If you’re searching for an orthodontist in Metairie, LA, you want more than straight teeth. You want someone who listens. A doctor who looks at your whole picture, not just your bite, and a team that makes every visit feel like you matter.
At Hamada Orthodontics on Metairie Road, Dr. Allison Hamada brings Columbia University-trained expertise and an airway-focused approach that most orthodontists in the Greater New Orleans area simply don’t offer.
A lot of our patients come in for braces or Invisalign and discover something they didn’t know to ask about, that their bite, breathing, and sleep are all connected. Whether you’re bringing in your child for a first evaluation, starting Invisalign as an adult, or exploring options for a teen, we’re here to help you make the right call on your timeline, with zero pressure.
Now accepting new patients in Metairie. Consultations are free and most appointments are available within the week.
What You’ll Learn on This Page
- What sets Hamada Orthodontics apart from other Metairie orthodontists
- What treatments we offer for kids, teens, and adults
- What your first visit looks like and what to expect
- How much braces and Invisalign cost in Metairie and how to make it affordable
- Why airway-focused orthodontics matters and what it means for your family
- Answers to the questions Metairie families ask us most
Why Families in Metairie Choose Dr. Hamada
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. You’re trusting someone with your smile, or your child’s, for the next year or two. Here’s what you should know about us before you call.
Trained at Columbia University
Dr. Allison Hamada completed her orthodontic residency at Columbia University, one of the top programs in the country. She trained on complex cases alongside leading researchers and brought that expertise back to Metairie. Only orthodontists, not general dentists, complete this level of specialty training.
An Approach That Goes Beyond Straight Teeth
Dr. Hamada practices airway-centric orthodontics, evaluating your bite with breathing, sleep, and jaw development in mind. A lot of our patients come in for braces or Invisalign and discover something they didn’t know to ask about. You benefit from having a doctor who looks at the full picture.
You See Dr. Hamada. Every Time.
Tired of walking in and seeing a face you don’t recognize? At Hamada Orthodontics, that doesn’t happen. Dr. Hamada sees every patient personally at every visit. No rotating associates, no being handed off. She knows your case, tracks your progress, and makes every clinical decision herself.
Same-Day Starts Available
Ready to move forward? We offer same-day starts for qualifying patients. Come in for your free consultation and leave with your treatment already underway — no need to schedule a separate appointment weeks later. Most appointments are available within the week.
Orthodontic Treatments We Offer in Metairie
We’re a full-service orthodontic practice. Whatever brought you here, we have options.
| Treatment | Best For | Visibility | Compliance Required | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Kids, teens, complex cases | Visible | None | 18 to 24 months |
| Invisalign | Adults, teens, mild to moderate cases | Nearly invisible | Wear 22 hrs/day | 12 to 18 months |
| Braces for Kids (Phase 1) | Ages 7–10, airway and growth concerns | Visible | None | 9 to 12 months |
| Palatal Expansion / MARPE | Narrow palates, breathing issues | Inside mouth | None | 6 to 12 months |
| TMJ and Airway Care | Jaw pain, grinding, snoring, sleep concerns | Varies | Varies | Discussed at consultation |
Metal Braces
Invisalign
Braces for Kids (Phase 1)
Palatal Expansion / MARPE
TMJ and Airway Care
Not sure which fits your situation? That’s exactly what the free consultation is for.
Braces
Traditional metal braces remain the most effective treatment for a wide range of orthodontic issues. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more precise than what most parents remember. They work around the clock, don’t require any compliance from patients, and handle complex cases better than any other option.
Invisalign
Invisalign in Metairie is one of our most popular treatments for adults and teens who want a more discreet experience. Clear, removable aligners that fit your lifestyle, no food restrictions, no wires, and nothing that changes how you look at work or in photos. Dr. Hamada will tell you honestly whether you’re a good candidate.
Braces for Kids
Early orthodontic evaluation can make a real difference, not just for how your child’s smile develops, but for how they breathe, sleep, and grow. Braces for kids in Metairie at our practice starts with a thorough look at airway, jaw development, and growth patterns, not just teeth.
