Best Orthodontists in Lubbock, TX

Dr. Derid S. Ure, D.D.S, M.S.D., is a highly esteemed orthodontist who grew up in a small potato farming community in southeastern Idaho, where he learned the values of family, hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence. He is the second oldest of seven children and now has four of his own, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges parents face in balancing family and other demands.

Dr. Ure graduated at the top of his class from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, one of the top orthodontic schools in the country. He was a prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholar, the only dentist/orthodontist to receive this honor. He also received the Arthur A. Dugoni Deans Scholarship, was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon and Tau Kappa Omega Honor Societies, and was awarded the “Best Dental Skills Award” by his classmates.

He completed his specialty training in orthodontics and received his Master of Science in dentistry from the Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, where he was mentored by some of the most respected orthodontists in the world. Dr. Ure believes in the necessity of continuing education to provide state-of-the-art care, completing more than three times the required continuing education hours annually.

Dr. Ure is an active member of multiple professional organizations and is committed to offering the most advanced orthodontic care. He and his wife, Rachel, live in northwestern Lubbock with their five children and are deeply involved in their community.

Dr. Justin Sorensen is deeply committed to his patients and their families, forming personal and lasting relationships with each one. An empathetic and active listener, Dr. Sorensen treats his patients and team like family. His passion for creating beautiful smiles is evident through his incredible eye for detail and natural artistic ability.

Raised in southeastern Arizona, Dr. Sorensen served as a missionary in West Virginia after high school. Upon returning home, he worked as an electrician while pursuing art and architecture at Eastern Arizona College. His fascination with orthodontics began at age 24 when he received orthodontic treatment for the first time.

Dr. Sorensen graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology and received his dental training at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. During dental school, he earned numerous awards and scholarships for academic excellence, service contributions, and outstanding patient management, graduating at the top of his class and being inducted into the national dental honor society.

He completed his specialty training at Saint Louis University, renowned for its exceptional orthodontic residency program. Dr. Sorensen is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and continually seeks personal and professional improvement.

Outside the office, Dr. Sorensen enjoys spending time with his wife, Aubry, and their two children. His son, Stockton, who was diagnosed with non-verbal autism, has heightened his sensitivity to the needs and struggles of others. Dr. Sorensen also enjoys the outdoors, sports, good BBQ, music, and a fresh pair of sneakers.

Dr. James St. Clair is a native West Texan, graduating as salutatorian from Morton High School in 1989. He attended both Texas Tech University and McMurry University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. St. Clair earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, in 1997, graduating with honors. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Texas-Houston Dental Branch, where he received a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a Master of Science degree in 1999. He was awarded the prestigious Wick Alexander research award for his master’s thesis.

Passionate about teaching, Dr. St. Clair began teaching graduate orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics as an associate clinical professor at the University of Texas Dental School in Houston in 2003, a role he held for 14 years. His dedication to service extends beyond the office, actively participating in his church, community initiatives like the Texas Mission of Mercy, and educating elementary students in Lubbock and the surrounding areas about dental hygiene.

In 1999, Dr. St. Clair and his family moved to Lubbock to join the family practice. He and his wife, Shanna, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of three daughters, Madeleine, Emily, and Abigail. Outside of work, Dr. St. Clair is dedicated to his family, often found cheering on his children in their school activities, camping, hiking, fishing, golfing, hunting, or enjoying any outdoor activity together.

Dr. David Farnsworth is a dedicated orthodontist and a native of Arizona. After high school, he embarked on a two-year service mission to Puebla, Mexico, where he became fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Farnsworth attended Arizona State University, excelling in philosophy, Spanish, and biological sciences, graduating summa cum laude. He then pursued his dental education at the esteemed Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, where he received numerous accolades, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for Academic Achievements in Dentistry and membership in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Society.

Following his outstanding performance in dental school, Dr. Farnsworth continued his education at Baylor, completing his orthodontic residency. He conducted cutting-edge research, earning his M.S. in Oral Biology and his orthodontic certificate. His research has been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field of orthodontics.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Farnsworth enjoys camping, waterskiing, and reading. However, his greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his wife and their four children. Dr. Farnsworth’s dedication to both his family and his patients reflects his commitment to excellence in all aspects of life.

Dr. Ed Wentz attended Wheaton College, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He continued his education at Indiana University, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery credentials, and then completed his orthodontic residency at Louisiana State University, specializing in orthodontics.

Dr. Wentz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and has served as the President of the Texas Association of Orthodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, American College of Dentists, and Texas Dental Association. Additionally, he has held leadership roles as the past president of the LSU Orthodontic Alumni Association, past director of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, and past president of the South Plains District Dental Society. Dr. Wentz has also lectured on a national level.

In his spare time, Dr. Wentz loves to be with his family. He married Dr. Lisa Wentz in 1986, and they have four fantastic children: Garrett, Parker, Tucker, and Breklyn. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, running, waterskiing, and snow skiing.

Dr. Tanner Cook grew up in the small town of Meers, OK. Drawn to orthodontics for its unique blend of science and art, Dr. Cook is passionate about helping people become their best selves. Specializing in treating adolescents, he aims to make a positive impact on their lives during a transformative period.

Dr. Cook attended the University of Oklahoma for his undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry. He continued at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Dentistry, where he obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Remaining in Oklahoma, he completed his orthodontic residency, receiving a Master of Science degree and Certificate of Orthodontics in 2014.

In 2014, Dr. Cook joined Harwell & Cook Orthodontics, attracted by the professional chemistry he felt with Dr. Harwell and their shared commitment to putting patients first. Together, they strive to help patients smile confidently and express their personalities.

