Walking into an orthodontic office should feel reassuring, not overwhelming. A family-run practice offers a level of warmth and consistency that makes every visit more personal. Patients aren’t shuffled between different doctors or treated like just another appointment on the schedule. Instead, they see familiar faces, build real connections, and receive care from a team that takes the time to know them. When an office is built on strong relationships and a commitment to the community, the experience feels less like a routine check-up and more like a partnership in creating a healthier, more confident smile.

Robert Lynch, Chief Operating Officer of Clemente Orthodontics, shared why family values shape the heart of their practice. Founded by Dr. Michael Clemente and now run alongside his daughters, Clemente Orthodontics has spent decades serving families across New York and New Jersey. Our collaborative approach, patient-first mindset, and dedication to the local communities have made us a trusted name in orthodontic care.

What Does It Mean to Be a Family-Run Orthodontics Practice?

A family-run orthodontic practice brings a level of trust, consistency, and personal connection that’s hard to find in corporate settings. At Clemente Orthodontics, those values run deep. The practice was founded by Dr. Michael Clemente and is now led by him and his daughters, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Marissa, with the eldest daughter, Dr. Dani, soon joining the team. This multigenerational approach ensures that patients receive care from doctors who are personally invested in both their treatment and the long-term success of the practice.

Robert Lynch, Chief Operating Officer of Clemente Orthodontics, is not only responsible for managing operations—he’s also part of the family. Married to Dr. Nicole Clemente, he has a unique perspective on how a family-run practice impacts both patient care and business decisions. “The doctor that starts your case will finish your case. You go to some of these places, you’ll get five doctors during the course of your treatment. And orthodontics is as much art as it is science,” Lynch explained. Having the same doctor throughout treatment allows for a more tailored approach, ensuring that every patient achieves the signature broad and natural “Clemente Smile.”

Being family-owned also means the practice is built with long-term stability in mind. Decisions aren’t made to satisfy corporate quotas or shareholders—they’re made to improve patient care and strengthen the practice for future generations. “We make the decisions,” Lynch said. This ability to adapt and prioritize patient satisfaction over rigid policies is a defining characteristic of Clemente Orthodontics. “We don’t have to answer to a corporate structure. We don’t have to run everything lean and mean. We can make decisions that improve the patient experience, even if it’s not the most profitable route,” he added.

Having deep roots in the community also makes a difference. The Clemente team lives and works in the same neighborhoods as their patients. “We raise our children in the communities that we practice in. We’re out and about. You’re gonna see Dr. Nicole at the lacrosse field or the football field. You’re gonna see her at the grocery store,” Lynch said. These personal connections reinforce the trust that families place in the practice, knowing their orthodontists aren’t just doctors—they’re neighbors, parents, and active members of the community.

How Choosing a Family-Run Practice Enhances the Patient Experience

An orthodontic journey lasts months, sometimes years, making it important to receive care from a team that prioritizes both expertise and patient relationships. At a family-run practice like Clemente Orthodontics, patients see the same familiar faces at each visit, creating a more comfortable and personalized experience. The consistency of care ensures that treatment stays on track and is adjusted with a level of attention that can be harder to find in corporate offices.

Robert Lynch believes that the family structure directly impacts the patient experience. “Most of our team members have been with us for over 20 years,” he shared. “And the new ones are folding in nicely. They all build into the ethos of the place, which is that we do everything we can to make the experience as pleasant as possible.” The culture at Clemente Orthodontics is shaped by a team that stays engaged, builds lasting relationships with patients, and works together to ensure a welcoming environment.

That personal connection also means patients feel heard and supported throughout their treatment. Unlike corporate orthodontic offices where decisions are often made by upper management, Clemente Orthodontics has the flexibility to tailor treatment plans based on individual needs. “If a patient has a concern or isn’t happy with something, we can sit down and figure out a solution that works for them,” Lynch said. “We don’t have to check with some corporate office to see if we’re allowed to make adjustments. We just do what’s right for the patient.” This patient-first approach ensures that every person receives the level of attention they deserve.

Experience the Clemente Difference

At Clemente Orthodontics, patient care isn’t just about creating beautiful smiles—it’s about building relationships that last a lifetime. As a family-run practice, we bring a level of warmth, trust, and consistency that corporate offices can’t replicate. Every patient receives care from the same dedicated doctors throughout their treatment, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to their unique needs. With a deep commitment to quality and a hands-on approach, we treat each patient as part of our extended family, making every visit feel comfortable and familiar.

If you’re looking for an orthodontic practice that puts patients first and values long-term relationships, Clemente Orthodontics is here for you. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to see how we can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Contact us at New City: (845) 638-6646, Woodcliff Lake: (201) 484-0600, or Ridgewood: (201) 447-2888, or reach out through our contact form.