Liberty Station Orthodontics
Paul Upatham, DDS, MS:
Practice Profile Page

★★★★★

DENTAL TREATMENTS OFFERED

Braces

Clear aligners

Retainers

Comprehensive orthodontics

Space maintainers

Palatal expanders

Headgears

Interceptive orthodontics

CLEAR ALIGNER SERVICES

OFFICE HOURS

Monday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Thursday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

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BEFORE & AFTER PHOTO GALLERY

PATIENT REVIEWS

These guys were recommended by an endodontist I went to, and I’m SO glad I found them. Both kids had work done here. One had Invisalign. Worked out beautifully. The younger one had way more teeth issues. Palate expander, temporary braces to close gap between her two front teeth (she was really happy about that), had 10 teeth pulled (stubborn baby teeth weren’t leaving, even though she was 12/13!!), gold chain to pull down teeth that just weren’t coming down, then, finally, about 2-2 1/2 years of full braces to get everything straightened out. Teeth look positively wonderful now! She didn’t like the permanent wire behind the lower teeth, so they switched it to an invisalign-type retainer. What I also really liked was that there weren’t surprise upcharges. I’m not sure if they really knew totally what would be encountered, but there were no additional charges. Yaay! Oh, and it wasn’t until one of our last visits that I realized there was wifi!! Not sure whose it was, as I was sitting in my car across the street waiting for her, when I pulled out my laptop and saw green IM buttons. It could have been from one of the fabulous food places across the street. We drove all the way from Escondido to take the kids here. Well worth the drive. Oh, beware of the street cleaning no-parking signs. I forget what day it is, but be sure to move your car.

My son had a terrible overbite and we were referred to Drs. Mclaughlin and Upatham for braces several years ago.  He also had a lot of gum tissue as his teeth had a lot of big spaces.  After gum surgery and a full round of braces, his retainers didn’t seem to be doing the job (or my son wasn’t wearing them as much as he needed to…) I was never so surprised as when we returned to Dr Upatham months later and he said that we should put the braces back on again to make them right.  He wasn’t willing to settle for anything less than perfection.  He was patient and forgiving even when my son didn’t follow instructions very well.  Because of Dr. Upathams exhaustive efforts, my sons teeth are beautiful.  Every detail was attended from patient education to family involvement.  It is a rewarding family experience at this practice and I recommend Dr Upatham to young and old alike.

Both of our children needed braces years ago, and they are now 19 and come back annually for check ups on their permanent and removable retainers. Their teeth are beautiful and it was well worth the investment. This is a great practice including the dentists and staff members and ambience. Very welcoming, professional and they don’t try to upsell which I appreciate — it is all about what is in the patient’s best interests. I highly recommend them and feel fortunate that my 19 year olds still enjoy going and wearing their retainers most of the time :).

I have been a patient of Dr. McLaughlin for over 15 years now. He was the best then, and is still the best now. Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham are in a league of their own. Always using the latest techniques and are perfectionists. When it comes to fixing a smile, this is key!! Their new state of the art facility is fabulous. They are huge on cleanliness and the staff is great. I am once again a patient after years of not keeping up with my retainer, lol. A small shift that needs attention. I am on my second tray and loving the results. I lost one of my retainers last week, went in for a replacement and they had it rushed so I wouldn’t be without one for long. I asked about another one of my teeth that looks like it wants to shift, and Dr. Upatham made me a retainer to wear just in case! Thank you Dr. Upatham and team for being so knowledgeable in your field!

This office is magic! The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The front desk is so efficient and no long wait times! The staff makes you feel like family every time you come in. The care that Dr. Upatham gives my kids is exceptional! I never leave with unanswered questions. I would highly recommend Dr. Upatham and Liberty Station Orthodontics to anyone!

