Most families in Charlestown do not realize how close they already are to residency-trained orthodontic care. The drive to McCullum Orthodontics in Jeffersonville takes just minutes, and the difference between a specialist-led practice and a general dentist offering in-house aligners shows up directly in treatment outcomes and long-term results.
Dr. Heather McCullum founded McCullum Orthodontics after earning her DMD summa cum laude as valedictorian of her class at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she was later inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Delphi Society. She completed her orthodontic residency at that same institution, serving as class president and conducting research on reducing radiation exposure during treatment. Those 14 years of experience across private and group practices in Illinois and Kentucky prepared her to bring something meaningful back home. Our full range of early intervention services is available to Charlestown families, no referral needed.
Dr. McCullum is present at every appointment from the first evaluation through the final visit. There are no rotating providers, no different faces at each check-in, and no shortcuts in how treatment is planned or monitored. For families used to the impersonal nature of corporate orthodontic offices, the experience at McCullum Orthodontics feels genuinely different.
Her academic background reflects the same commitment to precision. She was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Delphi Society, and her honors include the American Association of Orthodontists Award and the American College of Dentists Student Leadership and Professionalism Award. Dr. McCullum is also a mother of a child with special needs, which gives her a personal frame of reference when caring for patients who need additional patience, flexibility, or accommodation.
McCullum Orthodontics also offers clinical capabilities that set it apart from most practices in the region. Dr. McCullum is trained in TMD and TMJ therapies for patients dealing with jaw joint discomfort, and she has experience with multidisciplinary orthodontics cases that require coordination with oral surgeons or other dental professionals. That breadth of clinical training means Charlestown families do not need to look elsewhere when a case is more complex than a routine alignment concern.
Timing is one of the most important factors in orthodontic treatment, and it is one of the first things Dr. McCullum discusses with Charlestown families. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7, because by that age a specialist can identify developing problems with jaw growth and bite alignment before they become more complex and costly to address.
When early treatment is appropriate, the options at McCullum Orthodontics include palatal expanders, Herbst appliances, facemask therapy, space maintainers, airway-focused expansion, and habit correction appliances. Applying these treatments well requires genuine specialist training, and Dr. McCullum’s background in interceptive care is one of the most meaningful advantages she brings to Charlestown families.
Older patients have strong options at McCullum Orthodontics as well. Teens considering braces can choose between traditional metal and clear ceramic brackets, and adults who prefer a discreet path often find that clear aligners fit their lifestyle well. Dr. McCullum evaluates each case individually and recommends the approach best suited to the patient’s clinical needs. She never steers patients toward a particular option for convenience, and she takes time to explain the clinical reasoning behind every recommendation she makes.
Starting orthodontic care should feel straightforward, not overwhelming. McCullum Orthodontics accepts most major PPO insurance plans, and our team walks every Charlestown family through their benefits clearly and honestly before any commitment is made. We believe cost should never be the reason a family delays care, so our financing options include interest-free payment arrangements designed to make high-quality care accessible for every household, regardless of budget.
Here is what new patients can expect when they begin at our practice:
No Charlestown family should have to delay care because the finances felt unclear, and we work hard to make sure they never do.
Dr. Heather McCullum is a valedictorian-trained specialist with 14 years of clinical experience, a deep connection to Southern Indiana, and a practice designed around the needs of families just like yours. Whether you are bringing in a child for a first evaluation or pursuing treatment as an adult for the first time, the care here is personal, thorough, and built to last.
All new patients from Charlestown are welcome to schedule a complimentary first visit with no obligation. Contact McCullum Orthodontics today and see what thoughtful, specialist-led orthodontic care can do for your family.
McCullum Orthodontics combines strong clinical credentials, a full range of treatment options, and a warm, modern environment to give Charlestown families the orthodontic experience they deserve. Whether you are bringing in a child for a first evaluation, exploring braces for a teenager, or looking into clear aligners for yourself, Dr. McCullum and our team are ready to help you build a plan fitting your goals and your life. You can also review insurance and coverage information on our website before your visit, so you arrive fully prepared. We invite you to reach out to our office to schedule your free consultation today. Getting started is simple, and our team looks forward to meeting you.
McCullum Orthodontics is conveniently located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, serving patients throughout southern Indiana and the greater Louisville area.
