Moving to Harrisonburg with kids? One of the first things parents ask on local Facebook groups is “Who’s the best family orthodontist in Harrisonburg?” We’re honored that our name, Giardina Orthodontics, keeps coming up in those conversations.
Dr. Julia Giardina is our Board-Certified family orthodontist who’s treated over 2,000 families throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
What makes families choose our orthodontic practice in Harrisonburg isn’t just our expertise – it’s Jerry our therapy dog, the ice cream truck surprises, and the fact that we actually remember your kid’s name even when we have hundreds of patients.
Voted Best Family Orthodontist in Harrisonburg | Board-Certified Excellence | Free Consultations | Therapy Dog Friendly | Same-Day Braces Available

Why Harrisonburg Families Choose One Family Orthodontist for Everyone
Here’s the thing about having multiple kids who need braces – driving to different offices, keeping track of different treatment plans, and dealing with different billing systems gets old fast.
At our practice, we provide orthodontic care in Harrisonburg for entire families. Your 8-year-old’s early treatment, your teenager’s Invisalign, and yes, even mom or dad’s clear braces – all handled by our family orthodontist team who knows your family’s history and preferences.
The practical benefits families tell us they love:
Real Convenience for Busy Parents
- One office for everyone – no more juggling multiple orthodontists
- Same day appointments when possible for siblings
- One insurance relationship to manage
- Appointments until 5pm Monday through Thursday
- Family discounts
Family Orthodontic Treatment Options in Harrisonburg
What We Actually Treat Kids Ages 6-10
- Early evaluations (recommended by age 7)
- Early intervention when needed with Phase 1 treatment
- Kids Club monitoring for kids who aren’t ready yet
Teenagers (11-18)
- Traditional braces (they can pick fun colors for school spirit)
- Invisalign for teens – complete with compliance tracking so parents know they’re actually wearing them
- Custom mouthguards for sports
Adults
- Invisalign and clear aligners for busy professionals
- Ceramic braces that blend with your teeth
Meet Dr. Julia Giardina – Our Family Orthodontist
Here’s what makes Dr. Giardina different as our family orthodontist: She’s one of only 60% of orthodontists who’ve earned Board Certification from the American Board of Orthodontics. That means she’s proven her expertise with actual case results, not just passed some tests.
But honestly? What families remember most about their orthodontic care with us is how Dr. Giardina makes their kids feel comfortable.
She’s contributed to research on kids’ sleep breathing issues, she knows every patient by name (even with hundreds of families), and she brings Jerry to work every day because she figured out that a therapy dog makes everything less scary.
Dr. Giardina’s background:
- Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
- Master of Science in Dentistry from VCU
- Specialized research in pediatric sleep apnea
- Senior Director, Virginia Association of Orthodontists
- Over 2,000 families treated in the Shenandoah Valley
Our Office Experience (Yes, It Actually Matters)
Look, nobody loves going to medical appointments. But families keep telling us their kids actually look forward to coming here. Here’s why:
- Jerry, our certified therapy dog – He’s not just cute, he’s trained to help anxious patients relax
- Surprise elements – Like the time we brought an ice cream truck for no reason except to make kids smile
- Our Spanish-speaking staff for our diverse Harrisonburg community
- Coffee for parents because waiting is more bearable with caffeine
- Modern technology – We use digital impressions instead of that awful goopy stuff
- Teens can sign themselves in – We help build independence while getting treatment
One Reddit user put it perfectly: “They create a laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.”
Comprehensive Treatment Options for Families
Traditional Metal Braces
Still the gold standard for complex cases. Today’s braces are smaller and more comfortable than what you probably remember from your own childhood.
Clear Treatment Options
- Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored brackets that blend with your smile
- Invisalign: Removable clear aligners (great for teens who actually remember to wear them)
Specialized Family Services
- Airway orthodontics for sleep breathing issues
- Crossbite treatment for proper bite alignment
- Sports dentistry with custom mouthguards
- Soft tissue laser procedures when needed
What Harrisonburg Families Say About Us
Humberto Lopez
“We had our first visit to Giardina Orthodontics and were blown away by the experience! The team made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. Jenny was super helpful and went above and beyond to make my boys feel comfortable. The office tour was a nice touch, and meeting Jerry—definitely a highlight! To top it all off, they even had an ice cream truck outside, and we got to grab a treat after the appointment—such a fun surprise! The care and attention they give to their patients is top-notch. Highly recommend this practice!”
Kristen Caton
“Giardina Orthodontics is a wonderful place! They have a sweet office mascot named Jerry. The office staff and environment is so welcoming. My teen feels very comfortable going in, signing herself in and taking care of all of this. Would highly recommend this place!”
Expensive_Cheetah_85
“Giardina Orthodontics hands down! Dr.G and her staff are wonderful. I’ve never felt so welcome and heard at any other establishment like I have at Giardina Ortho. Dr.G is very knowledgeable and very friendly, along with her amazing staff. Jerry the dog is also a huge hit!! I highly recommend, you won’t be disappointed!!”
Frenchtoastrevolutio
“100% giardina!! They have so many patients but know everyone by name. Everything great has already been said but here’s another vote for them!”
