Your Dual Board-Certified Mentor Orthodontist
Dr. Ken Lawrence
Dr. Ken Lawrence has unmatched credentials in our area. He has built his career on delivering precise, ethical, and patient-centered orthodontic care, and he has extended his expertise beyond his practice by teaching orthodontists and dentists.
For more than three decades, he has combined clinical excellence with a warm, supportive approach that has earned the trust of families throughout Mentor and Northeast Ohio.
His work spans orthodontics, craniofacial care, and orofacial pain—fields in which he holds rare expertise and national distinction.
Education
- Case Western Reserve University — B.A. and D.D.S.
- Loyola University of Chicago — Orthodontics Residency
- University of Kentucky — Residency in Clinical Management of Temporomandibular Disorders & Related Orofacial Pain
Experience
- Over 30 years in private practice in Mentor
- The Craniofacial Orthodontist for The Cleveland Clinic; consultant staff in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Team
- Long-time Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
- Inventor of the patented OralEnlight™ illuminated retractor
- Over 80 patients selected by classmates as “Best Smile”
- Longest-standing orthodontic recipient on the Northern Ohio Top Dentists list
- Former Director, Orofacial Pain Clinic, Orthodontic Department at Case Western
- Former Director, Early Orthodontic Treatment Clinic, Case Western
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Board of Orofacial Pain — Board Certified Specialist
- American Board of Orthodontics — Board Certified Specialist
- Cleveland Clinic — The only Orthodontist on Staff
- Ohio Association of Orthodontists — Treasurer, 2025-2026
- Top Dentists — Annual Recipient, every year the list has been published
Philosophy
Dr. Lawrence prioritizes continuing education, and he continually researches and invests in the best and newest techniques, bracket systems, aligners, digital technology, and more.
Dr. Lawrence’s philosophy is to employ techniques that minimize the possibility of permanent tooth removal. These techniques must also maximize the aesthetics of the smile and face and the function of the teeth, jaws, and airway. He is adamant that if he would not use a particular appliance, apparatus, or treatment plan for his family, he will not use it for his patients.
Dr. Lawrence was one of the first orthodontists in the area to purchase a digital X-ray machine (in 2001!). It was an investment that he knew was the best choice for his patients’ health because the radiation delivery was so much lower than the traditional X-ray.
Patient-centered choices continue to guide Dr. Lawrence’s priorities. Our office uses digital scanning, advanced 3D digital X-rays, digitally enhanced treatment planning, custom brackets, and a remote monitoring system for aligner treatment.
Our goal is to provide the most advanced, safest, and most comfortable treatment for all patients. Technological advancements have improved treatment efficiency, reduced the number of patients’ office visits, and reduced overall treatment times, all while improving patient comfort!
Even after treatment ends, we’ve simplified the process of getting a replacement retainer. Rather than having you come to the office, we’ve partnered with RETAIN. A few taps on their app and a new retainer comes to your door a few days later!
Dr. Lawrence chose Mentor, OH, for his practice because of the community's strong family values. He built his practice from scratch, starting with one employee. Today, he proudly serves as a leader in the dental community and has mentored many orthodontists who now practice around the country and around the globe.
Dr. Lawrence maintains his philosophy of providing personalized, high-quality care for every patient. No two patients are the same (not even our patients who are twins or triplets!), and everyone deserves a treatment plan customized to them.
It is important to Dr. Lawrence that everyone is able to come in and enjoy the benefits of advanced technologies and our advanced level of care. To eliminate any financial obstacles to receiving the best care, we offer simple financing options that fit all budgets.
Dr. Lawrence enjoys creating beautiful smiles every day! He is grateful to his office family for their talent, commitment to our patients, and team spirit!
Outside of the Office
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Lawrence loves spending his time with his wife, Donna, and their two grown sons, Jake and Ben, who both had palate expanders!
Family remains at the center of his life and continues to inspire the care he provides to families throughout the Mentor community and beyond.
Dr. Lawrence also loves to cook and bake, and he makes birthday cakes from scratch for every staff member!