Sign in
Worthy Convos: Smile! It’s Dr. Evan Perkins!
We started Worthy Convos to highlight people doing good and interesting things in our community. Evan Perkins, DDS, MSD, is a Fort Worth orthodontist who loves making his patients smile. He kindly took time out of his busy schedule to take part in this Worthy Convo.
Tanglewood Moms: What inspired you to become a dentist who specializes in orthodontics?
Dr. Evan Perkins: Growing up, one of the first things I always noticed about people was their smile. I was naturally drawn to how a smile could impact someone’s confidence and the way they carried themselves. When I was 11 years old, I was the kid who was actually excited to get braces, and I genuinely loved the entire process and journey. Having an orthodontist who was also a family friend made the experience even more meaningful and helped shape my perspective of what great orthodontic care could look like. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to become an orthodontist and have the same kind of positive impact on others.
Photo credit: Steph and Chris Photography
TWM: What sets Perkins Orthodontics apart from other orthodontic practices in the area?
EP: I believe what sets our practice apart is the combination of a truly family-oriented patient experience and the advanced technology we use to provide exceptional care. We are a fully digital office, which allows us to streamline treatment, improve efficiency, and create a more comfortable experience for our patients.
We also believe orthodontic treatment should be as personalized as the patients we serve. Our custom treatment approach includes 3D-printed brackets — available in both metal and clear options — designed specifically to match each individual tooth and each patient’s unique needs. From the bracket design to the treatment prescriptions themselves, every detail is customized. We believe in a “one size fits one” philosophy, because every patient and every smile is unique.
By combining cutting-edge technology with a warm, personal approach, we are able to deliver a level of precision, efficiency, and care that truly sets our practice apart.
TWM: Let’s face it, people get nervous when visiting the orthodontist. How do you help a nervous patient relax and feel more comfortable?
EP: We strive to help every patient feel relaxed and comfortable from the moment they walk through our doors. Our team greets each patient with a warm welcome and works to create excitement about their orthodontic journey. We even have a personalized welcome board featuring each new patient’s name to make them feel recognized and valued. Most importantly, we foster a friendly, family-like atmosphere where patients and parents feel at ease, supported, and confident in their care.
photo credit: Paige Alexis Photography
TWM: Orthodontic technology is rapidly advancing. Is there one particular piece of technology that has had the biggest impact on your patients?
EP: I think our 3-d printed customized brackets have had the biggest impact on our patients, not only regarding treatment but also their lifestyles. We understand life is busy and the commitment it takes to get to appointments. We take that into consideration and try to keep visits to a minimum when possible so families can also enjoy life outside the office and not have to worry about the orthodontics as much.
I believe our 3D-printed customized brackets have had one of the greatest impacts on our patients—not only in the quality of their treatment outcomes, but also in how orthodontics fits into their everyday lives. We understand that families are busy and that committing to orthodontic appointments requires time and flexibility.
By utilizing this advanced technology and creating highly personalized treatment plans, we are able to make the process more efficient and minimize office visits when possible. Our goal is to provide exceptional results while respecting our patients’ time, allowing families to spend more time enjoying life outside the office and less time worrying about orthodontic treatment.
TWM: When are braces a better option for adult patients over clear aligners?
EP: The best treatment option depends on the complexity of the case and the individual goals of each adult patient. I’m comfortable treating patients with both braces and clear aligners, as each offers unique advantages. If efficiency and treatment time are the primary priorities, we guide patients toward the option we believe will provide the best results in the most effective way. In some cases, clear aligners are the ideal choice; in others, braces may be the better solution. Ultimately, we tailor our recommendation to each patient’s specific needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals to ensure the best possible outcome.
Photo credit: Macka Photography
TWM: We see trends in almost everything from fashion to construction. Are there trends in orthodontics and how do you incorporate them into your practice?
Orthodontics in general has continued to evolve with advances in technology that make treatment more comfortable, efficient, and personalized. Personalized and customized care is a big part of our practice. Clear aligners remain a popular option for many patients, mainly adults, while digital scanners, AI-assisted treatment planning, and remote monitoring have improved accuracy, convenience, and communication throughout treatment. Nobody likes the goopy impressions anymore, and our assistants are the biggest fans of taking them. Digital scans have changed the game and make orthodontics much easier. At the same time, orthodontic care is becoming increasingly customized to each patient’s unique needs, with a growing emphasis on overall oral health, facial development, and long-term stability. While these innovations enhance the patient experience in our practice, the most important part of orthodontics for our practice is still providing individualized care that delivers the best possible results for each patient. I’m not sure if that’s a trend or more the standard we have set.
TWM: Sure, orthodontics can make for a more beautiful smile. But how does orthodontics affect the patient beyond the smile?
EP: The studies show that about 76% of people indicate that the smile is the number 1 trait that makes a first impression. That’s very important for us to make sure we get it right. However, there is so much more beyond the smile. A patient’s bite and functional health are equally, if not more, important in my opinion. Esthetics are a piece, but if we can balance patients’ bites and jaws, then the esthetics naturally play off of that. Properly aligned teeth and a healthy bite can improve oral health by making teeth easier to clean, reducing wear, and lowering the risk of future dental problems. Beyond the physical benefits, orthodontic treatment can have a profound impact on a patient’s confidence and self-esteem. Seeing patients smile more freely, feel more comfortable in social situations, and gain confidence in themselves is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Our goal is to improve not only their smile, but also their overall health, function, and quality of life.
TWM: Where do you hope Perkins Orthodontics is in ten years?
EP: In ten years, I hope we’re still right here, proudly serving the wonderful families and community of Fort Worth. We truly love being a part of this city and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to care for our patients. Nearly seven years ago, I was fortunate to take over Dr. Fred Spradley’s practice. He entrusted me with a wonderful legacy and gave me the confidence to make the practice my own while continuing the tradition of exceptional patient care.
As we look to the future, I hope we continue to grow, embrace new technologies that enhance the patient experience, and provide personalized treatment that exceeds expectations. Most importantly, I hope we’ll have made a lasting impact by creating healthy, confident smiles and building meaningful, lifelong relationships with the families we serve.
Photo credit: Macka Photography
TWM: Do you have a story that particularly stands out from your career?
EP: I don’t have one single story from my career that stands out above the rest. Instead, it’s the collection of experiences and relationships that have brought me to where I am today that feel truly special and Lord-led.
One of my favorite parts of orthodontics is witnessing the transformation in a patient’s confidence from the moment they first walk through our doors. Getting to know them beyond their smile—learning about their lives, their interests, and who they are—is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Watching patients grow over the course of treatment, documenting their progress, and seeing them leave with a renewed sense of confidence is incredibly meaningful. Those relationships and moments are what make this profession so special.
TWM: And finally, if there was just ONE myth about orthodontics that you could bust right now, what would it be?
EP: One of the biggest myths about orthodontics is that treatment is only for children and teenagers. One question we hear all the time is, “Am I too old for braces?” The answer is almost always no. While many people associate orthodontics with younger patients, treatment can be beneficial at any stage of life. We are seeing more and more adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles, enhance their oral health, and gain confidence.
Another common misconception is that orthodontics is only about straightening teeth. In reality, it’s about so much more. It’s about creating a healthy bite, improving function, supporting long-term dental health, and giving patients a smile they feel proud to share. No matter your age, it’s never too late to invest in a healthier, more confident smile.
