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At North Coast Orthodontics, Dr. Brian Schabel, Dr. Vivian Chan, and their team, are committed to delivering orthodontic care in Santa Cruz that creates exceptional oral health and beautiful smiles, in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Dr. Schabel and Dr. Chan combine their evidence-based philosophy with current technology to enhance patient treatment and education. We strive to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment, which leads to faster results in fewer visits while maintaining the highest standard of care.
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Known for his exceptional skills with helping patients attain optimal oral health, Dr. Brian Schabel is dedicated to providing gentle orthodontic care that creates amazing smiles and beautifully straight teeth with proper function. As a father, he understands how to communicate with his younger patients; he seeks to engage them in the treatment process and educate them about the transformation happening in their mouth.
The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment with us. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you soon to confirm your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule an existing appointment, or if you require immediate attention, please contact our office directly.
A widely respected orthodontic professional, Dr. Vivian Chan is committed to delivering compassionate, effective orthodontic care that enhances her patients' oral health and creates beautiful smiles. She connects strongly with her patients and their families, and helps them understand how their lives are improved as a result of straight teeth and a proper bite, not to mention their wonderful new confidence and smile.
At North Coast Orthodontics, we work hard to treat our patients the same way we ourselves would like to be treated: with respect, professionalism, and sensitivity toward our needs. We understand the expectations of the patients and families we serve, and we do everything we can to make sure each patient has an exceptional experience at our practice.
Reviews (20)
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Casey Michelle F.
Jan 22, 2022
I agree this place is very expensive and inconsistent. We were initially referred by a family friend and had our initial appointment in early 2021 however we had some time to decide and recently decided on another local orthodontist for my daughter mainly because scheduling and front staff was not accommodating.
Emma G.
Jul 27, 2021
The pricing is inconsistent. They want to charge me $3000 more but cover less dental work than they said they would a couple years ago. The price doesn't even cover what they want to do afterwards. It feels like a car dealership in there with them trying to sell me on the orthodontics but providing less for the high cost I'll have to pay. Plus they making me pay more but removing the lifetime of retainer visits.
Stacey V.
Nov 20, 2019
I cannot recommend Dr. Schabel & Dr. Chen's office more. As an adult paying for ortho treatment for a 2nd time, I really took my time shopping around for the best team to fix my teeth back to what they used to be. NorthCoast Ortho was an easy choice after some of my other interviews. -Scheduling was quick and the staff is extremely friendly. -My complimentary consultation was done by Dr. Schabel who was very thorough and knowledgable about what treatment would be best for my particular case.

There were other offices who recommended more expensive/unnecessary treatment and Dr. Schabel was able to assess and determine that those were not needed for me, saving me thousands of dollars. -Payment options were clear and they had so many different options for different budgets. -I was quoted 14 weeks for my Invisalign and that's exactly what it took to fix my teeth.

I know that's not always the case, but I'm so happy with how things turned out. -Kayla, one of the office managers, was amazing and really was so enjoyable to work with. She answered all of my questions and was super nice. This business is family-oriented yet incredibly professional. Do not look around anymore and book a consultation! You won't regret it.
Jess R.
May 17, 2019
Great in every way. Love North Coast! Professional, super friendly, clean and upbeat environment, knowledgeable and kind doctors, even a cappuccino/ hot cocoa machine for parents while they're waiting.
Marie T.
Oct 30, 2018
I UPDATE: Dr. Schabel phoned our home to address our questions and concerns thoroughly. I was impressed that each issue we had was clearly responded to and our misunderstandings allayed. He clearly outlined the future steps to take with our child's dental health. FORMER REVIEW: I guess this clinic is getting so big now that they don't take the time a parent needs.
Cecilia H.
Jan 09, 2018
My 11 year old son was very nervous going into his appointment on 1/6/2018 to get his braces from the moment we walked in everyone was great. Dominika (I hope that's how she spells it) was so great with my son. she was great at explaining to my him everything that was going to happen. before moving to the next step she would asked my son if he was good. it was just a great experience. thank you so much for making my son's experience great! He says he can't wait to go back. 2 thumbs up!
Julie V.
Aug 21, 2017
My eight year old is just starting ortho treatment and we were referred here by his dentist. From our first appointment we have been very happy with this office and staff. Everyone is friendly and knowledgable, from the front office to Dr Schabel. Each procedure has been thoroughly explained to us, all our questions have been answered and the work is being done efficiently with minimal stress to my son.

