Meet Dr.Altherr
"I feel that I am really fortunate to be an orthodontist, and love what I do. I am passionate about my profession and practice in Apex. I am privileged to use my skills to positively affect my patients’ lives. I enjoy getting to know each patient personally, and their family. I also appreciate seeing the smiles and the results at the end of treatment. I still remember my orthodontist (Dr. Vonnie Smith) when I was younger, and how much fun I had, and how cool he was."
Education & Continuing Education
Before practicing orthodontics, I earned a BS in biology and a BS in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and my master’s degree and orthodontic certificate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where my research was on the management of crowding and eruption of teeth in the mixed-dentition.
Although my formal education is complete, I am constantly involved in continuing orthodontic education in order to make myself a better orthodontist. I strive for perfection for my patients because they are part of my community, and I only provide treatment that I would give to my family and friends. I never stop learning new research-based methods and techniques so my patients always receive the best possible care.
Professional Memberships &Affiliations
In The Practice
I have been practicing orthodontics since 2002 and also practiced dentistry for two years prior. My dental experience has instilled the importance of overall oral health and how orthodontics affects the mouth, jaws, and even the entire body.
I have a greater understanding of my patients’ needs because of this experience and can provide each patient with the customized treatment plan that works best for them. I strongly feel that I am one of the top experts in the triangle, NC area in the management of the mixed-dentition (mix of baby and adult teeth) because of the research I did to obtain my master’s degree.
Furthermore, my experience and knowledge in the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) allow me to declare my expertise in this specific treatment area of orthodontics, as well. Finally, I have been using Invisalign to treat my patients since its inception in the early 2000s, and feel very confident in this treatment too.
One of the best parts of my job is building lasting relationships with the people in our community, across Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, and Raleigh. I treat people of all ages, and I love watching the kids grow and adult patients get the big, beautiful smiles they deserve. It’s always rewarding for me to run into patients and parents in the community and to see them smiling.
I know that my patients come to me to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, but they also want a positive and comfortable orthodontic treatment experience. My wonderful team is very outgoing and welcoming to each patient, and I am lucky to work with such talented and caring people. All of us love what we do and really care about our patients!
Family & Community
I grew up in Cary, and I love living in the Apex area! I have seen a lot changes in the triangle area. My amazing wife and I have a young son and two dogs at home. After work, I enjoy playing soccer and pickleball, watching UNC sports and my favorite soccer team (Arsenal), and of course spending time with my family.
I am also active in our community, and my practice supports many local schools and their PTAs, sports teams, and clubs and churches in the area.
