Meet Stella Dong of Stellar Orthodontics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stella Dong.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey to opening Stellar Orthodontics has been fueled by a combination of passion, persistence, and a genuine love for helping people smile with confidence. I grew up knowing the transformative power of a great smile, and that inspired me to pursue dentistry and eventually specialize in orthodontics.

I graduated as Valedictorian from UCLA School of Dentistry, an achievement that grounded me in both excellence and compassion. From there, I completed my orthodontic specialty training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where I honed the skills and artistry that drive my practice today.

My passion has always been about more than straightening teeth—it’s about creating confidence and individuality. I envisioned a space that combined cutting-edge technology with a warm, welcoming atmosphere — where patients feel cared for like family and treatment is tailored just for them. In 2024, that dream became reality with Stellar Orthodontics in Gilbert, Arizona. Here, we blend modern, efficient treatment options—from designer braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and behind-the-teeth ‘invisible’ braces, to advanced airway orthodontics, expansion techniques, and adult MARPE treatment—with a personal, hands-on approach.

I believe smiles change more than appearances—they change lives. Whether it’s improving someone’s confidence, supporting better breathing through airway-focused care, or helping adults achieve expansion they never thought possible, every day at Stellar Orthodontics I get to help patients become the best version of themselves. That’s what drives me, and that’s how I got here.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most meaningful journeys, mine hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. Opening a practice is both exhilarating and humbling. There were late nights learning the ins and outs of business ownership, navigating construction delays, and making countless tiny decisions—everything from selecting the right 3D scanners to choosing the furniture that would make our space feel both modern and comforting.

There’s also a big learning curve in finding the right team, building trust together, and creating systems that run smoothly while still keeping a personal touch for every patient. At the same time, balancing the demands of running a business with being present for family and friends has been one of the most important lessons. It’s a constant adjustment, but also a reminder of why I chose this path—to build a practice that is authentic, sustainable, and centered on care.

Each challenge has made me more resilient and resourceful. I’ve learned to embrace problem-solving as part of the process, and I’m so grateful for the supportive patients, colleagues, and community who’ve infused meaning into the journey. Looking back, those hurdles helped shape Stellar Orthodontics into the place it is today—a space built with intention, persistence, and a lot of heart.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Stellar Orthodontics, we’re known for helping patients achieve not only beautiful smiles but also healthier function and breathing. One of our core specialties is airway orthodontics—looking beyond straight teeth to understand how jaw development, facial balance, and airway health all work together.

A key part of this is expansion, which we offer for both children and adults. For kids, expansion helps guide proper growth, prevent future crowding of the teeth, and support healthy breathing and sleep. For adults, we provide advanced options including custom 3D-printed MARPE (Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), as well as other types of expanders, making meaningful expansion possible at any age. These treatments can improve not only the smile and bite, but also overall health and quality of life.

Of course, we also provide the full spectrum of orthodontic care — traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign and other clear aligners, lingual “hidden” braces, retainers, and more. But what truly sets us apart is how we tailor every treatment plan to the individual—not just to straighten teeth, but to enhance facial balance, improve oral health, and boost confidence. We use the latest technology, like 3D imaging and digital smile simulations, and pair it with a warm, boutique-style atmosphere where patients truly feel like family.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Stellar Orthodontics reflects our vision: a space where artistry meets science, where results are beautiful, functional, and long-lasting, and where patients of all ages can experience truly life-changing transformations.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without an incredible circle of mentors, supporters, and cheerleaders. First and foremost, my husband Mark has been my rock—offering endless encouragement, listening to my ideas (and worries), and celebrating every win, big or small.

My single mom, May, has been one of my biggest inspirations. She’s shown me the value of hard work, resilience, and kindness, and she’s been cheering me on since day one. My in-laws have also been incredibly supportive—always ready to lend a hand, offer encouragement, and celebrate milestones right alongside us.

I’m also deeply grateful to our professional organization, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and to the many orthodontic meetings I’ve attended over the years. I’ve learned so much from the incredible speakers and colleagues who so generously share their knowledge and passion for our specialty.

I can’t say enough about my amazing team at Stellar Orthodontics. They’re the heartbeat of the practice—bringing positive energy, genuine care, and a willingness to go above and beyond for our patients every single day.

And of course, our patients themselves inspire me daily. Their trust in us, their commitment to their own smile journey, and their joy when we reveal their results—that’s the fuel that keeps me going. It gives me so much joy to hear a patient tell me their breathing, sleeping, and quality of life have improved. Those are the moments that make the whole journey worthwhile.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. I’ve learned it also takes a village to start a practice. This practice is the result of a community of people who believed in me, pushed me forward, and celebrated alongside me. I truly couldn’t have done it alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mystellarorthodontics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellarortho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550942018683
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstelladong/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@StellarOrtho?feature=shared
• Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stellar+Orthodontics/@33.3067899,-111.7091069,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x872badd09e18b9cd:0x4ab852f1b7ae334a!8m2!3d33.3067899!4d-111.706532!16s%2Fg%2F11vkbp51qh?entry=ttu