Dr. Christine Esposito
Board-certified Orthodontist in Lexington, SC
Dr. Christine Esposito is a board-certified orthodontist bringing specialized orthodontic care to Sunset Children’s Dentistry’s exclusively pediatric practice. She chose orthodontics for the way it combines science, artistry, and clinical problem-solving — and for the opportunity to support the families in her community.
Dr. Esposito’s path to orthodontics began with a B.S. from Gettysburg College, followed by dental school at the University of Pennsylvania. Before specializing, she completed Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) with the U.S. Air Force and spent four years practicing as a general dentist all over the world— an experience that shaped the broad, patient-first perspective she brings to orthodontic care today. She went on to complete her orthodontic residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Esposito is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and was recently honored with the American Association of Orthodontists’ Thomas M. Graber Award for her master’s research project on bone-anchored maxillary protraction treatment.
Dr. Esposito has built her career around walking with children and teens through the many chapters of their orthodontic journey. She finds it a privilege to give each patient the gift of self-confidence through a healthy, beautiful smile, and she loves getting to know her patients as they grow — from a child’s first consult through the years of treatment that follow.
Her approach starts with comfort. Before any treatment begins, Dr. Esposito walks patients through each step of the process and encourages questions. She prioritizes patient and parent education, using the most up to date technology to guide families through treatment plans and objectives.
Outside the office, Dr. Esposito is married to her husband Calvin, an Air Force pilot, and they share their home with their golden retriever, Pippa. The couple — who are expecting their first child this fall — love spending time outdoors together, from hiking and skiing to camping and traveling. Dr. Esposito is also an avid runner and former college track and cross country athlete. She is an enthusiastic home cook and always on the hunt for the best pizza in Columbia.
Dr. Esposito is excited to bring orthodontic care to the patients at Sunset Children’s Dentistry and looks forward to meeting you!
Why Lexington Parents Choose Dr. Christine Esposito
When it comes to choosing a children’s orthodontist, Dr. Esposito stands out for keeping families genuinely involved in the process. She believes patient and parent education is essential to great outcomes, so she makes it a priority at every consult — walking through treatment plans and goals with visuals, written materials, and plenty of time for questions.
Our practice works to break down socioeconomic barriers for families throughout Lexington County. We intentionally design our scheduling paths and financial options to remain highly flexible, ensuring exceptional orthodontic care options are accessible to all backgrounds.
Key Differentiators:
- Comfort-first approach for anxious and first-time patients
- Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
- Actively involves parents in every step of treatment
- Focus on healthy, lasting smiles for growing kids and teens
- Welcoming, relationship-driven care
- Encourages questions and open communication throughout treatment
Parents appreciate that every treatment plan is explained thoroughly, every question is welcomed, and every child is treated with patience and encouragement.
Education & Training
- Gettysburg College – B.S., undergraduate studies
- University of Pennsylvania – D.M.D., dental school
- U.S. Air Force – Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD); four years practicing general dentistry
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Orthodontic residency
Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Professional Memberships
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Southern Society of Orthodontists
- South Carolina Dental Association
Professional Focus
- Pediatric & Adolescent Orthodontics
- Surgical & Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Comfort-First Care
Community Trust
- Board Certified, American Board of Orthodontics
- U.S. Air Force Veteran
- Thomas M. Graber Award Recipient
- Relationship-Based Care
Patient Experience
- Gentle Visits
- Clear Guidance
- Child-Centered Approach
Ongoing Commitment
- Healthy Habits for Life
- Supportive Care
- Long-Term Smile Health
Focusing in Gentle Children’s Orthodontic Care
The comprehensive orthodontic treatment provided by Dr. Esposito includes everything from your child’s first orthodontic evaluation to complete alignment treatment. She looks closely at your child’s growth patterns, bite development, and jaw structure to address concerns before they expand.
- Comprehensive Orthodontics – Full evaluation and treatment planning for a healthy, balanced smile
- Phase I (Early) Treatment – Used to intercept orthodontic problems detected early when there is a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This includes creating room for permanent teeth, correcting early bite problems and guiding jaw growth and development.
- Dentofacial Orthopedics – Guides jaw relationships and development during growth. Includes maxillary expansion appliances to widen the upper jaw as well as other growth appliances.
- Surgical Orthodontics – Coordinated care for more complex jaw and bite corrections
- Retainers – Protecting and maintaining results after active treatment ends
- Traditional Metal Braces – Reliable, effective treatment for a wide range of orthodontic needs
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign) – A discreet, removable option for qualifying teens
Every treatment plan is designed to support comfort, trust, and lasting oral health.
STEP 1
Warm Welcome
Relax in our sensory-friendly, colorful spaces equipped with interactive children’s distractions.
STEP 2
Gentle Evaluation
Every appointment step is designed carefully by Dr. Esposito to ensure children move strictly at their own pace.
STEP 3
Clear Guidance
We provide clear, honest visual proof of your child’s treatment progress with zero hidden clinical fees.
STEP 4
Positive Progress
Your sweet kids receive fun post-visit tokens to reinforce a happy, confident relationship with healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Christine Esposito
Straight teeth, planned by a specialist rather than a general dentist doing occasional ortho. Dr. Christine Esposito is board-certified, and she treats kids, teens, and adults in the office your family already knows — no second practice across town.
Full correction of both arches and the way the bite comes together. Most patients start between ages 11 and 15, once the permanent teeth are in, and finish in 18 to 30 months using braces, clear aligners, or a combination of the two.
A short, targeted first phase for children around ages 7 to 10. While the jaw is still growing we can create room, correct a crossbite, and often make the teenage round of treatment simpler — or unnecessary.
Palatal expanders and growth-guiding appliances that widen a narrow upper jaw before it fuses. A few months of treatment at nine can relieve crowding, correct a crossbite, and spare your child extractions later.
For the small number of patients whose jaws are mismatched beyond what braces can correct. We coordinate the plan directly with your oral surgeon — and we will tell you honestly when surgery is not needed.
The step that protects everything you just paid for. Custom clear, wire, and bonded retainers fitted the same day the braces come off, plus replacements for patients who finished treatment somewhere else.
Smaller and more comfortable than the ones you wore. Still the most reliable option for complex bites and usually the most affordable, with colored ties your child gets to pick at every visit.
Removable trays that almost nobody notices. Teens and adults can eat what they like and brush normally, with no metal in photos — as long as the trays stay in 20 to 22 hours a day.