Richard L. Ingraham, DDS, MS, PA

Richard L. Ingraham, DDS, MS, PA, a specialist in the field of orthodontics, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction accorded only 25% of American orthodontists after a rigorous examination process.
Dr. Ingraham completed his undergraduate degree in his home state at the University of Arizona. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Missouri—Kansas City Dental School, two of the most prestigious colleges of dentistry in the nation. He served in the United States Navy as a general dentist in Rota, Spain, and was a member of the teaching faculty in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Missouri - Kansas City Dental School prior to establishing his private practice in orthodontics in Corpus Christi in 1974. Dr. Ingraham has completed five state board examinations and is licensed to practice dentistry in Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Missouri and Kansas.
Active in professional and civic organizations, Dr. Ingraham is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Southwest Society of Orthodontists and is on the Cleft Palate Team at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. He is the past president of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society and an alumnus of Leadership Corpus Christi.
Dr. Ingraham’s orthodontic treatment philosophy is patient-centered, with careful consideration given to the unique, individual characteristics of each patient. It’s very important to Dr. Ingraham that his patients enjoy their orthodontic experience and benefit from a great smile when treatment is finished. That’s why he’s so pleased to be one of only 300 doctors in the world using SureSmile technology to straighten teeth. SureSmile technology uses 3-D diagnostic imaging, computer-aided treatment planning, shape memory alloy archwires and robotic customization to provide shorter treatment times, less overall discomfort and fewer office visits.
Dr. Ingraham and his wife, Jo, have one daughter, Heather, and three grandchildren. He is fluent in Spanish and enjoys the cultural heritage of South Texas and the Southwest. He loves to fish and spend time on the beautiful Gulf waters. Dr. Ingraham and his wife are members of First Baptist Church, where he teaches an adult class and serves in various capacities of leadership. Dr. Ingraham loves people and is passionate about orthodontics and the opportunity his profession provides him to create beautiful smiles.
Benefits of Choosing Dr. Ingraham for your Orthodontic Care
Dr. Ingraham’s orthodontic practice is unique because of:
Board Certified Orthodontist –Dr. Ingraham is an orthodontist, which is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists! Furthermore, Dr. Ingraham is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction accorded only 25% of American orthodontists after a rigorous examination process.
200+ Years of Experience –- Our caring, professional staff members have more than 200 collective years of experience in orthodontic service. Our staff is committed to learning and innovating through continuing education and to showing each and every patient how special he or she is. Our phone is always answered by an experienced professional who is immediately available to help schedule an appointment or answer any questions you have about your treatment.
Individualized Treatment Timing – Dr. Ingraham will treat your child at his or her optimal starting point, based on growth patterns and development, not from a pre-determined chronological age criteria.
Shorter Treatment Time – We use SureSmile and Damon treatment systems, assuring that your comfort will be optimal and your overall treatment time will be reduced significantly. These systems, which use light active force, also make your treatment hassle-free, with less discomfort and fewer, flexible appointments.
Non-Extraction Technique – Dr. Ingraham knows that nothing can take the place of your natural teeth. That’s why he strives to preserve the integrity of your smile and improve your profile with techniques that use extraction only as a last resort.
Incredible Kids’ Club – We offer a pre-orthodontic guidance program called The Incredible Kids’ Club for children who are not quite ready to begin orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children see an orthodontist by age 7. As a preventative orthodontic office, we offer this service to your children.
Experience With Adult Treatment – Dr. Ingraham is one of the most experienced pre-prosthetic and adult treatment practitioners in the Southwest. He is expert at resolving periodontal issues and integrating surgical solutions to achieve an ideal smile.
Cutting Edge Technology – Dr. Ingraham offers the very latest in treatment appliances, such as the Damon System, Orthoclear, Invisalign and SureSmile technology. He believes in using the most up-to-date technology and the least invasive treatment possible. Dr. Ingraham is the only SureSmile provider in Corpus Christi and all of South Texas.
On-Site Lab – Our in-house lab expedites delivery of retainers and other appliances. This also means that if you lose or damage an appliance, a new one can be made quickly, ensuring that your treatment isn’t delayed.
Digital Imaging – Our office is a state-of-the-art facility and we utilize an energy saving, environmentally hygienic digital radiography system that exposes patients to 90 % less radiation than traditional x-ray machines while providing crisp, clear images for more efficient diagnoses and treatment. We feel our modern practice and cutting edge techniques ensure you are receiving the quality orthodontic care you deserve.
Three Convenient Locations– We offer three locations to serve you best. Our main location in Corpus Christi is supported by neighborhood offices in Calallen and Portland for your added convenience.
Convenient Office Hours – To accommodate working patients and parents, our office maintains early morning office hours. We’re also open on school holidays and most major holidays.
No Charge Initial Consultations – Dr. Ingraham offers complimentary first visits with no referrals required.
Insurance Processing – We accept assignment of benefits from most major insurance carriers, and we’ll do the paperwork for you, ensuring that you are freed from continually filling out reimbursement forms.