Palatal Expansion / MARPE
For patients with narrow palates, kids and adults alike, expansion treatment can improve breathing, create room for erupting teeth, and address jaw structure before more complex problems develop. For adults, we offer MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), a non-surgical approach that wasn’t widely available until recently.
TMJ and Airway Care
Jaw pain, teeth grinding, snoring, mouth breathing. These aren’t separate problems. They often share the same root cause. Our TMJ and airway care approach connects the dots that other providers sometimes miss.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A lot of people put off calling an orthodontist because they’re not sure what they’re walking into. Here’s exactly what happens at Hamada Orthodontics in Metairie.
Warm Welcome
You’ll be greeted by our team and fill out a short health history. We’ll walk you through what to expect and make sure you feel at ease.
Exam with Dr. Hamada
Dr. Hamada personally reviews your teeth, bite, jaw alignment, and any airway or breathing concerns. Digital scans are handled in-house if needed.
Your Personalized Plan
Dr. Hamada walks you through her findings, explains your options clearly, and gives you a realistic timeline for your specific situation.
Financial Review
We go over costs, verify your insurance coverage, and review payment options — so you leave knowing your exact out-of-pocket costs before committing.
Ready to start the same day? We offer same-day starts for qualifying patients. Come in for your consultation and leave with your treatment already underway.
“Dr. Hamada is the best. She found things no one else had noticed, and the whole team made us feel like family every single visit.” — Nancy Barlow, Hamada Orthodontics patient
How Much Does an Orthodontist Cost in Metairie?
It’s the first question most people have, and a fair one. Orthodontic treatment is a real investment, and you deserve a straight answer.
Costs vary based on the type of treatment, the complexity of your case, and how long treatment takes. As a general range for the Greater New Orleans area:
- Metal braces: $3,000 to $7,000
- Invisalign: $4,000 to $7,000
- Early treatment (Phase 1): $2,000 to $4,000
We accept most major dental insurance plans, and our team verifies your coverage before treatment begins so you know your exact out-of-pocket costs before you commit to anything. No surprises.
If you don’t have orthodontic insurance, or your plan doesn’t cover everything, we offer flexible monthly payment plans to make treatment accessible for families across Jefferson Parish and beyond.
We’ll go over all of this at your free consultation so you can make a fully informed decision before committing to anything.
Is Your Child Showing Signs of an Airway Issue?
Most parents don’t connect these symptoms to orthodontics. Dr. Hamada does.
Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
May indicate: Narrow airway or restricted nasal passage
Mouth breathing during the day or night
May indicate: Airway obstruction or narrow palate
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
May indicate: Airway stress response during sleep
Dark circles under the eyes
May indicate: Poor sleep quality linked to breathing
Restless sleep or trouble staying asleep
May indicate: Interrupted breathing cycles
Crowded or narrow jaw
May indicate: Insufficient space affecting airway development
Difficulty focusing or behavioral concerns
May indicate: Sleep deprivation from poor nighttime breathing
Something Most Orthodontists Don’t Talk About
When parents first come to see us, they’re usually looking for one thing: straight teeth. And we absolutely deliver that.
But Dr. Hamada often sees something else that gets overlooked. She knows what to look for because she lived it herself. Her daughter Sophia had airway issues that went undetected through routine dental care. That experience is a big part of why Dr. Hamada practices the way she does, and why she looks further than most orthodontists think to look.
So when she sees something in your child that doesn’t add up, she says something. A child who snores. A kid who always seems tired or struggles to focus in school. A teen with chronic jaw pain. An adult who wakes up with headaches.
These aren’t just dental quirks. They’re signs that the airway, jaw, or breathing may be involved. And they’re often very treatable, especially when caught early.
