Our Why
Gretna, Nebraska
More Than Straight Teeth – We're Building Confident Lives
Excellence Through Continuous Learning
Dr. Carter's role as an Associate Professor of Orthodontics and international lecturer reflects our commitment to continuous learning and improvement. We believe that excellence isn't a destination – it's a journey of constant growth, learning, and refinement.
Compassionate Care for All Ages
Our mission extends to patients of all ages, from infants to adults. Dr. Carter's expertise in craniofacial care, cleft lip and palate treatment, and his role as a consultant for the Boys Town National Research Hospital Craniofacial Team demonstrates our commitment to serving patients with the most complex needs.
Community-Centered Practice
Choosing Gretna as our forever home wasn't just a personal decision – it was a commitment to becoming an integral part of this community. We believe that an orthodontic practice should be more than a business; it should be a community resource, a place where neighbors help neighbors achieve their best smiles and highest confidence.
Our Vision
A Community of Confident Smiles
As Gretna continues to grow and evolve, Platte River Orthodontics is committed to growing with it. We envision a community where every child has access to early orthodontic evaluation, where teenagers can achieve their dream smiles without compromising their lifestyles, and where adults never feel it’s too late to invest in their confidence and oral health. Beyond our local community, we also believe in giving back globally—partnering with projects in West Africa that support orphans, promote sustainable farming, and expand access to clean water. Ask us about these partnerships when you visit our office to learn more about how your smile helps make a difference around the world.
Educational Leadership
Providing community education about oral health and orthodontic care.
Community Support
Supporting local schools, sports teams, and community organizations.
The Foundation of Our Mission
A Life of Service
Perhaps no experience has shaped our practice’s mission more profoundly than Dr. Carter and his wife Amy’s eight years as volunteers in a rural village on the edge of the Sahara Desert in Burkina Faso, Western Africa. This wasn’t a short-term mission trip or a brief volunteer experience – it was a complete immersion into a different culture, a different way of life, and a different understanding of what it means to serve others.
Our Promise
More Than a Beautiful Smile
When patients choose Platte River Orthodontics, they’re not just choosing orthodontic treatment – they’re choosing a partner in transformation. We understand that a beautiful smile can change how people see themselves and how the world sees them. It can open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities that might not have existed before.
Our promise extends beyond the technical aspects of orthodontic treatment. We promise to:
Listen to Your Concerns
Respect Your Time
Support Your Journey
The confidence that comes from a beautiful smile extends far beyond the orthodontic office. It affects how people interact with others, how they present themselves professionally, and how they feel about themselves every day. This is why our mission goes beyond creating straight teeth – we’re building confidence for life.
Our Commitment
Excellence in Every Detail
Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our practice, from the advanced technologies we use to the continuing education we pursue to the way we interact with every patient. We believe that our patients deserve nothing less than the best, and we’re committed to delivering that excellence every day.
Clinical Expertise
Staying current with the latest advances in orthodontic treatment.
Technology Integration
Using the most advanced tools and techniques available.
Communication
Providing clear, honest communication throughout treatment.
Join Our Mission
Your Smile, Our Purpose
Gretna, NE 68028