I just realized that I am now in my fourth decade of being treated by Dr. Mclaughlin. That’s… a long time. Not continuously, mind you, but for a good stretch in the 80s for work on my baby teeth and jaw, a shorter stretch in the 90s on my adult teeth, a few visits in the 00s, and now again for another few visits. I’m not sure that my memory is strong enough for a review of those early days, but clearly my parents were happy enough to keep bringing me back; I’ve never been to any other orthodontist. I do clearly remember Dr. Mclaughlin explaining different treatment options, their prices, and what results we could expect from each. I went back last month for the first time in over a decade. There’s a fancy new office now in Liberty Station, and Dr. Uptham seems to see most of the patients. I was only getting a replacement retainer, but Dr. Uptham seemed great. My first retainer was very tight and he was concerned that it would snap when getting it out. So he ordered me a new one and told me to keep the tight one for a spare. Great! Unless something terrible happens, I won’t be back for another decade or so, but that’s exactly when you hope for when you visit the orthodontist!

I love my orthodontist! Dr Upatham is really kind and always makes you feel taken care of. He is great at explaining your current situation and addressing the needs. Really appreciate his communication, flexibility, attention to detail and integrity. The first time I got a retainer, within days I lost it and he graciously replaced it free of charge. Even though he sees a lot of patience, he always makes me feel cared for. Would highly recommend!

Dr. McLaughlin, Dr. Upatham and their staff are simply in a league of their own. Both myself and my two children went through many years of orthodontic care and drove hundreds of times from North County to Ocean Beach so we could receive the best care in San Diego. Mary runs the office like a fine tuned piano with grace and precision. We miss seeing them now that our bites are perfect but it’s nice to return once in a while for a tune up. Thank you for all you did for us for all those years!

My 12 & 13 year olds have been patients of Dr. McLaughlin & Upatham since 2005.  From your first visit with Merry, you are taken care of and explained the entire process your child will be going though.  Their offices are clean and beautiful, their staff is always efficient, accomodating and very nice!  I love how the personnel are always coordinated with their uniforms and how quick they are to get you in when you have a broken appliance.  I would recommend Dr. McLaughlin & Upatham to everyone young and old.

Top class service and treatment. I had Maxillofacial surgery with the concerted efforts of Liberty Orthodontics and Mcgann Facial Design.  Both doctors were extremly professional and accommodating to my case. Before my teeth were fixed I had no confidence. Now Im making a solid living and enjoying every minute of my new life. Thank you Liberty Orthodontics!!!

My 7 year old’s overbite is causing her lower jaw to grow incorrectly and her dentist recommended orthodontic correction ASAP. We were hesitant as a terrible dental experience at age 5 made her very apprehensive. Dr. Upatham really is a compassionate and caring man who has made this experience very easy to handle for the whole family. The staff is so friendly and extra gentle with her. They made impressions with little discomfort and lots of patience. Dr. Upatham explained the phases of treatment over years in a way that we could understand and value. The spacers went in today with such a caring hand, though my little one had slight pain, she was skipping through the office on the way out. She is actually looking forward to getting braces – this from a girl whose eyes would well up at the slightest mention of an upcoming dental appointment. The level of care and loving treatment we have experienced with both Dr’s Upatham and McLaughlin and their staff have virtually eliminated what was turning into a major dental phobia. They have eased us into this experience with love and compassion beyond our wildest expectations. We are now all looking forward to this multiple year experience which will result in a smile for our daughter as beautiful as her heart. Thanks very much to the entire staff!

Dr Paul Upatham is a class act! I went to Liberty Station Orthodontics for Invisalign Retainers beginning in July 2016. I had a few difficulties along the way as it related to the aligners’ affect on my bite, and I constantly whined like the 40+ year old man that I am! Dr Upatham was there to hear and carefully listen to every one of my gripes, whether in person, through email, or on the phone. (Yes, he provided me with his personal email and ALWAYS responded to the countless email concerns that I sent within an extremely short amount of time.) He responded to every one of my concerns in a timely manner and constantly sought to give me (a stubborn individual) the peace of mind that I needed to continue on with treatment. He always made the necessary adjustments and tweaks to get me all the way through to the mouth full of straight teeth that I have today. His bedside manner (if you call it that in Orthodontics), professionalism, and politeness – along with that of every member of the staff at Liberty Station Orthodontics – is exceptional beyond description. The office is impeccably clean and modern and there is simply an overall good vibe about the place and all of the people who work there. I would highly recommend Liberty Station Orthodontics and Paul Upatham if you are considering Invisalign or braces. Feel free to send me a message if you have any feedback about this post or questions about my experience with this clinic that I have not addressed.