The office is clean and bright and has video games to keep a kid occupied while they wait for their appointment. Their Rewards Program not only encourages good oral health, but also gets my son excited about his treatment. I'm very confident that my child will be receiving the highest quality care throughout this whole treatment process.
Debbie S.
Sep 12, 2016
We have had a very good experience with your company during the entire process with both of our children. Thank you! Tiffany in the front staff is helpful, friendly, sincere and really easy to talk with. Every telephone message I left with your company was promptly returned and we always felt like valued patients. During the few emergencies our children individually experienced each time we were ushered in at your earliest opportunity.

Once a special exception appointment was made which helped our daughter greatly, I'm forever grateful. So, we are finishing up on our daughter's Phase I treatment and still going for our son's. Going to miss you!
Bryan M.
Feb 12, 2016
We are REALLY happy we chose North Coast. We consulted with every orthodontist in town (it seems). What drew us to NC, was their attention to detail with the options to treatments. I felt they were absolutely giving us the positives and negatives to each option. That was eye opening. The other orthodontists we met with just told us "this is what we will do".

The end. Dr's Schabel and Chan were the opposite. They treated us like educated individuals, and could be involved with the right plan for us. That was unique in our consults, and won us over. We are now very well underway, and could't be happier with our decision. The kids (all 3 of them!) are progressing nicely. Also, gotta give props the the staff. Friendly, professional and efficient. All in a gorgeous office.
Sabine D.
Oct 23, 2015
What an exciting day! Our daughter Isabella got her braces off! Her teeth look amazing! The whole experience and treatment with Dr Schabel and his team has been wonderful. I felt in experienced hands with Dr Schabel - every step of the way communication and treatment was highly professional. My daughter's face and teeth have changed in such a positive way, it's beyond words! Thank you! You guys are awesome! :))
Kevin S.
Oct 01, 2015
I am not a local attendee at their office; however, I called their office a few days ago and asked if I could get one of my brackets re-bonded (as one of them had come loose). This was because my doctor who would normally attend me is located hundreds of miles away. In the short days between when I called and how I was welcomed today, the lady who took my call, Tiffanie, had already phoned my orthodontist back home and set up a time for me. The staff was attentive and kind the whole way.
Alexandra M.
May 16, 2015
I just finished treatment at North Coast Orthodontics and I honestly could not express my gratitude and happiness enough. For a really long time I was super unhappy with my smile, and would tend to cover my mouth with my hands when I laughed or didn't smile a lot in pictures. Growing up I wanted braces so bad, but I don't think my parents thought I needed them, no matter how much I pleaded with them.

Being an adult now, I was able to make the choice and decided to finally get the smile I have always wanted! Once I met Dr. Chan and Dr. Schabel and looked at their before and after gallery on their website, I knew that I didn't want anyone else to work on my teeth. They are perfectionists, and I knew I wouldn't settle for anything less than perfect.

I had been waiting for over 10 years after all! My first impression of the office was that it was very clean, modern, and beautiful. The women in the front and who took my exam were extremely warm, yet very professional. Everything was presented and explained very thoroughly, every question I had they were able to answer or found the answer. I felt listened to and understood.

The day I got my braces was one to remember. The entire staff was excited for me, and greeted me by name when I walked in that morning. I was so excited to start this journey with them! After I got my braces on they went over how to take care of them and also gave me bunch of cleaning tools to take home with me. My entire treatment went better than expected and every visit I received an update on my treatment.

They were also great at working with my schedule when making appointments. The day my braces came off was so emotional, I could not believe the girl in the mirror with the beautiful smile was me! I feel so much more confident and find myself smiling more. They even had a little celebration for me, with pictures taken and a candy bar! The North Coast Ortho team has surpassed my expectations and I have recommended them to all my friends and family to go and see them! Thank you so much Dr. Chan, Dr. Schabel, and NCO team, you all have really changed my life. =
Anthony F.
Feb 19, 2015
Had a great experience with Dr. Chan and Dr. Schabel. The entire office was super attentive and helped me deal with a really lengthy Invisalign process. Costs were pretty reasonable considering how much work they put into it, and at the end of the day I was extremely happy with the results. Would absolutely recommend giving these guys a try.
Ken P.
Jan 08, 2015
These folks have been some of the most professional people I have had the pleasure of seeing. Their staff is alwys friendly and have been more than accommodating on several occasions. My oldest just got his braces off and the youngest just got his on. Everyone there is super friendly and I would highly recommend NorthCoast Orthodontics to anyone that needs these types of services. Thanks NorthCoast doctors and staff!
Sara C.
Dec 19, 2014
From start to finish this place was a nightmare. We had multiple device issues, including devices not being properly placed. When my daughter's retainer fell off the first time, it took Dr Schabel two months to replace it. The second time it fell off, it only fell off on one side and the Doctor told me to just leave it in. I couldn't even brush her teeth!