Dr. Cook is dedicated to creating beautiful smiles and fostering self-confidence in his patients. His approach is patient-centered, focusing on individual needs and goals to achieve the best outcomes. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Cook enjoys connecting with his community and continuing his education to stay at the forefront of orthodontic advancements.

At Harwell & Cook Orthodontics, Dr. Cook’s goal is to ensure that every patient feels valued, heard, and supported throughout their orthodontic journey.

Dr. Claudio Caycedo, DDS, is a distinguished orthodontist based in Hobbs, New Mexico. Growing up with a passion for dental care, he pursued his education rigorously, ultimately specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Dr. Caycedo runs a state-of-the-art clinic at 111 W Clinton St, where he focuses on the supervision, guidance, and correction of dentofacial structures. His practice addresses conditions requiring teeth movement, correcting malrelationships, and malformations within the craniofacial complex.

Dr. Caycedo holds a primary license in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (DD2385) in New Mexico. As the owner of his clinic, he is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. His expertise lies in improving both functional and aesthetic aspects of oral health, ensuring patients achieve optimal outcomes.

Beyond his technical skills, Dr. Caycedo is known for his compassionate approach, building strong relationships with his patients. He believes in continuous education and staying abreast of the latest advancements in orthodontics to offer state-of-the-art treatments. His dedication to excellence is reflected in his clinic’s welcoming environment, designed to make every patient feel comfortable and valued.

Dr. Cometti is a highly experienced orthodontist dedicated to providing compassionate care and excellence. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biochemistry from Texas Tech University and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. After practicing general dentistry for a year, he completed his residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, earning a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

Dr. Cometti began his orthodontic career in Lubbock, Texas, and later moved to Gillette, Wyoming, where he practiced with Meyer and Dana Orthodontics. He and his family felt a strong connection to the community and eventually purchased the Wyoming portion of the practice, establishing Cometti Orthodontics.

Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Cometti is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, Wyoming Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Wyoming Dental Association, and Powder River Dental Association. He is passionate about early-stage orthodontic treatment and helping patients of all ages achieve the smiles they deserve.

Outside of the office, Dr. Cometti enjoys spending time with his wife, Casey, and their four children. They love outdoor adventures, exploring the mountains, and are active in their church and community. Dr. Cometti is committed to supporting local businesses and ministries, always seeking opportunities to invest in the people of Gillette.

Dr. Anthony Harwell is a dedicated orthodontist who was raised in Amarillo, Texas, and graduated from Amarillo High School in 1988. His journey in orthodontics began in his father’s practice, where he started helping as early as second grade. After 25 years of working alongside his father, Dr. Harwell took over the practice, continuing the legacy of kindhearted and dedicated patient care at Harwell & Cook Orthodontics.

Dr. Harwell attended Vanderbilt University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. He then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following this, he completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Texas – Houston Dental Branch, where he earned a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, as well as a Master of Science degree.

Dr. Harwell is committed to providing excellent orthodontic care, maintaining the patient-focused philosophy instilled by his father. He strives to create beautiful smiles while fostering a warm, welcoming environment for all his patients. His dedication to continuing education ensures that he stays at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, offering the latest and most effective treatments.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Harwell enjoys spending time with his family and being active in his community. His passion for orthodontics and his compassionate approach make him a trusted and respected figure in the field, dedicated to helping patients achieve their best smiles.

Dr. Stephen Sperry is an esteemed orthodontist with a rich background in dental education and practice. He graduated from Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry and was the valedictorian of his orthodontic residency at St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education. Before specializing in orthodontics, Dr. Sperry gained valuable experience working as a family dentist alongside his father. His career is decorated with numerous awards and several years of teaching experience in dental and orthodontic fields.

Dr. Sperry is deeply committed to giving back to the community. In 2006, he married his high school sweetheart, Anna, and they have two sons, Eli and Henry. The family enjoys cycling, participating in worship at their church, and leading small group studies. Dr. Sperry also appreciates Anna’s exceptional cooking.

Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Sperry is dedicated to providing the highest quality orthodontic care. His practice philosophy centers on building strong relationships with patients, understanding their unique needs, and delivering personalized treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Sperry’s passion for his work and his community involvement reflect his commitment to excellence both in and out of the office. He continues to stay updated with the latest advancements in orthodontics to ensure his patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. His combination of professional expertise and personal dedication makes Dr. Sperry a trusted and respected figure in the field of orthodontics.

Dr. C.C. Massey was raised in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico and feels gratified to be back in the area he calls home. He attended Abilene Christian University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2004. During his summers, Dr. Massey taught special education in Lubbock, instilling in him a deep love for serving others and the community. He pursued dentistry at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, graduating in the top four percent of his class. Dr. Massey then continued his specialty training in orthodontics at Baylor’s prestigious residency program, where he published three scientific research articles and earned the Harry Sicher Award for top clinical research in orthodontics in 2010. In February 2011, he became one of the youngest board-certified orthodontists after receiving Diplomate status from the American Board of Orthodontists, a distinction held by less than 30 percent of American orthodontists.

Upon completing his residency, Dr. Massey and his wife, Kimberly, moved to Lubbock to join the St. Clairs’ family practice in August 2010. His faith, family, and profession are the most important aspects of his life. Dr. Massey and Kimberly have been blessed with three sons, Austin, Colton, and Judson, and a daughter, Evelyn. They attend Redeemer Church in Lubbock, where they lead a gospel community group. Dr. Massey is committed to providing excellent orthodontic care and serving his community with dedication and compassion. His love for Lubbock and its people continues to inspire his professional journey and personal life.