My wife and I own Omni Dental.  We have referred hundreds of patients over the past 6 years with amazing results everytime!  They are truly THE BEST ORTHODONTIC TEAM in San Diego!  Every patient comes back with beautiful teeth and wonderful stories about everyone on their staff!  We are  extremely lucky to have these orthodontic masters here at Liberty Station!

These guys are excellent! One daughter had invisalign, the other had full on braces. Prices were reasonable. Their teeth are beautiful, even now that it’s 5+ years later! Nice fingerprint check-in. Terrific places across the street to hang out during their visit: donut shop, coffee shop, etc. Sometimes I’d just wait in the car by the coffee shop and could pickup wifi from who-knows-where. (Okay, maybe they’ve moved in the past 5 years. Not familiar with the new location, but I’m sure there’s a coffee shop and wifi around there.) If you’re going to get their teeth fixed, since it’s a permanent thing, go to the best. It was totally worth the drive from Escondido.

Ok I’ll admit it, I have a great smile as is. But I am a dentist, so I guess that makes me a little pickier than the average Joe when it comes to teeth! So you might ask, who does a dentist go to when she needs ortho? I am new to SD and didn’t have any references. I did a lot of internet searching and chose this practice for several reasons. I loved that Dr. McLaughlin also teaches, researches, and is very active in an ever-evolving profession. He has many years of experience and is associated with good organizations, universities, and has been published in reputable journals. On the other hand, I loved that Dr. Upatham, a more recent ortho grad, would bring fresh perspective and the most current ideas to the practice. Pairing the experience of one Dr. with the modern knowledge of a newer Dr. is usually a great combination in practice! First impression can be everything- I made a call to the office and within minutes, easily had an appointment for my exam, even in that same week! Upon checking into the office I filled out a couple standard forms and was seen right on time. They got my pictures and x-ray films done easily, and the young assistant was personable and professional. I was then ushered to the office where we discussed my expectations, but ended up chatting about everything 🙂 Dr. McLaughlin then came in to do the exam. The exam was quick, thorough, and professional. After the exam, Dr. M went over my proposed treatment plan with me. Funny, but he actually recommended that I DIDN’T have treatment! Even though I am a dentist and I understood it anyway, he took the time to explain different options and why each would or wouldn’t be beneficial. Though we won’t be moving my teeth, we did decide to make an appliance to help me from grinding and clenching my teeth. He then brought in Dr. Upatham for me to meet, who was also very nice and personable. Great all around team at this office! I hope that my future visits at this practice are as good as the first.

My first contact with their office was as a parent having been referred through our primary dentist for our youngest child, Nick. As the years passed and retirement came it was decided Dad was in line for some much needed corrective work. Due to my previous positive experience I came in for a consultation to look over my options. From this starting point to the finished product I became more impressed with the professional approach by each and every staff member, from the smiling receptionists upon arrival to the caring technicians seeing to my needs and questions throughout every step, I really looked forward to the appointments. Dr.’s McLaughlin & Upatham kept me informed with each visit on progress and issues so that nothing was left to the imagination, no surprises, actually finishing ahead of schedule and under the initial cost estimate. My heart felt “Thanks” goes out to the entire staff for a job well done, I would highly recommend their office to any one at any age considering putting on a happy smile. Regards, Gary

My two children and I were patients of this office, so I spent a lot of time there — but not too much. This is a very efficient group that schedules well, so you rarely have to wait to get in for your adjustments. The staff is excellent; the orthodontia is research-driven (McLaughlin has always been an innovator) and our teeth look fabulous. Several years later, in fact! I’ve recommended McLaughlin and Upatham to many others.

