Trusted Orthodontist Serving Derwood, MD

Searching for a trusted orthodontic specialist serving Derwood, MD? Minahan Orthodontics welcomes patients from Derwood at our nearby Olney office, where we provide individualized orthodontic care with braces and Invisalign for children, teens, and adults. Our practice is intentionally small and patient-focused, allowing for detailed treatment planning, clear communication, and efficient visits.

From your initial consultation, you’ll experience a thoughtful, detail-driven approach centered on long-term results and coordination with your general dentist or other specialists when appropriate.

  • Experienced Orthodontic Specialist: Dr. Lara Minahan brings more than 20 years of orthodontic experience and advanced specialty training.
  • Patient-Centered Practice: A smaller office setting supports personalized care and strong doctor-patient relationships.
  • Comprehensive Orthodontic Care: Treatment options are available for adults, teens, and early orthodontic needs.
  • Detail-Oriented Treatment Planning: Each plan is carefully designed and monitored for precision and stability.
  • On-Time, Respectful Scheduling: Appointments are managed efficiently to fit busy routines.
  • Serving Derwood Families: Many Derwood patients choose Minahan Orthodontics for attentive care just a short drive away.

Access for Derwood Families via Muncaster Mill Road and Georgia Avenue

Minahan Orthodontics is a popular choice for families in Derwood seeking specialized orthodontic care. Our office at 3423 Olney-Laytonsville Rd, Ste 3A is just a short drive away, offering a high-tech and welcoming environment for patients of all ages.

The trip from Derwood is fast and straightforward. Most patients find the most direct path is taking Muncaster Mill Road (Rt 115) east and turning left onto Georgia Avenue (Rt 97) heading north. Alternatively, taking the ICC (Rt 200) East to the Olney exit provides an even faster connection. Once you reach the main intersection in town, turn left onto Rt 108 (Olney-Laytonsville Road). Our two-story red brick building is just 250 feet ahead on your right.

You can find our driveway tucked just beyond the Jiffy Lube and before St. John’s Episcopal Church, directly across the street from the Olney Library. With plenty of free parking and a location that avoids the heavier traffic of the I-270 corridor, your visit is always efficient and stress-free.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Lara Minahan

Dr. Lara Minahan is a highly experienced orthodontic specialist known for her careful diagnostics, personalized treatment approach, and long-lasting outcomes. With more than 20 years of orthodontic practice, she provides thoughtful care for children, teens, and adults throughout Montgomery County.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Maryland, graduating with honors. Dr. Minahan remains committed to ongoing professional education and collaboration to ensure patients benefit from modern orthodontic techniques and technology.

  • Washingtonian Magazine Best Orthodontist honoree
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Maryland
  • Advanced research experience at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center
  • Member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, Maryland State Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Southern Maryland Dental Association, and World Federation of Orthodontists

Awards & Certifications

AAO Minahan Orthodontics in Olney, MD
ADA Minahan Orthodontics in Olney, MD
MASO Minahan Orthodontics in Olney, MD
Smiles change lives at Minahan Orthodontics in Olney, MD
Dental society Minahan Orthodontics in Olney, MD
Minahan Orthodontics in Olney, MD

What Financing and Insurance Options Do You Offer?

We strive to make orthodontic treatment affordable and straightforward for Derwood-area families at Minahan Orthodontics.

  • Braces starting around $2,000
  • Invisalign and clear aligners starting near $2,500
  • Flexible down payment options including partial or full payment
  • Monthly payments starting as low as $150
  • Interest-free financing with no hidden fees

Our practice works with most PPO orthodontic insurance plans and participates with Delta Dental, MetLife, and United Concordia. We guide patients through coverage details and claims to ensure a smooth financial experience.

What Orthodontic Services are Offered?

Minahan Orthodontics provides comprehensive orthodontic services designed to support comfort, efficiency, and long-term stability at every stage of life.

Metal & Clear Braces

Metal and clear braces use custom-applied orthodontic systems to correct spacing, rotation, and bite alignment over time.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign and Invisalign First move teeth through a planned series of clear aligners designed for flexibility and discretion.

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery supports orthodontic treatment by correcting skeletal imbalances that cannot be resolved with braces alone.

Early Orthodontics

Early orthodontic evaluations help identify developmental concerns and guide jaw and tooth growth as children mature.

Teen Orthodontics

Teen orthodontic care balances growth-related changes with structured treatment designed to stay on track.

Adult Orthodontics

Adult orthodontic treatment improves alignment and bite function while fitting comfortably into daily routines.

