Creating confident smiles in Tustin, CA

Welcome to Buoyancy Orthodontics

Orthodontist in Tustin, CA

Get started now with

$249 Down payment
$249 per month!

Where Confident Smiles Begin

Inspired by Our Son. Built for Your Smile.

At Buoyancy Orthodontics, we treat every patient like family. The name “Buoyancy” is a personal tribute — a creative play on our son’s middle name and a daily reminder to uplift others with care, compassion, and integrity.

Using the latest orthodontic technology and a personalized approach inspired by Dr. Shi’s commitment to treating each patient like family, we ensure your smile journey is both comfortable and rewarding.

Experience the uplifting difference at our modern Tustin office, where creating beautiful smiles is just the beginning of the transformation we offer.

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Braces

Clear Aligners

Early Intervention

Retainers

State-of-the-art metal and ceramic braces offering reliable and effective treatment for all types of orthodontic concerns.

Modern low-profile brackets for maximum comfort
Ceramic (tooth-colored) brackets for a more subtle appearance
Customizable colored bands to express your personality
Ideal for complex bite corrections and alignment issues

Treatment time typically ranges from 18-24 months, with regular adjustments every 6-8 weeks.

Meet Dr. Christopher Y. Shi

Dr. Shi is a Board-Certified Orthodontist (Diplomate of the ABO), Ivy League graduate, and founder of Buoyancy Orthodontics. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his orthodontic residency back home in Atlanta, GA.

Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Shi was awarded merit-based scholarships at every stage of his education, including full scholarships for both college and dental school, and a merit scholarship during residency recognizing his academic excellence and leadership.

Before becoming an orthodontic specialist, he practiced general dentistry while supporting his wife, Theodora, through medical school at UC Irvine. That experience gave him a strong foundation in interdisciplinary care, allowing him to collaborate seamlessly with general dentists and specialists to deliver truly comprehensive treatment.

In addition to clinical care, Dr. Shi is actively involved in organized dentistry. He currently serves as an Alternate Delegate to the California Dental Association House of Delegates (2025–2026), representing the Orange County Dental Society and contributing to the future of dentistry in California.

Dr. Shi is honored to serve the community with clinical excellence and the same heart he brings to his own family.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. However, Dr. Shi welcomes patients of all ages, from children to adults. Early evaluation allows us to identify potential issues and determine the optimal time to begin treatment, though many children may not need immediate intervention.

How do I care for my braces or aligners?

We provide comprehensive care instructions and support throughout your treatment.
For braces, we’ll teach you:

Proper brushing and flossing techniques
Foods to avoid
How to handle minor issues

For Invisalign®, we’ll cover:

Daily wear and care routines
Cleaning procedures
Tracking your progress

Our team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your treatment journey.

How long will my orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment duration varies depending on your specific needs. During your consultation, Dr. Shi will provide an estimated timeline based on your individual case. Typically:

Most comprehensive treatments range from 18-24 months
Invisalign® treatment may take 6-18 months
Early intervention treatments usually last 6-12 months Regular appointments and following treatment instructions help ensure you complete treatment on schedule.

What can I expect during my first visit to Buoyancy Orthodontics?

Your first visit with Dr. Shi is complimentary and will take about 60 minutes. During this time, we’ll take digital images of your teeth and perform a thorough examination. Dr. Shi will personally review your concerns, discuss treatment options, and create a customized treatment plan. We’ll also review payment options and insurance coverage, ensuring you have all the information needed to begin your smile journey with confidence.

What types of payment and financing options do you offer?

We believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile and work hard to make treatment affordable. We offer:

Flexible monthly payment plans with no interest
Multiple family member discounts
Accept most major insurance plans
Offer various payment methods including HSA/FSA
Complimentary insurance benefit verification. Our treatment coordinator will work with you to create a financial plan that fits your budget.

We treat patients of all ages

We are here to support you at every step of your orthodontic journey, ensuring you have the best possible experience. We use the latest technology and provide a range of gentle, effective treatment options tailored to meet your unique needs, giving you the personalized care you deserve.

Kids

The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by around age seven. At Buoyancy Orthodontics, we offer free evaluations for kids ages 7 and up.

Teens

Orthodontic treatment today is a world away from what it used to be. With advanced braces and aligners, getting orthodontic care as a teenager is more convenient and comfortable than ever.

Adults

Adults are increasingly turning to orthodontists for comfortable and affordable treatment options. We’re proud to offer Invisalign and braces with flexible payment plans to make achieving your best smile easier than ever.

Our Reviews

What Our Patients Say

Check out what others have been saying about their 5-star experiences with us!

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Cho 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you need braces, go see Dr. Shi. I've recommended to friends and plan to send my kids once they're older. Category Assessment (Details below): Clinical skill - 5 Treatment quality - 5 Transparency - 5 Experience - 5 I was always on the fence about getting braces but finally decided to pull the trigger and am very happy I did. We even got done 6 months faster than he and the other practices quoted me. Not knowing much in terms of what to expect, Dr Shi took time to break things down, focused on my long-term bite health and stability, explained the reasoning and tradeoffs behind every recommendation, and accommodated my requests. I never felt rushed or disregarded. Attached is my before/after incase you were curious. He also fixed my tongue tie (on the house) which has also been amazing. I had a pretty bad case where I couldn't stick my tongue out more than 1-2cm's and now I've got a couple inches to work with.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy Pham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently took my daughter to Dr. Shi, and I couldn’t be more pleased with our experience. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and friendly. Dr. Shi was not only professional but also incredibly kind, making both my daughter and I feel at ease. He took the time to explain every step of the process in detail, ensuring we understood the treatment plan and what to expect. His thoroughness gave us confidence in the care my daughter would receive. Throughout the appointment, he was gentle with her, which made a significant difference in her comfort level. It’s clear that Dr. Shi genuinely cares about his patients. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise with a compassionate approach. Thank you, Dr. Shi for making this experience a positive one for us!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Nguyen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I resisted fixing my crooked teeth for years until I met Dr. Shi. He patiently answered my bombardment of questions and I didn’t feel pressured at all. He did a great job explaining the process and made me feel very comfortable with my decision. The office is very clean and the staff is so welcoming and friendly. I highly recommend Buoyancy Orthodontics!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shaunya B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Almost a year and two months ago I went into an establishment to get braces.  I was told by one dentist that I needed to wear braces for a year and a half to put two of my teeth that had ventured off on its own back in the correct place,  lol.  For a year the first dentist had them shifted closer, but still crooked. I was very unhappy at the process because it seemed a waste at every appt and unnecessary. That dentist ended up disappearing for whatever reason(thank God). So on my next appt entered my savior Dr. Shi, he came in like Superman and fixed my teeth in two months. I'm still upset that I wasted money and time on that OTHER "dentist".  My only regret is that Dr. Shi didn't come into my life sooner. One of few dentist that I've come across, that's serious about their craft and didn't come to play around. He got straight to business and corrected their mistake.  Dr. Shi will definitely get your teeth STRAIGHT.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brittany Haack 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks for coming out to the Tustin street fair and chili cook off and being a part of the community fun!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Infometrics Healthcare Consulting Group 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 Stars - Highly Recommended! I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Shi,  very professional, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable.  Dr. Shi took the time to explain each step of the treatment process and answered all my questions with patience and clarity. I’m thrilled with the results—my smile has never looked better! Braces off, GAP BE GONE ! If you're looking for a skilled dental provider - orthodontist who genuinely cares, book an appointment with Dr. Shi !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Martha Higareda 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great orthodontist! And very kind and professional staff.