Dr. Michael Gardner, founder of Gardner Orthodontics located at 2161 S. HWY 160, Suite 1-3, has dedicated over two decades to creating beautiful smiles and strengthening community connections. Having practiced orthodontics for 23 years, Dr. Gardner’s journey began with inspiration from his father, a dentist who served the public in their small town. Watching his father interact with patients and make a tangible difference in their lives sparked Dr. Gardner’s desire to pursue a career in healthcare.
“I wasn’t dreaming of teeth at night,” Dr. Gardner recalls with a laugh, “but I loved seeing how my father helped people with things they couldn’t do themselves. Orthodontics gives me that same satisfaction—I get to help patients achieve better health while forming real, lasting connections with them.”
Dr. Gardner’s educational journey took him through some of the nation’s top institutions. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, before attending Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where he earned his dental degree. His desire to specialize in orthodontics led him to the University of Missouri, Kansas City, where he completed an additional two years of specialized training. The experience not only deepened his love for the field but also set the stage for the advanced, patient-focused care he is known for today.
Though Dr. Gardner’s career began in the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, his roots have always been in smaller communities. In a twist of fate, patients from Pahrump began making the drive to see him in Las Vegas, introducing him to a town he had never heard of. Intrigued by Pahrump’s small-town feel, similar to where he grew up, Dr. Gardner opened a satellite office to better serve the area.
“From the first day in Pahrump, it just felt right. I knew I needed this in my experience,” Dr. Gardner shares. “I’m from a small town, and Pahrump offered that sense of community I was missing. It felt like home.”
Since opening Gardner Orthodontics in Pahrump over a decade ago, Dr. Gardner has become a valued member of the community, offering advanced orthodontic care that rivals any big city practice. His services include traditional braces, Invisalign, and treatments for complex cases that sometimes require jaw surgery. He is particularly excited about how Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontics, allowing patients to benefit from nearly invisible treatments that are just as effective as braces.
“The technology with Invisalign has just been incredible,” says Dr. Gardner. “It’s made treatment easier, faster, and more comfortable for patients. For me, it’s been really exciting to be part of that evolution.”
One of the biggest advancements Dr. Gardner has seen during his career is the large shift toward clear aligner technology, specifically Invisalign. As he explains, the research and development behind this technology have made it possible to treat even complex cases that, years ago, would have required traditional braces or more invasive procedures.
“Invisalign has re-energized my love for orthodontics,” Dr. Gardner says. “We’re able to move teeth as effectively as with braces, and in some cases, even more efficiently. Plus, the experience for patients is better—less pain, fewer office visits, and improved hygiene.”
In addition to Invisalign, Dr. Gardner is excited about the improvements in digital scanning technology, which has replaced the need for uncomfortable impressions. “We use a digital scanner that gives us a perfect, 3D image of a patient’s teeth in just minutes,” he explains. “This allows us to be more precise in treatment planning, and patients appreciate not having to deal with the old, messy impression material.”
Despite these advancements, Dr. Gardner is quick to note that traditional braces still have their place, particularly for certain cases that require more intensive correction. In some instances, he even uses a hybrid approach, combining both braces and Invisalign to achieve the best possible results.
Dr. Gardner’s connection to Pahrump extends beyond his orthodontic practice. He is deeply invested in supporting local schools, sports teams, and community events. His practice has sponsored Pahrump Valley High School for over a decade, providing ongoing support to various teams and entities within the school. He also sponsors Little League teams and encourages his patients to stay active in extracurricular activities.
“I really believe in supporting the rising generation,” Dr. Gardner says. “Whether it’s athletics, theater, or music, I want kids to express themselves and be involved in things that make them feel proud of their accomplishments.”
One of the most common misconceptions Dr. Gardner encounters is the belief that orthodontic care is only for teenagers. He has seen a growing number of adults seeking treatment, thanks to advancements in discreet options like Invisalign. “We’re seeing adults of all ages come in to fix issues they’ve lived with for years,” he says. “It’s never too late to improve your smile or your bite.”
With Gardner Orthodontics now housed in a state-of-the-art facility that he helped design, Dr. Gardner is excited about the future of his practice and the growth of Pahrump. “This new office has been a dream come true. It’s designed exactly the way I want, with systems in place to make everything more efficient for patients,” he explains.
The expansion of his office also allowed Dr. Gardner to collaborate with Dr. Jensen, a pediatric dentist specialist with Smile Reef, further enhancing the services available in the community. “We’re separate entities, but I’m thrilled that we can offer specialized care in Pahrump, so families don’t have to drive to Las Vegas for these services,” he says.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gardner sees continued advancements in clear aligner technology and a growing focus on patient comfort and efficiency. “I’m always excited about what’s next in orthodontics, but at the end of the day, it’s about results that last. I’m more focused on the outcome than how fast we can get there.”
For Dr. Gardner, the true reward comes not just from creating beautiful smiles but from building lasting relationships with his patients and the community he serves. “What makes this so fulfilling is being able to provide top-tier orthodontic care while maintaining that personal, close-knit feeling you only find in smaller communities,” he says.
For more information about Gardner Orthodontics or to schedule a free consultation, visit Michael Gardner Orthodontics or call 📞 (775) 727-1900.