When it fell off completely a day later he was extremely annoyed that I called him and told me "I don't know what I can do to help you, just snap it back up in her mouth." He finally relented and had me come in and it took him an hour to readjust the retainer to fit in her mouth without immediately falling off. When we had our last appt before we moved away he told me to keep the retainer in her mouth until we got into another orthodontist.

He said I had six months. We got into an orthodontist the other day and her retainer has been forcing her teeth apart for the last 6 months and her teeth don't even touch in the back. So now we are looking at a whole other set of problems. This office does not run like a Doctor's office. They are rarely available, and when they are they put up so many roadblocks to actually helping you it is extremely stressful dealing with them.

We paid 1500 dollars up front, and then 220 a month and never felt like our daughter was properly cared for. I had to fight every step of the way to have him fulfill his side of the contract. Dr Schabel is almost always on one vacation or another. His bedside manner is abrupt and downright abrasive. He frequently snapped at my daughter and left a long, irritated message on my vm once. All we wanted for our daughter was to have the best care. We would have been better off going to Mexico.
Joe M.
Jan 17, 2014
5 STARS for sure. As an adult patient, I can't say I was looking forward to wearing braces, but I was looking forward to correcting my underbite. Having said that, walking into North Coast Orthodontics for each appointment was a pleasant experience each and every time, and not just because of their patient & family friendly office environment.

From the 'front end' to the patient chair, Dr. Schabel, Dr. Chan, and the ENTIRE staff are courteous, friendly and professional across the board. The doctors and assistants clearly explain each step of the process, and are open to answering any questions along the way. Not to mention, I had my 3yr old son with me on most appointments, and he became quite comfortable in the 'game room' and the staff was always keeping an eye on him while I was in the chair.

At my first appointment in December 2012, the goal was established for 12 months of orthodontics. Braces went on in January 2013. Because I did not want to keep the braces on any longer than necessary, I wore the prescribed 'rubber bands' consistently day and night (with few exceptions). 12 months later in January 2014, my bite is correct, my teeth are straight, and my braces are off!

I can't be more pleased with my experience at North Coast Orthodontics, and of course, I recommend them in the highest regard. And when it comes time for my son to get braces, I know where I'll be going. Many thanks to Dr. Schabel & Dr. Chan for a great experience all around.
Angela L.
Nov 24, 2013
I got braces a couple of days ago and they did a great job! Telling me what they were doing step by step and then afterwards walked me through how to clean by teeth with videos. They also have video games and ipads for you to play with. and everybody is really nice! They have a rewards program and every 50 points you get (for doing everything they told you and wearing your N.C.O shirt) $5.00 for a gift card!
Kelly O.
Jul 17, 2013
We have been going to North Coast Orthodontics since my oldest needed braces and we still have two in braces (whew!) Have had nothing but the best experiences with all three kids. They are always friendly and helpful, will check into insurance issues if they arise, and of course the kids love the waiting room technology.
Sonja M.
Apr 23, 2013
I could not have been happier with the service I received at North Coast Orthodontics. I cannot say enough great things about the staff and their office. They are so professional and caring. As a woman in my late fifties, I would have never thought I would have been able to get such a beautiful new smile! Thank you so much Dr. Schabel. You and your staff are amazing! As a mom of three who has been through a variety of doctors in the Santa Cruz area, it is without a doubt Dr. Schabel is who I would recommend for your orthodontia needs.
Erica M.
Dec 19, 2012
North Coast Orthodintics has been a pleasure to work with. Out of my 4 children, two have already begun orthodontic treatment, one just completing a 3 year process. I have been met with nothing short of kind, flexible and an incredibly knowledgable staff. There are many times I could have expected less than patient responses to my rather chaotic schedule, however they have done everything possible to accomodate me, have always been gracious as various situations have arisen for my children, and provided outstanding orthodontic care.

My sons smile is beyond incredible, and my 2nd patient is well on his way. I have been asked many times for a recommendation, and I do not hesitate to praise this office and their entire staff!