Top_Low7648
“I cannot recommend that office enough, all of her staff are great and a pleasure to be around. They’ve made a very daunting journey smooth and easy.”
Why Families Choose Us vs. Other Practices
When Reddit users ask “Who is the best orthodontist in Harrisonburg?” – Giardina Orthodontics consistently comes out on top. Here’s what sets us apart from other practices:
“Everything great has already been said but here’s another vote for them!” – Recent Reddit Review
Making Family Orthodontics Affordable
We believe every Harrisonburg family deserves beautiful smiles. That’s why we offer:
Flexible Payment Options
- Low down payment options available
- Interest-free payment plans tailored to your budget
- Family discounts for multiple children in treatment
- Insurance-friendly – we’re in-network with Delta Dental and file with all plans
Cost Transparency
- Free consultations with complete cost breakdown
- No hidden fees – all costs discussed upfront
- Maximize insurance benefits with our knowledgeable financial team
- HSA/FSA accepted for tax advantages
Learn more about affordable kids’ braces in Harrisonburg.
Advanced Technology for Better Family Care
Our investment in cutting-edge technology benefits your entire family:
- Digital X-rays with 90% less radiation than traditional methods
- iTero digital scanning – no more messy impressions
- 3D treatment planning to show results before treatment begins
- Same-day braces technology for immediate treatment start
Serving Families Throughout the Shenandoah Valley
Conveniently located in Harrisonburg, we proudly serve families from:
- Rockingham County: Bridgewater, Dayton, Broadway, Elkton, Timberville
- Augusta County: Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft
- Page County: Luray, Stanley, Shenandoah
- Surrounding areas: Massanutten, McGaheysville, Penn Laird, New Market
As the trusted family orthodontist for Rockingham County families, we understand the unique needs of our community and provide convenient, comprehensive care that busy families appreciate.
Orthodontic Care Near Harrisonburg Schools
Convenient for families with students at local schools throughout the area:
Harrisonburg City Schools
- Harrisonburg High School – Just 15 minutes from our office
- Thomas Harrison Middle School – 15 minutes away
- Keister Elementary – 10 minutes from treatment
- Smithland Elementary – 6 minutes from our practice
Rockingham County Schools
- Spotswood High School (Penn Laird) – 12 minutes east
- Turner Ashby High School (Bridgewater) – 20 minutes south
- Broadway High School – 23 minutes north
- East Rockingham High School (Elkton) – 18 minutes east
Private Schools
- Eastern Mennonite School – Just 15 minutes away
- Massanutten Military Academy – 40 minutes via I81
Perfect timing for after-school appointments! Many families schedule their orthodontic visits right after school pickup, making it easy to fit treatment into your busy schedule. Our flexible hours accommodate student schedules, sports practices, and family activities.
Many families travel from throughout the region because they want the best family orthodontist in the Shenandoah Valley.
What Parents Ask About Family Orthodontic Care in Harrisonburg
When should my kid first see an orthodontist?
Age 7 is the sweet spot. Not because they’ll definitely need treatment, but because that’s when we can spot issues early and actually do something about them before they get complicated.
How much does this actually cost?
Treatment typically ranges from affordable kids’ braces to more complex adult cases. We’re in-network with Delta Dental, offer 0% interest payment plans, and will tell you exactly what it costs upfront – no surprises at the end.
Do you take multiple kids at once?
Yes, and we offer family discounts when treating siblings. Many parents coordinate appointments so everyone gets seen the same day.
What if my kid plays sports?
We make custom mouthguards that work with braces. Turner Ashby Knights, Spotswood Trailblazers, and Broadway Gobblers all trust us to keep their players safe.
How often do we have to come in?
Usually every 6-8 weeks. Our appointments run on time, and we’re open until 5pm on weekdays to work around school schedules.
Is Dr. Giardina actually better than other orthodontists?
She’s Board-Certified, which less than half of orthodontists achieve. But honestly, families choose us because of how we treat people, not just teeth.
Schedule Your Family’s Orthodontic Journey
Ready to give your family the gift of beautiful, healthy smiles? Take the first step with a complimentary consultation at Giardina Orthodontics.
During your family consultation, you’ll receive:
- Comprehensive examination for each family member
- Digital X-rays and imaging when needed
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Complete cost breakdown and payment options
- Tour of our family-friendly facility
- Meet Jerry, our beloved therapy dog!
Contact Information
Giardina Orthodontics
2505-A Evelyn Byrd Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: (540) 433-8814
Office Hours:
- Monday: 8am – 5pm
- Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
- Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
- Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Three Easy Ways to Get Started:
- Call us: (540) 433-8814
- Visit our office for a walk-in consultation
- Request appointment online through our website
Don’t wait—book your family’s appointment now and start the journey to the smiles you’ve always wanted!
Are you looking for a family orthodontist near you in Harrisonburg, VA? Orthodontist Dr. Julia Giardina specializes in comprehensive orthodontic treatment for families, including early orthodontic treatment for children, orthodontic treatment for teens, and adult orthodontics with braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
When considering the cost of braces, the cost of clear aligners, and the time it takes to create beautiful smiles for your entire family, your choice of treatment provider matters.