Before & After Gallery

See the Smile Transformations
Our orthodontic treatments create lasting changes that bring out confident smiles. Explore a few examples of how braces, Invisalign®, and other treatments have transformed our patients’ smiles over time.

Read What Our Happy Patients Have to Say!

Paula M.
1 month ago
You cannot go wrong by choosing Dr. Minahan. She and her team are caring, patient, and welcoming. They answer every question clearly and kindly. Best experience ever with an orthodontist (and we've had a few).
Emily H.
3 months ago
After two years of getting braces done with Dr. Minahan, I can confidently say that there is no better place to receive any orthodontic treatment! Her and Rhonda are truly two of the kindest people I’ve ever met. They do such an incredible job of making me feel so safe and comfortable for every visit! Both of them are so professional yet so fun to talk to! Dr. Minahan always made sure my braces felt good on my teeth with as little discomfort as possible. Rhonda always gave me such good advice and made me feel so good about myself! I’m incredibly pleased with my new smile and can’t wait to show it off!!!
Patricia P.
3 months ago
Minahan is a local favorite for many reasons. A few of the things I appreciate about Dr. Minahan are her ability to come from a place of compassion and empathy towards her patients, her perfectionism & her right hand & comrade, Rhonda. What a team! Every time I’ve entered the office, Im greeted with a smile & the most positive energy around. I’ve had two children successfully treated by Dr. Minahan & I just may be next to write my name on the wall 😉
Brad J.
5 months ago
Both of our daughters have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Minahan - she is incredibly kind, patient, professional and always takes whatever time is needed to make sure her patients are well taken care of. She also does an amazing job of making herself available outside of office hours when emergencies arise. Special shout-out to Ronda for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes with the utmost professionalism and kindness! We can’t say enough good things about our experience with Dr. Minahan and her office.
the P.
5 months ago
Minahan Orthodontics is amazing. The orthodontist and the receptionist are both super kind and helpful. My smile was not really the best before and now it looks just great, I’m very grateful for the work they did. Five stars easily, if I could give more I would!
Maggie S.
6 months ago
My personal experiences with Minahan Orthopedics and that of my family has been nothing but favorable.
Dr. Minahan is very professional with an eye for every small detail.
She carefully explains what she is going to do throughout the treatment plan.
The office environment is always warm and friendly, making each patient feel special and welcome.
I highly recommend Minahan Orthopedics!
Maree N.
7 months ago
I had the best experience with Dr Minahan and Rhonda at Minahan orthodontics. Dr Minahan’s exam, interview, imaging and explanation of options and services were incredibly thorough and effective and the whole experience (including having a procedure) was remarkably smooth and pleasant. Highly recommend this team and office!
Christy P.
7 months ago
Dr. Minahan is the most kind, patient and professional orthodontist. The entire experience is like having a boutique doctor. My son and I are both lucky enough to have been her patients. And, Rhonda compliments her so well. It has truly been our pleasure and we think of them every time we smile!
Brenda C.
8 months ago
I cannot rave enough about Minahan Orthodontist. Dr. Minahan has taken care of both my boys and had better than expected results. My youngest son is excited when he has to go in for an appointment and has always left with a smile. Dr. Minahan and her right hand, Ronda are truly incredible and care for each one of their patients. They go over and beyond each and every time.

Everytime we walk in, we are greeted by Ronda who is the most caring and loving woman. She always has the biggest smile and we can feel the sincerity and care for our family.

Dr. Minahan is extremely knowledgeable and provides all the information we need to make decisions on treatments. I trust her judgment and truly appreciate the patience she’s had with both my children and us. To anyone needing orthodontist care, I highly recommend Dr. Minahan!
The C.
9 months ago
Excellent experience with Dr Minahan’s practice! She was very organized, thoughtful, and accommodating and walked us through the whole process in detail. Rhonda in the front office was always helpful! This is the best medical practice and experience we’ve ever been through!

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients often have questions when considering orthodontic care beyond their immediate neighborhood. Below are answers to topics commonly discussed with Derwood-area patients.

An evaluation looks at tooth position, bite function, jaw alignment, and overall dental development. Treatment is only recommended when it supports function, balance, and long-term oral health.

Yes. Orthodontic care can address crowded, spaced, or rotated teeth by guiding them into healthier, more functional positions.

Bite alignment affects chewing, comfort, and tooth wear. Correcting how teeth fit together is an important part of many treatment plans.

Progress is reviewed during scheduled visits to ensure teeth are moving as planned. Adjustments are made as needed to keep treatment efficient and precise.

Treatment plans are flexible and can be adjusted if growth patterns, tooth movement, or clinical findings change over time.