodontic family, we invite you to come get to know us. We would love to serve you in the future.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 73 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSurekha Woodrum
a year ago
When I visited Dr. Willes's office, I was scared and apprehensive about receiving braces at 30. After Dr. Willes reassured me during my consultation that he could address my troubles with my teeth and thoroughly went over my treatment plan, I immediately followed his advice. After a year and a half of him working his magic, I am proud to say that I am brace-free and ecstatic with my results and smile. I would like to say thank you to Dr. Willes, his team of wonderful assistants, and receptionist Carrie for making this experience nothing but fantastic and accommodating me with my schedule. You all truly made this process so much smoother for me. I highly recommend Willes Orthodontics!
Kevin Mclay
2 years ago
This place is awesome. The staff is amazing. Dr Willes is a super cool dude. Love you guys. Thanks for everything
Shilpa Jatin Patel
2 years ago
Dr.Willes is amazing. He always has a smile and he is very accommodating. All his staff members are equally friendly. I would definitely recommend him.
Jen Osmun
2 years ago
Wonderful staff! Complete confidence in doctor and all his assistants. Office staff is terrific too! Highly recommend
Melissa Moore
2 years ago
We absolutely adore everyone who works there! They treat their clients like family, and take such amazing care of our smiles! Couldn't ask for a better experience!
Linda Engstrom
2 years ago
Dr. Willes and his staff are absolutely the best! My daughter had her work done with him many years ago. When I wanted to align my teeth after noticing some crossover, my dentist recommended Dr. Willes and I was thrilled to return and thrilled with my result! Whether you or your children need orthodontic treatment, please see Dr. Willes and his fabulous team!
brandon abbott
2 years ago
I have had my braces on for 14 months and every visit has been extremely pleasant. The staff is welcoming and It really feels like Dr Willes cares about his work, which makes me feel very comfortable. I would recommend anyone come here.
Teresa Broadway
2 years ago
I'm not sure where to start. Dr. Willes removed my braces 2 weeks ago. I am so pleased with the results but, regardless of that this office is kind, caring and most of all genuine. You can't ask for more in an office staff or an Orthodontist, it truly shows in Dr. Willes's experience. I was recommended by a friend and I would refer every family member if I could. Don't hesitate going to this great office.
Michelle Aftimos
2 years ago
Absolutely amazing. My daughter had a brace come off the day before we were supposed to leave on a 3 month RV trip. Dr Willes came in on a SUNDAY to fix her braces so that we could still leave on Sunday as planned.
R W
2 years ago
I was on vacation from out of town. Had a band that broke on my braces. I called several places and this was the only place that was willing to help me out. Very impressed with their customer service. This speaks volumes to them as a whole in my opinion!
Louise Giblin
2 years ago
Willes Orthodontics is great. They go out of their way to make people feel informed and comfortable. My daughter had major mouth issues, and they have given her the gift of an amazing smile.
Liam B
3 years ago
Dr Willes and his staff are first rate! I have been a patient here for all my ortho treatments and can't say enough great things. My smile is now perfect, the care, generosity and expertise they gave was always outstanding, and I even referred a friend who is also very happy with their results. Thank you Dr Willes!
Mrs. Avery
3 years ago
All 3 of our kids have had their braces with Dr. Willes. He is kind, patient, gentle and thorough when he is working with the kids. The staff is very friendly and patient with all of us. We have a very busy schedule and they try to accommodate us always. We have had a few urgent situations with loose braces and wires and they have always helped us after hours. We are so grateful to go to Willes Orthodontics!!!!!
Diana Costello
3 years ago
It is no surprise Dr. Willes has a 5 star rating. As a dental hygienist on Carlsbad Dr. Willes has been the #1 referral of our for orthodontic work for many years due to his excellant care and genuine concern for his patients. He is the one I chose to do my orthodontics and that of my family, which says a lot since we hygienists are very picky(no pun intended;). We see and hear about everyone's work and in my 28 years of practicing in Carlsbad, I have never heard anything but rave reviews from patients and other dentists alike. He is trustworthy, kind, gentle and his work is exemplary.
Bennett Elias
3 years ago
Great people and Dr. Willes is fantastic. We have three kids going and couldn't be happier with the results and great care received.
Melissa Moore
3 years ago
We absolutely adore everyone who works there! They treat their clients like family, and take such amazing care of our smiles! Couldn't ask for a better experience!
Darrah Christel
3 years ago
I just moved to the area from Seattle. And was very nervous about finding a new ortho/dentist. I'd been going to mine for over 10 years back home. And I have to say, Dr. Wiles' office is quite possibly the nicest group of people I've ever met. Honest, real, genuine, kind. And incredibly smart in regards to my treatment plan. I'm excited to get my teeth back on track here.
Rebecca Finnegan
3 years ago
We love Dr. Willes - and the whole team! We always feel welcome when we visit. They pay attention to the small details - commenting on something you are wearing or how the kids have grown and changed and Dr. Willes always makes our daughter feel special and beautiful. We feel confident in his judgment and abilities and take readily accept his recommendations.
Linda Engstrom
3 years ago
Dr. Willes and his staff are absolutely the best! My daughter had her work done with him many years ago. When I wanted to align my teeth after noticing some crossover, my dentist recommended Dr. Willes and I was thrilled to return and thrilled with my result! Whether you or your children need orthodontic treatment, please see Dr. Willes and his fabulous team!
brandon abbott
3 years ago
I have had my braces on for 14 months and every visit has been extremely pleasant. The staff is welcoming and It really feels like Dr Willes cares about his work, which makes me feel very comfortable. I would recommend anyone come here.
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