Why Us

We’re one of a kind.
Let us prove it to you.

Why Us?

From the moment you walk into our modern space, you’ll notice that our practice is one of a kind. You can get treatment from a dozen different doctors and get a dozen different results. Let's break it down why our skill level is second to none. Our practice is the local leader in innovative care.

This is all we do

We are all about orthodontic treatment and nothing else. Like any medical specialty, orthodontists dedicate years of study to just aligning your teeth, bite and airway.

Countless 5 star reviews

Decades of delighted patients and families . Dr. Shems and her team are adored and respected, and the love just keeps pouring in.

Lifetime board certified

Dr. Shems proudly holds the title of a lifetime board certified orthodontist. This accolade takes a total of ten additional years to achieve after completing residency. A distinction held by only ⅓ of orthodontists.

The very best in orthodontic innovation

Dr. Shems is dedicated to staying at the forefront of orthodontic innovation. With extensive experience, she seamlessly integrates advanced technology to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our office features a fully digital workflow and offers 3D-printed custom braces from LightForce, as well as aligners from Invisalign, the most trusted clear aligner system. We’re here to craft your perfect smile using the latest technology for more precise results and shorter treatment times.

Invisalign Is Just the Tool. Expertise Makes the Difference.

Providing Invisalign alone isn’t enough to achieve exceptional results. While Invisalign is a powerful tool, expertise is essential in designing a truly customized treatment plan. There is no substitute for experience and knowledge. Dr. Shems is an Invisalign expert, having completed the Invisalign Masters Program, advanced aligner fellowships, and lectured internationally on behalf of Invisalign. She continues to be recognized as a top-level Diamond Provider.

Our work family is adored!

Day in and day out, our team soaks up the love! Their goal is to bring some awesome to your day while delivering excellent care to you or your family. Can you believe together we have over 250 years of orthodontic experience!!! Unmatched.

Community

We’re all part of the same hometown fabric, and Dr. Shems is committed to doing her part. It’s an ongoing joy to support local sports teams, organizations, fundraisers, schools, and so much more. The possibilities are endless, we’re here to make a positive impact for our Southern Maine communities.

Giving Back

Being able to give back is an honor. We stand with those who protect and serve our community. Reduced fees are our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our local protectors, health care workers, military and teachers. It’s our privilege to take care of you.

