For Dr. Chinyere Mbadiwe, orthodontics isn’t just about changing a person’s smile; it’s about changing their life. As partner-owner of the North OKC location of Dental Depot Orthodontics, Dr. Chinyere—who specializes in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics—leads an all-women team of dental assistants and office staff in providing comprehensive orthodontic and dental care services to patients throughout North Oklahoma City.
Dr. Chinyere set her sights on dentistry at a young age, when she noticed other children who were less confident in their smiles than she was in hers, but it was the shift to orthodontics specifically that truly sparked her passion.
“By focusing on alignment and movement, I can physically create a smile for someone,” says Dr. Chinyere, “and I just love that.”
Originally from Canada, Dr. Chinyere has lived all over North America in the past decade or so, from Toronto and Seattle to New York City and Washington D.C. While her training, education, travel, and experience have taken her across the country and around the world, Dr. Chinyere is proud to bring her leadership here to Oklahoma.
After receiving advanced dental degrees and certifications from two prestigious institutions—Howard University’s College of Dentistry, the fifth oldest dental school and one of only two Historically Black College and University (HBCU) dental schools in the U.S., and NYU Langone Hospital’s Dental Medicine Postdoctoral Residency program—Dr. Chinyere completed her Orthodontics Residency at St. Barnabas Hospital, a Level II Trauma Center in Bronx, New York, serving a highly diverse patient demographic with a high degree of dental need. This comprehensive 36-month program produces some of the top-performing orthodontic graduates in the nation, exposing residents to a full spectrum of treatment modalities, advanced technology, and digitally integrated workflows, all while providing them with both one-on-one training from experienced faculty members and opportunities to collaborate with other dental specialties.
Armed with top-tier training, extensive experience, and dual specialties in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, Dr. Chinyere can provide more comprehensive treatment options for her patients, addressing both tooth alignment and the underlying growth of the facial bones simultaneously for optimal function and aesthetics.
Orthodontics is primarily concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth or bite malocclusions using orthodontic appliances like braces or aligners. The appliances gradually move teeth into proper alignment to improve the function and appearance of your smile.
Dental orthopedics focuses on guiding the growth and development of the facial bones, especially during childhood when the bones of the jaw and face are still developing. Dentofacial orthopedic methods are typically used before orthodontic treatment, and can include appliances like expanders, headgear, or other functional devices to address imbalances in the size or position of the upper and lower jaws.
Combining these two areas of expertise gives Dr. Chinyere additional insight into the relationship between a patient’s teeth, jaws, and overall facial structure. Not only can she develop more effective treatment plans for patients of all ages by safely influencing both the teeth and the underlying jaw structure, but she is also uniquely qualified to see younger patients during the crucial growth and development phase. With earlier intervention, Dr. Chinyere can help guide facial growth into a better position, alleviating current problems, reducing the severity of misalignment issues, and even potentially preventing the need for more invasive or surgical treatment in the future. The result is better, more stable, and more predictable outcomes.
When it comes to orthodontics, Dr. Chinyere and Dental Depot Orthodontics offer an incomparable experience. Not only does Dental Depot provide a variety of options for orthodontic treatment and rank among the top 1% of Invisalign providers worldwide, but Dental Depot Orthodontics is also the #1 Invisalign provider in Oklahoma, successfully treating at least 400 patients every year. Dental Depot doctors also lead the state in implementing the best and most innovative orthodontic technology available, including the iTero 2 Intraoral Scanner for more precise 3D images, digital x-rays, and more streamlined treatment.
Moreover, with promotions like Invisalign Days, virtual orthodontic consultation capabilities, a variety of financing options and payment plans, and an available Smile Protection Assurance Plan to help replace lost or broken retainers, Dental Depot Orthodontics makes professional orthodontic treatment more affordable and more accessible for more Oklahomans.
These efforts are just part of Dental Depot’s commitment to delivering exceptional dental care at a commonsense price. That’s why, in addition to highly trained and experienced orthodontic specialists, Dental Depot patients also have access to a full range of comprehensive dental services all under one roof. By collaborating with general dentists on patient treatment plans and providing all the care patients need at every stage of life—and at the same convenient location—Dental Depot Orthodontics makes it easy for everyone in your family to achieve their healthiest smile at any age.
All of this means that, at Dental Depot, patients truly do become part of the fold, and Dr. Chinyere and her team make a particularly pointed effort to ensure their orthodontic patients feel right at home.
“We really try to create a fun, family environment here,” says Dr. Chinyere. “Seeing our orthodontic patients every 6-8 weeks allows us to really get to know them and their lives. We know them by name and we want them to look forward to coming to their appointments.”
Whether it’s encouraging patients to get comfortable during an adjustment appointment, connecting with patients over shared music interests or hobbies, or simply leaning into their uniquely feminine atmosphere, Dr. Chinyere and her team have fostered a collaborative, compassionate, and empathetic setting where quality care is personal.
“There’s a lot of laughter here,” Dr. Chinyere adds. “From kids who come in and love the train to our ortho assistants giggling in the back with patients, and just our general camaraderie and support of each other. This is a joyful place.”
The ortho assistants, staff, and Dr. Chinyere herself work hard to see things from their patients’ perspectives. They take time to explain each step of the process, help calm anxious patients, and prioritize efficient, personalized care—from ensuring Invisalign trays arrive on time to offering Spanish translation when needed.
Dr. Chinyere and her all-women team are proud to be changing the face of orthodontics, as well as dentistry more broadly. With a number of role models and mentors ranging from her mother and sister to high-profile women in sports, leadership, academia, and popular culture, Dr. Chinyere understands the importance of perspective.
“Women are quite capable of doing anything a man can do,” explains Dr. Chinyere. “Growing up, we just didn’t see a lot of female dentists. Seeing women as professionals and still living their authentic lives is impactful.”
Through mentorship, support, and an emphasis on self-care for her team, Dr. Chinyere pays forward the valuable wisdom she has gained, and it shows. From open communication and a positive work environment to cross-training on each other’s roles and encouraging team members to pursue advanced career goals, Dr. Chinyere and her team make Dental Depot Orthodontics—North OKC a place full of smiles for staff and patients alike.
Orthodontic treatment from Dental Depot Orthodontics of Oklahoma combines expert care, advanced technology, and patient-focused convenience to help you achieve your best smile. With multiple locations across the state, flexible scheduling, and free consultations with x-rays, getting started has never been easier.
Whether you’re considering traditional braces, Invisalign, or corrective treatment, our multidisciplinary team offers personalized plans tailored to your goals and cutting-edge tools like the iTero Element 2 scanner and digital imaging for more accurate, efficient results—all at an affordable, commonsense price. Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.