Orthodontics on Google.Set up to be chosen.
Categories, services, attributes, photos and a year of posts for orthodontic practices. Category names checked against public copies of Google's list on Nov 1, 2026; confirm them in your profile's category picker.
The short answer
Updated
An orthodontic practice should choose Orthodontist as its primary category on Google Business Profile, with one profile for the practice and separate profiles only for public-facing orthodontists. Add Dentist or Pediatric dentist only if those dentists practise there. Show accessibility and current hours, avoid promotions about treatment in posts, and never reply in a way that confirms someone is a patient.
Your categories.Primary first.
The primary category tells Google what you mainly are. Secondary ones add the other work you do.
Primary
Orthodontist
It's the specialty category, found in the public copy of Google's list that includes dental categories.
Dentist
Use it when general dentists also see patients at the practice.
Pediatric dentist
Use it when a pediatric dentist practises there.
Cosmetic dentist
Use it when you offer cosmetic dental work beyond orthodontics.
Emergency dental service
Use it when you keep time for urgent appointments.
Skip it if you only handle orthodontic emergencies for existing patients.
Dental clinic
Use it when the practice is a multi-provider clinic.
Services to add.The way customers say them.
Orthodontic treatment
Free consultation, Metal braces, Ceramic braces, Clear aligners
Ongoing care
Retainers, Retainer replacement, Emergency bracket repair
Attributes.Small ticks, real answers.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Patients and clients who need step-free access check this before they book. Add the restroom and parking attributes too if they apply.
- Owner identity
- Google offers attributes such as Veteran-owned, Women-owned and Black-owned. Add only those that are true; they help customers who look for them.
- Small business
- Google defines a small business as one making less than $10 million a year, and franchises can't use it.
8 photos first.Real jobs, real people.
- 01The practice exterior with signage
- 02The reception and waiting area
- 03A treatment bay, clean and ready
- 04Each orthodontist's portrait for their practitioner profile
- 05The team together, with everyone's agreement
- 06A scanner or other equipment families ask about
- 07Accessible entrance and parking
- 08The street view showing where to park
A year of posts.One a week, by season.
Example posts to adapt. Write them from your own jobs and photos.
- January
- RetainersExample: Wearing your retainer as directed is what keeps teeth in place. Lost it? Call us.
- February
- Meet the teamExample: Meet our treatment coordinator, who answers questions about cost and insurance.
- March
- First check-upExample: The AAO recommends a child's first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.
- April
- Sports guardsExample: Spring sports with braces? A mouthguard protects teeth and brackets.
- May
- Practice newsExample: We've added evening consultations on [days].
- June
- Summer scheduleExample: Starting treatment over summer? Book consultations early.
- July
- Braces-friendly foodExample: Foods to avoid with braces: hard, sticky and chewy. And the ones that are fine.
- August
- Back to schoolExample: Back-to-school adjustments fill up fast. Book your next visit now.
- September
- AdultsExample: Braces aren't only for teens. Questions adults ask us most.
- October
- HalloweenExample: Treats and braces: skip the sticky and hard ones.
- November
- InsuranceExample: Some plans' orthodontic benefits reset at year end. Call us to check yours.
- December
- Holiday hoursExample: Our holiday hours are on this profile. For a broken wire while we're closed, call [after-hours line].
What gets profiles suspended.Avoid these.
- Adding keywords, towns or taglines to your business name. Google says it can lead to suspension.Google's guideline
- Giving one practitioner several profiles for different specialties. Google says a practitioner shouldn't have multiple profiles.Google's guideline
- Profiles for support staff. Google says only public-facing practitioners should have their own.Google's guideline
- Posting or replying with anything that identifies a patient or their care.Google's guideline
- Misleading health or medical claims in posts, descriptions or photos.Google's guideline
Questions people ask.Short answers.
Should we add Dentist as a secondary?
Only if general dentists see patients at the practice. Categories should describe the practice as it really is.
Should each orthodontist have a profile?
Public-facing orthodontists can, named with their own name only, alongside the practice profile.
Can we post braces specials?
We'd keep posts to education and news. Google restricts misleading health content, and offers invite the wrong comparison.
Sources
- Google: Guidelines for representing your business · checked Oct 31, 2026
- Google Business Profile Help: Edit your Business Profile · checked Oct 31, 2026
- Google Business Profile Help: Tips for business-specific photos · checked Oct 31, 2026
- Google Business Profile Help: Create and manage posts · checked Oct 31, 2026
By Shakhawat Ullah Badhon, Founder, Damex Digital. Published Nov 1, 2026, updated Nov 1, 2026.