Here at RiverView Orthodontics, Dr. Mike Upton and the team are proud of more than 20 years of bringing happy, healthy smiles to mid-south families. As a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Alabama Dental Association, the Sixth District Dental Society, and the Tuscaloosa Cleft Palate and Dentofacial Team, he’s proud to be a leader in the local orthodontic community. Let’s get into the nitty gritty of why our very own smile expert, Dr. Upton, is a leader when it comes to serious smile solutions for the whole family in Tuscaloosa’s Orthodontic community!
A Strong Foundation in Clinical Excellence
Dr. Upton is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, which means he voluntarily pursued the highest possible credentialing in the field. Board certification requires rigorous testing, peer-reviewed case studies, and ongoing continuing education. It’s a mark of commitment and a promise of quality.
Fewer than half of all orthodontists are board-certified, which makes this distinction even more meaningful. For patients seeking orthodontic care, that certification offers peace of mind—they’re in expert hands, no matter how complex the case.
Personalized Care Rooted in Experience
Every patient who walks through the doors of RiverView Orthodontics receives a treatment plan tailored to their needs. Our doctor uses his years of experience to anticipate challenges and create solutions that support long-term results. Whether it’s early Phase I treatment for kids or advanced aligner care for adults, his plans are built with foresight.
Board-certified orthodontists commit to lifelong learning. He regularly attends conferences, pursues training in new technologies, and integrates research-based practices into every aspect of care. This dedication ensures that patients benefit from the most advanced and effective techniques available today.
How This Benefits Your Family’s Smile
When your orthodontist brings board-certified expertise to the table, you don’t just get a well-trained doctor—you get more efficient appointments, fewer complications, and a clearer understanding of your treatment plan. For parents, that means feeling confident about your child’s care. For adults, it means trusting that your investment is handled by someone who’s seen it all and solved it before.
Active Member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
As a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Mike stays connected with the broader orthodontic community. The AAO sets nationwide standards for excellence in orthodontics, provides research updates, and supports advocacy efforts that benefit patients and doctors alike. Through his AAO membership, our doctor participates in ongoing educational opportunities and contributes to the evolution of best practices. This allows him to stay current with changes in digital orthodontics, treatment technologies, and patient care protocols.
The AAO also plays a critical role in protecting patient access to safe, doctor-guided orthodontics, and his involvement means he’s part of those important conversations—and part of the effort to keep orthodontic treatment patient-focused and responsibly delivered.
What AAO Membership Means for Your Experience
Because our doctor participates in the latest AAO research and training, you benefit from modern tools and smarter treatment planning. That could mean fewer in-person visits, more discreet options like aligners, and better long-term results. You’re not just getting today’s care—you’re getting what’s next.
Supporting Statewide Dental Health Through the Alabama Dental Association
Dr. Mike is also a long-time member of the Alabama Dental Association, which promotes professional ethics, continuing education, and community outreach across the state. Through this organization, he stays engaged with the broader dental landscape in Alabama.
Community Engagement and Public Health
The Alabama Dental Association frequently supports local public health initiatives, such as school dental screenings and community health fairs. Our doctor’s connection with ALDA reflects his interest not just in orthodontics, but in the oral health of all Alabamians.
Being part of a general dental association allows him to collaborate with pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, and general practitioners across the state. This collaboration ensures that his patients benefit from a multidisciplinary, team-based approach when needed.
How This Improves the Quality of Your Care
Through his ties to ALDA, he stays connected with general dentists and specialists across the state. That means smoother referrals, clearer communication, and stronger collaboration for patients needing multiple types of care. Your treatment won’t happen in a silo—it’s part of a bigger plan, with the right people involved at every stage.
Local Impact Through the Sixth District Dental Society
The Sixth District Dental Society is a regional component of the ALDA that allows professionals in the surrounding counties to connect, share knowledge, and give back locally. Our doctor plays an active role in this society, strengthening ties with peers and staying attuned to community needs. By being involved at the local level, he works to make sure that patients referred to or from other providers enjoy continuity of care. These professional relationships improve the overall experience for families seeking orthodontic care in our region.
Giving Back Close to Home
The Sixth District Dental Society also participates in charitable dental events and service initiatives. His leadership helps support these efforts, expanding access to care for families in need.
What It Means for Families in Tuscaloosa
Being active in the local dental society helps us stay tuned to the needs of local families. This isn’t just about professional pride—it’s about sharing resources, solving problems together, and delivering care that fits the values and rhythms of our own community. You’re treated by someone who’s both locally trusted and regionally connected.
Specialized Expertise: Tuscaloosa Cleft Palate & Dentofacial Team
Perhaps most meaningfully, Dr. Upton is part of the Tuscaloosa Cleft Palate and Dentofacial Team, a multidisciplinary group that treats patients with complex craniofacial conditions. These cases often require years of coordinated care involving surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, and pediatricians.
Helping Children Thrive
Working with children born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and related concerns is both technically demanding and deeply rewarding. Our doctor provides the orthodontic support needed to align teeth and jaws as part of long-term rehabilitation, helping patients eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Team-Based Treatment for Complex Needs
This team-based care model exemplifies our commitment to treating the whole patient. It also shows how his expertise contributes to life-changing outcomes that extend well beyond aesthetics.
How Multidisciplinary Care Helps Your Child Thrive
When orthodontists work on cleft palate and dentofacial cases, they gain deep experience with facial development, timing, and coordination. For your child, that means earlier detection of bite issues, more tailored care, and better long-term facial symmetry. Even if your child doesn’t need surgical care, they’ll benefit from their advanced understanding of growth patterns.
A Leader You Can Trust
Local families don’t just choose RiverView Orthodontics for straight teeth—they choose it for the experience of being treated with warmth, integrity, and respect. Dr. Mike has spent two decades building that kind of reputation in his community.
From his clinical expertise to his commitment to service, every detail of his practice reflects his leadership. That’s why patients refer friends and neighbors, and why generations of families return to RiverView Orthodontics year after year.
Ready to Start Your Smile Journey?
Looking for trusted, experienced care for you or your child? RiverView Orthodontics offers expert orthodontics with a personal touch. Our whole team is proud to serve patients from Tuscaloosa and nearby communities with braces, Invisalign, early treatment, and more.
Schedule your free consultation today to meet Dr. Upton and learn more about how we can help you smile brighter.