Excellent
5.0
Natalie Flynn
8 hours ago
We came to Dr. Shems and her team to seek a 2nd opinion about orthodontic treatment for our daughter. We ended choosing her because never felt like it was a sales pitch, as was our previous experience elsewhere (hence, the 2nd opinion). Additionally, our daughter felt at ease with the staff which, when that happens, we know it's a good fit for her. We highly recommend Dr. Shems and her team for any orthodontic needs. And especially for a 2nd opinion!
sarrita alexis
1 day ago
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr.Shems & her whole team! From the beginning they have been beyond amazing. I could tell from my first consultation that she wanted to ensure I felt both heard and comfortable throughout the process. I can’t help but refer her to everyone I know. Making the decision to not only invest in my smile but to do so with Dr.Shems was the best decision I made when it comes to my smile & the confidence that comes with it.
elaine strauss
3 days ago
We’ve been going to Dr. Shems for over 5 years for all 4 of our children. We have been more than pleased with her time, care, and attention. She always has time for questions and is never rushed. Her staff is knowledgeable and personable. I highly recommend!
DANIELLE WILSON
4 days ago
Wonderful office! Cozy, clean, friendly and the staff has many years of experience that always puts my son at ease.
Response from the owner:Thank you Danielle! We love to hear your son is at ease in our office🥰
Becky Lyle
4 days ago
Michele and her team are wonderful! Great results and the team is always accommodating. Great experience for both Invisalign and standard braces.
Response from the owner:Becky, we have enjoyed caring for you and your sweet kids over the years. Thank you so much for your kind review😊
Jessica Verrill
4 weeks ago
Amazing practice! We did our research before selecting an orthodontist and Dr Shems has exceeded our expectations. They truly are the best!
Response from the owner:We are flattered😊 Thank you for the wonderful review!
Anna Child
1 month ago
Both of my daughters got early ortho care at Dr Shems and it has made SUCH a difference for their dental health and smile. They take such good care and have exceptional customer service!
Response from the owner:Thank you Anna! We really appreciate your kind review😊
Lisa Littlejohn
1 month ago
Amazing experience all around! Highly recommend! Professional, responsive, and above all else, incredibly friendly and comfortable!
Response from the owner:Thank you Lisa. We enjoyed your girls so much!
Kim Spaulding
1 month ago
Dr. Shems Shannon were amazing on our consult. Very knowledgeable, kind, considerate, and fun to be around. Can't wait to be with Dr. Shems team for my daughter's braces treatment. It's a very calming and fun atmosphere when you first walk through the door. ❤️
Response from the owner:Aww we love to hear that, thank you!
Marybeth Riley
2 months ago
Very welcoming and friendly office - my daughter had a great experience which will help immensely for future visits. Thank you!
Response from the owner:We love to hear that! Thank you for sharing.
Kim Tippie
2 months ago
We love Dr. Shems and everyone in the office! We now have three kids who have done all of their orthodontics and each time it was a wonderful experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Kim. We loved caring for your family!
cecily whiting
2 months ago
I’m very impressed by the creativity in the office rating room and in the examining rooms. There is a frozen Frost wall for kids to draw on while they wait and each of the overhead lights have eyelashes. It makes the experience that much more fun.
Response from the owner:Hahahaha Dr. Shems loves to make patients entire experience fun!
Kelly Clark
2 months ago
The most welcoming and fun office!! Dr. Shems and her team were so kind and came up with a great plan to help my daughter feel more confident in her smile.
Response from the owner:Thank you Kelly! I'm so happy to welcome your family into our office🥰
Seth Fox
2 months ago
We had such a great experience with Dr. Shems and Foreside Orthodontics. The entire team was friendly, professional, and genuinely caring. They made every visit around our schedule and took the time to explain each step of the process. You can really tell they care about their patients and helping everyone achieve a confident, beautiful smile. I would definitely recommend this office to anyone looking to improve their smile and have a great experience along the way.
Response from the owner:We are so grateful for your kind review!
Elise Furey
2 months ago
Dr. Shems and all the hygienists (special shoutout to Carolyn!) are so patient with my son, going above and beyond to make him feel comfortable during appointments. The office is very welcoming and everyone is so friendly, from the front desk to the sweetest office pup, Lola!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your awesome review Elise and I will be sure to let Carolyn know she is amazing!
Cassandra Rasmussen
2 months ago
How odd…my kids look forward to their orthodontist appointments, like enjoy going. The office is welcoming, modern, and clean, but the best part are the people who work there and Lola the service dog. As a parent, I feel confident my kids are getting the best care possible. I highly recommend Dr. Shems and the team.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review! We're so happy that you're so happy and thank you for trusting in us🥰
Bethany Nash
2 months ago
We just started our second kid with Dr Shems and her crew. They are kind, knowledgeable and accommodating. Everything about our experiences with invisilign and now Lightforce braces has been easy as it can be. Would recommend this practice to anyone with orthodontic needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review and sharing that you are happy with your experience!
Melanie Thomas
2 months ago
My son went to this office for Invisalign and they did a wonderful job. I’d like to personally thank the entire staff… from the front desk, to Dr. Shem and everyone in between. My son felt very comfortable coming into this office and so did this mama. Thank you for the wonderful care. Thank you for giving my son a wonderful, healthy smile.
Response from the owner:We are so happy to hear you both had a wonderful experience! Good luck at college😊
Kelley Holmes
3 months ago
Dr. Shems and her team have created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that put my autistic son immediately at ease. He needed a palate expander then braces. They accommodated his sensory issues with sensitivity and patience. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for allowing us to care for his orthodontic needs. We love your boy!
Chris Schiff
3 months ago
Dr. Shems and the amazing, skilled assistants at Foreside Orthodontics have made the process of finding my smile a truly happy experience! With them, I have been able to go from being nervous about dental work, to looking forward to my appointments. From the minute I first walked in the door, I knew that I was in good hands, and the results of their work are far better than I could have imagined!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Chris! Your smile looks amazing and you are always so kind and gracious so we appreciate you too!
Sarah Arredondo
3 months ago
Dr. Shems and her fabulous team have taken care of my entire family. She has shown genuine care and concern for each of us. I love knowing that we have invested in the health and beauty of our children’s’ smiles. Recommend wholeheartedly.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review Sarah. We have enjoyed caring for you and your family!
Becky Poland
3 months ago
I’ve been seeing Michele Shems for about a year now, and I’m amazed by the progress I’ve made. My teeth and overbite needed a lot of correction, and the improvement has been incredible. I couldn’t be happier with my results so far. On top of that, the entire staff is genuinely friendly, welcoming, and always makes every visit a great experience. I highly recommend this office!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your awesome review! We're so happy to hear you are having a great experience, that means a lot to us!
Robyn Belanger
3 months ago
Dr Shems has been an amazing choice for our son and his braces journey. Their knowledge, patience, and genuine care of our son has made us feel welcome and valued. So glad that we made our choice to be a part of their family.
Response from the owner:We're so grateful for your wonderful review and we love that you chose us too🥰
Sarah
3 months ago
My son has been seeing Dr. Shems for a few months now for a palate expander and eventually braces. We have been very happy with the office. They are kind, calm and very good at explaining when you ask a question. An added perk is the very sweet pup that happens to be there sometimes : )
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience. Our office pup Lola loves being in the office to see all of our patients, especially the kiddos!🐾
Raquel Kovar
3 months ago
Everyone at this office goes above and beyond! They truly care how each child feels and wants the best care for them. “This is a great office, I like that the doctors dog comes sometimes. The people that work here are nice” per my daughter. We’ve been extremely pleased with our experience here. All the staff is very welcoming, and informative. All the options are clearly explained. Overall very pleased.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review🐕🐾