Our family experience with Dr. McLaughlin and Dr. Upatham has been outstanding. We were referred to them by my oral surgeon, Dr. Joel Berger, as being the best on the west coast for my needs. My teeth had to repositioned with braces in preparation for upper and lower Jaw surgery, followed by more braces while implants were put in. I now have amazing teeth and my jaws and teeth are all aligned correctly. I always felt comfortable and at ease with all the procedures I underwent at Dr. McLaughlins office. We have continued to make the well worth it drive from North County to Ocean Beach for many years as my two children also received their orthodontic treatment from Dr. McLaughlin and Dr. Upatham. Gabriella (16 yrs) is now finished with all her treatment and my son (14 yrs) is almost done. I am always amazed at how seamlessly the office is run, they really are a phenomenal team from the doctors to Mary (the powerhouse behind the scenes) and all the staff. Thank for such great care! Suzanne Baracchini

Our family experience with Dr. McLaughlin and Dr. Upatham has been outstanding. We were referred to them by my oral surgeon, Dr. Joel Berger, as being the best on the west coast for my needs. My teeth had to repositioned with braces in preparation for upper and lower Jaw surgery, followed by more braces while implants were put in. I now have amazing teeth and my jaws and teeth are all aligned correctly. I always felt comfortable and at ease with all the procedures I underwent at Dr. McLaughlins office. We have continued to make the well worth it drive from North County to Ocean Beach for many years as my two children also received their orthodontic treatment from Dr. McLaughlin and Dr. Upatham. Gabriella (16 yrs) is now finished with all her treatment and my son (14 yrs) is almost done. I am always amazed at how seamlessly the office is run, they really are a phenomenal team from the doctors to Mary (the powerhouse behind the scenes) and all the staff. Thank for such great care! Suzanne Baracchini

From the first time I walked into the office I was greeted with so much respect and care I had a great feeling about them. The second time I came in after teeth imprints were taken I was given an extremely detailed comprehensive plan of action to correct my smile. I seemed to be a very difficult case at first but what they did was nothing short of a miracle unfolding every single visit by diligently and gently moving my teeth. The technology they used let them see every movement before they even put the braces on but after they were on it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. Slowly the teeth started to move into place and it was a slow process but I knew I was making great progress and was in good hands. I can say I have not met a nicer more compassionate, enthusiastic, highly educated staff at any doctors office in all my years. Now my bite is corrected, I can eat like a normal person and it is much easier to keep up on oral care. I can’t say I did not go through some pain and discomfort at times but the end result has been nothing short of life changing for the better. Eating is much more enjoyable along with smiling and talking with friends, if you want the best for you, your friends or a loved ones this is the place to go. Any issues I had were promptly taken care of along with them going above and beyond. Only thing is I wish I would have made a review sooner. I am forever grateful for your great service and my new smile. Words cannot express my gratitude! Thank you Dr. Richard P. McLaughlin, Dr. Paul K. Upatham and your amazing staff! Best regards Forest

I located these orthodontists from Yelp last year, based on their five star rating. After meeting Dr. McLaughlin and his office Manager Merrie, and seeing that they would not insist on use of a Herbst appliance as many others had, we felt very comfortable with his experience,  the treatment plan and his ability to achieve a good result. They also allowed me to pay in monthly installments which helps. Dr. Upatham, Dr. McLaughlin ‘s partner is equally skilled and personable.  My son does not hate coming to the orthodontist anymore as they walk him through the process and make him understand how they will make his jaw and teeth perfect! So far it’s working!

Dr. Uparham has been amazing! He gave me a clear understanding and expectations from the start. He continued on with my treatment and gave me options along the way. Never rushed me and said he would continue treatment until I was completely happy! The staff is pleasant and always welcoming. My braces are almost coming off and I am so excited!!

