Meet Dr. Christopher Shi

Founder of Buoyancy Orthodontics | Ivy-League Graduate | Board-Certified Orthodontist | Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

Dr. Christopher Y. Shi is the founder and owner of Buoyancy Orthodontics, a practice named after his son. The name “Buoyancy” is a play on his son’s middle name, symbolizing the uplifting care and attention Dr. Shi brings to his patients, treating each one with the same dedication he shows his beloved son.

An Ivy League graduate, Dr. Shi earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) on a prestigious full merit scholarship through the highly selective National Health Service Corps program. Among a competitive class of peers, he was one of only two recipients of this distinguished scholarship.

Before becoming an ABO Board-Certified Orthodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Shi practiced as a general dentist while supporting his wife through her medical training. The couple later returned to Georgia, Dr. Shi’s home state, where he completed an intensive three-year orthodontic residency and welcomed their son, Matthew. During his residency, Dr. Shi earned a merit-based scholarship in recognition of his academic excellence, leadership, and integrity. He was invited to serve as a teaching assistant by the clinic director and was nominated by the program director to represent his program in a national orthodontic competition.

Dr. Shi’s extensive experience in all areas of dentistry before specializing in orthodontics makes him a trusted leader in interdisciplinary care. He is frequently sought out by both adult and pediatric dentists for his expertise in managing complex, collaborative cases. With over a decade of clinical experience in California, Dr. Shi continues to provide care that is thoughtful, individualized, and always centered on the patient.

In recognition of his dedication to the profession, Dr. Shi was appointed by the Orange County Dental Society to serve as an Alternate Delegate to the California Dental Association House of Delegates for the 2025–2026 term, representing the voice and interests of dental professionals across the state.

Dr. Shi and his wife, Theodora, a UCI-trained physician and fellow Ivy League graduate, have been happily married for over 12 years. Together, they’ve traveled to more than 100 cities around the world and now share their love of discovery with their son. They believe that experiencing different cultures is one of the greatest forms of education. Guided by that same spirit of exploration, learning, and connection, they strive to build a practice where every patient feels valued, heard, and uplifted.