“We came in for braces for my daughter. What we didn’t expect was to find out her breathing issues were connected. Dr. Hamada caught it. Our whole family’s sleep is different now.” — Tara Hayman, Hamada Orthodontics patient
We’re not saying every patient has an airway issue. Most come in for straightforward treatment and that’s exactly what they get. But when something more is going on, you want a doctor who recognizes it.
If your child snores, mouth breathes, grinds their teeth, or just never seems well-rested, learn more about what we look for and consider scheduling an evaluation sooner rather than later.
Real Patient Results
Straight teeth. Better breathing. Healthier smiles. See what treatment at Hamada Orthodontics looks like in real life.
Metairie Families Trust Hamada Orthodontics
I’ve recommended Dr. Hamada to every parent I know. She’s thorough, she’s kind, and the results speak for themselves.
I’m an ENT physician and I refer patients to Dr. Hamada specifically because of her airway-focused approach. She is the real deal.
We came in for braces for my daughter. What we didn’t expect was to find out her breathing issues were connected. Dr. Hamada caught it. Our whole family’s sleep is different now.
Serving Families Throughout Jefferson Parish and Beyond
Our Metairie office is conveniently located at 123 Metairie Rd, just minutes from Elmwood, River Ridge, Harahan, and Kenner. We see patients from across Jefferson Parish and the Greater New Orleans metro area, including families from Lakeview, Bucktown, Old Metairie, and surrounding neighborhoods. Many of our families come from nearby schools including Haynes Academy (just down Metairie Road), Metairie Park Country Day, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Francis Xavier.
We also have offices in Luling and Destrehan for families in St. Charles Parish.
Hamada Orthodontics | Metairie
123 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005
Phone: (985) 725-0509
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Free parking lot in front of the office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Metairie Orthodontic Office
What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist who does braces?
Orthodontists complete two to three additional years of specialized residency training after dental school, focused entirely on how teeth move and how jaws develop. General dentists can offer some orthodontic services, but an orthodontic specialist like Dr. Hamada has significantly more training and sees orthodontic cases exclusively. If you want a specialist overseeing your treatment, you want an orthodontist.
How do I know if my child needs to see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7, but symptoms matter more than age. If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, grinds their teeth, has crowded or crooked teeth, or struggles with sleep or focus, those are signs worth evaluating sooner. At Hamada Orthodontics, we look at airway development alongside dental alignment, so we catch things that might be missed at a routine dental appointment.
Is the consultation really free? What’s included?
Yes, your first visit is completely free. Dr. Hamada will do a full exam of your teeth, bite, and jaw. If X-rays or digital scans are needed, we’ll talk through that at your visit. You’ll leave with a clear picture of your treatment options, timeline, and costs, with no obligation to commit.
Do you accept dental insurance?
We accept most major dental insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins so you understand your coverage upfront. For patients without orthodontic insurance, or with a remaining balance after coverage, we offer flexible monthly payment plans to keep treatment accessible.
Will my child see Dr. Hamada at every appointment?
Yes. Dr. Hamada personally sees every patient at every visit. You’re not shuffled between associate doctors or managed primarily by assistants. That continuity means she knows exactly where your treatment stands and can catch anything that needs attention early.
What is airway-centric orthodontics and do I need it?
Airway-centric orthodontics means we evaluate how your bite and jaw development affect your ability to breathe, sleep, and function, not just how your teeth look. You don’t have to have a diagnosed breathing problem to benefit from this approach. Many patients come in for standard braces or Invisalign and find the airway perspective leads to better long-term results. For patients dealing with snoring, sleep apnea, TMJ issues, or kids with focus or behavioral concerns tied to poor sleep, it can make a real difference.
How long will treatment take?
Treatment time depends on your case. Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months. Early intervention for children is often shorter. Dr. Hamada will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation based on your specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Can adults get orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely, and more adults are choosing to than ever. Dr. Hamada treats patients of all ages. Adults often prefer Invisalign for its discreet look, but traditional or ceramic braces are available for cases that need them. For adults with narrow palates, we also offer MARPE, a non-surgical jaw expansion option that used to be available only for kids.