Liberty Station Orthodontics is truly TOP of the line! From the moment you walk through the door you will know you have found the perfect office. Dr Upatham and his staff are the Absolute BEST at what they do! The clinical staff is amazing with years of knowledge and experience. Dr Upatham is kind, gentle and extremely thorough explaining things to patients as well as patents regarding treatment. Definitely worthy of a 5 star rating.

Dr. Upatham help coach me through a process to cure my sleep apnea. Part of the process required me to get braces for 14 months. His staff was amazing. The entire staff is highly skilled, personable, and caring. As a busy professional I was extremely grateful how they respected my time and never kept me waiting past my scheduled appointment time. While I am sure there are other good orthodontics out there, I wouldn’t even considering going anywhere else. Dr. Upatham was the perfect orthodontist to quarterback my care. From a service, price and quality prospective, I give them my highest recommendation.

Wonderful experience with everyone at Liberty Station Orthodontics! I just got my braces off today and couldn’t be happier with the results. Dr. Upatham made sure the process was as quick and painless as possible. All the staff and technicians were always friendly and very welcoming.

Dr. Upatham is a super nice orthodontist! I remember how I hated getting my braces as a kid and both of my boys love him. He connects with my kids, has a gentle touch and the office staff is wonderful. We always get in and out with no delays, particularly since we go during school hours. I may also get Invisalign once the kids are finished with their treatments too! Before leaving, make sure to grab a bite at the yummy Thai restaurant across the street as well!!

My 16-year-old daughter has recently finished with her braces here, and my 11-year-old son is in the middle of the process. We started with this office when they were in Sunset Cliffs and now visit them at their beautiful new state-of-the-art facility in Liberty Station. The place is like a spa! From the very first appointment, everything was explained to us very clearly. They have an easy payment plan which has made this very painless, financially, which was important because we have no orthodontic or dental insurance and two kiddos needing braces! Everyone there is so nice– dentists, technicians, and office staff– that my kids don’t mind going a all. In fact, they look forward to it, because it’s always a treat to go to Liberty Station anyway– lots to see and do there with kids. This office is nowhere near my home or my kid’s school so I was surprised to find that we run into friends from school just about any time we go. Clearly families from all over town have heard that this place is the best. And as a busy mom I also love it because I can run errands while they are in their appointment. Vons and Trader Joes right there, and of course Starbucks. So great for multi-tasking!

This is a great place to get your orthodontic treatment. I’m currently a patient there as an adult. They have never been rude always have a smile on their faces and willing and happy to answer any questions you have. They really put me at ease being an adult getting braces. They are very efficient and never run behind. Another thing that makes me glad i go there is they don’t mind if I have to being my little one with me they always speak to her and give her a prize for being such a good girl. I would recommend them they really work with you on how you want your treatment done.

This office, the staff, and Dr. Upatham are very professional, welcoming, friendly, and positive. They made my 9 year old feel so comfortable at her first apt. She was a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect. They put her at ease and she was actually excited about getting her impressions done! She was all smiles and excited to tell me about the flavor she chose. Wonderful experience so far.

Liberty Station Orthodontics has far exceeded my expectations. The employees are kind and caring professionals who know their job and do it with excellence. I am grateful we chose them for our family’s orthodontic needs.

