From the quiet biology labs at Brigham Young University to the treatment bays of Burke & Redford Orthodontists, Dr. Ryan Redford’s journey has been shaped by curiosity, rigorous training, and a genuine love of working with kids and teenagers.
Today Dr. Redford is one of fewer than 40 percent of U.S. orthodontists who have earned voluntary board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Parents across Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, and the wider Inland Empire trust him for the same reason his professors once did: he brings science-driven precision and a calm bedside manner to every growing smile.
Early Roots in Biology and Service
Raised in Utah, Ryan Redford excelled in both academic and community service. At Brigham Young University he majored in biology and graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA in 2008. That broad scientific foundation—genetics, physiology, cell biology—would later inform his evidence-based approach to tooth movement, airway evaluation, and growth modification.
During college he volunteered at mobile dental clinics and mentored pre-dental students, experiences that sparked his interest in pediatric health care. “I loved seeing anxious kids relax once they understood what was happening,” he recalls in a practice blog post. “Orthodontics lets me combine hands-on biology with that teaching moment every day.”
UCLA School of Dentistry: Crafting Clinical Skills
Admission to the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry is among the most competitive in the nation. Dr. Redford not only earned a place but also graduated cum laude in 2012, receiving the Dean’s Scholarship for academic excellence. Four years at UCLA exposed him to:
- Leading-edge digital imaging—the same CBCT technology he now uses to map hidden impacted canines in young patients.
- Interdisciplinary care at UCLA’s School of Dentistry, where he coordinated with pediatric dentists and oral surgeons—experience that helps him spot bite issues early and treat complex cases.
- Community outreach in underserved Los Angeles schools, reinforcing his commitment to kid-centric communication.
Orthodontic Residency & Master’s Research
Next came a coveted spot at the Medical College of Virginia, now Virginia Commonwealth University, where Dr. Redford completed a two-year orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science degree. His thesis investigated the mechanical effects of overbite correction – information he still relies on when treating overbites in children and teenagers.
Residency also brought first-hand experience with temporary anchorage devices (miniscrews) for open-bite and Class III cases, and with Invisalign® Teen protocols for clear aligner patients. Those skills form the backbone of the practice’s modern service menu today.
Achieving Board Certification
In 2019, Dr. Redford passed the ABO’s scenario-based oral examination and became a diplomate. Board certification demands one demonstrate excellence in understanding diagnosis, technical execution, and stability—reassurance to parents that their child’s treatment follows the highest national standards.
Joining—and Elevating—Burke & Redford Orthodontists
Dr. Michael Burke established the practice in 1991; Dr. Redford became his partner in 2016, bringing fresh digital expertise to a legacy of compassionate care. Together they serve families at two locations and are equipped with:
- Planmeca ProMax® CBCT for ultra-low-dose 3-D imaging.
- iTero Lumina intraoral scanners for digital impressions—ideal for gag-prone youngsters.
Every appliance—from palatal expanders to Invisalign clear aligners—is planned on Dr. Redford’s digital model of a child’s teeth.
Signature Services That Reflect His Training
Self-Ligating Braces (Metal, Ceramic)
Dr. Redford’s opinion is that self-ligating brackets make for a smooth orthodontic experience for kids and their parents with shorter appointments and longer intervals between appointments, which is a win for busy parents. Kids can choose splashy color ties on metal brackets or opt for nearly invisible ceramic brackets that blend with enamel.
Invisalign® & Invisalign Teen
Because the aligner system stages movements as small as 0.25 mm, Dr. Redford can respect the biologic limits of young roots while still correcting crowding, rotations, or spacing. Digital simulations let parents preview how the teeth are predicted to move during actual treatment.
Miniscrews (TADs)
Those tiny titanium pins learned while in residency anchor elastics without relying on other teeth, preventing unwanted side effects. A Planmeca scan guides safe placement, and most kids return to school the same day.
Growth-Guidance Appliances
Bonded expanders, lower lingual holding arches, and habit cribs—all fabricated custom to each patient’s unique mouth—can intercept problems at age 7 or 8 and shorten or simplify later braces.
Community & Family Engagement
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Redford sponsors local Little League (and other sports) teams and visits local elementary schools with “Tooth Science” presentations. Google, Yelp, and Nextdoor parents frequently mention his calm demeanor and on-time schedule, reassuring nervous first timers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does board certification really matter for an orthodontist?
Yes. Only a minority of orthodontists pursue it; the rigorous case review means your child’s plan meets national best-practice benchmarks. Dr. Redford is a board certified pediatric orthodontist.
Will CBCT expose my child to too much radiation?
Dr. Redford’s Planmeca unit adapts exposure to pediatric size; a typical orthodontic protocol equals about two weeks of natural background radiation.
Are miniscrews painful?
Most kids describe a quick pinch; studies show discomfort like routine bracket placement or a filling at the dentist. Dr. Redford takes care in making sure patients are comfortable during their treatment.
At what age should we schedule a first orthodontic visit with Burke & Redford Orthodontists?
The American Association of Orthodontists says by age 7. Dr. Redford offers complimentary growth checks to spot crossbites, permanent teeth developing out of place, or crowding early, often preventing extractions later.
Why Parents Choose Dr. Ryan Redford
- Science-based care is rooted in an undergraduate degree in biology, UCLA dentistry, and VCU orthodontic research.
- Cutting-edge tech: CBCT, iTero Lumina, 3-D printing, Self-ligating braces, Invisalign Teen.
- Board-certified results that emphasize gentle forces and long-term stability.
- Kid-centric culture where on-time appointments and friendly explanations calm fears.
- Flexible financing from interest-free orthodontic plans to family discounts—aligning with household budgets.
Schedule a Complimentary 3-D Smile Check
Whether your seven-year-old still has baby teeth or your high-schooler hides their smile in photos, Dr. Ryan Redford has the training and technology to guide their growth confidently. A no-cost consultation includes digital photos, a low-dose panoramic X-ray, and, when indicated, a Planmeca 3-D scan to create a personalized road map.
Call (951) 699-8011 or request a family orthodontic appointment through the Burke & Redford Orthodontists website today. Discover how a board-certified pediatric orthodontist can turn even the most complicated case into a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.