Sunset Cliff Ortho was recommended to both my husband and I years ago from separate doctors and for separate reasons. Small world? Not really. Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham are just that good. Almost 2 years ago, I found out that I had bad joints and needed double jaw surgery for my overbite. I live in San Diego but my surgeon, Dr. Michael Gunson, is based in Santa Barbara. He and his partner, Dr. Arnett, are top of their field. I figured that if you’re going to have your face reconstructed, you should be in the best hands. They’ve worked closely with Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham on patients for years and recommended that I do the orthodontic side of the surgery with them; moreover, Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham parallel the surgeons in their expertise. It was a no-brainer. I got my braces on about a year and a half ago, had the surgery 7 months ago and got the braces off last week (best. day. ever.). It’s been a long journey that isn’t over yet but everything has gone SO smoothly and that’s due to the detailed attention I’ve gotten from these three phenomenal doctors and their staff. I’ve been to countless offices that just want to churn through patients. It’s rare to find doctors that truly take the time to talk to you, know your case, communicate with other doctors and–most importantly–care. They care about their patients and it shows in their work. Even when every seat in the office is full and the doctors are swamped, when they come to your chair, they take their time to focus on YOU and are never flustered or rush. Surgery and orthodontics aside, as an office, Sunset Cliffs Ortho is like a well-oiled machine. I’ve never waited more than 5-minutes for an appointment (and, as a jaw surgery patient, I’ve had a lot of appointments). From the receptionists (thank you Lindsay for your perpetual patience) to the orthodontic assistants (rock stars), the entire staff is professional, gentle, super friendly and genuinely cares about the patients. I’m on a first name basis with everyone and look forward to coming in; not because I enjoy dental work (ha!), but because it’s a happy, comfortable environment. When you go through something as extreme as jaw surgery, having an orthodontic team that you can count on means everything. I continually tell my surgeon and Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham that they’re the “dream team,” and they laugh, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Without such phenomenal doctors, I wouldn’t have had this success. Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham are world-class and I’ll forever be grateful for what they’ve done for me.

I had my Invisalign done here and was very pleased with the result and the patient experience. Dr. Upatham is great and the staff are very nice and good at what they do. The office is extremely well managed, the staff is amazing, and the cost was very competitive – 5 star experience! I would highly recommend this office to anyone.

I had a series of problems with my bite resulting from a crown, that shifted my bite and other problems related to jaw pain and was referred by my dentist to see Dr. McLaughlin and Dr. Upatham for corrective orthodontic work. I trust very few people with my teeth, due to the bad experience with the crown and “TMJ” specialist that created my bite problem, and my sensitivity to changes in my bite but I trust Dr. Upatham. The staff are warm and friendly. Dr. Upatham is my favorite, he is kind and caring and listens to your problems and makes every accommodation to see that you are satisfied with your treatment and bite. Also if you do get treatment ask for Holly or Jessica (with the dog), their the best (they go beyond to make you feel at home). I love my new smile and bite :))

My daughter’s experience and mine at your office was a positive one. I felt that my questions were always answered if I had any and everyone was friendly.She particularly liked Krystle because she was nice and gave her the time to ask questions and talk. We had originally gone to another orthodontist when my daughter was eight or so and they wanted to put spacers in her mouth right away before her permanent teeth were even in her mouth. I am so glad that we waited. I liked the attitude of the front desk staff and her appointments were always completed in a timely fashion. This was much appreciated when you’re driving across town and trying to fit appointments in between work and school. I had one surprise over the course of the last eleven months which was I was never made aware that my daughter would be seeing Dr Upatham more than Dr Mc Laughlin when we had originally signed up with Dr Mc Laughlin. I had nothing against Dr Upatham but I had never met him when we started, I would recommend this office to other people. My only negative comment is that I don’t think it is necessary to hand out candy and gum when the process is over. That just gives kids the permission to eat sweets and chew gum. To me that is a big no-no! Why not just hand out popcorn or even just a small gift card if you’d prefer? Thank you for the great work!

Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham have made the orthodontic experience for my 8-year old son really pleasant — I would’ve never thought of an orthodontist as a pleasant experience! From the front desk staff who are very organized and pleasant to the billing/treatment coordinator to the orthodontic assists — the office is very receptive and responsive to the individual patient needs. Drs. McLaughlin and Upatham are concerned about their patients and the experiences that they have in their care and can manage the little ups and downs that each individual patient may have. I received a call-back after leaving an after-hours message on the emergency voice mail within 5 minutes. I highly recommend the office to anyone who is looking into orthodontics for their child who expects high-quality care in a caring environment with receptive and responsive staff. Many thanks for the high quality care that you provide! The Aiem Family

A WORD FROM YOUR DOCTOR