Meet Us

Duluth Orthodontist Dr. Chris Carlson is one of those people who goes out of his way to make people happy. He says that making others happy is the key to a fulfilled life. That’s why he ultimately chose to be an orthodontist. Every day is about making people smile - and also allows him to combine what he loves: problem-solving, engineering, technology and working with people.

Dr. Carlson earned a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, working as an environmental engineer in Chicago for four years before committing to an additional six years of advanced education to become an orthodontist. He says working as an engineer was not as satisfying as he’d hoped it would be because he was working with numbers more than people. Orthodontics allows him to combine the principles of engineering with dentistry and now, just like the smiles he creates, it’s a perfect fit. He began his orthodontic practice in 2003. Dr. Carlson is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. This board certification is awarded after a rigorous process including examination of both knowledge and completed orthodontic cases. It's just another way that Dr. Carlson has put extra effort into providing you the highest level of care.

Dr. Carlson is a native of Ironwood, Michigan. He met his wife Amy while on the ski team in college. They were married in 1995 and have two children, Lauren and Erik. They chose to build their life and business in Duluth because of the quality of life in the area: endless outdoor opportunities, great people, and Lake Superior. When he‘s not working, Dr. Carlson enjoys both alpine and nordic skiing, mountain biking (you’ll see him skiing in the Birkie and riding in the Chequamegon each year), traveling to new places, helping with kids’ activities, flying small planes (he‘s had his pilot’s license since the age of 16), and bird hunting with the family’s yellow lab, Lucie.

Dr. Carolyn Whittow loves supporting people in their journey towards self-confidence and a beautiful smile. She feels fortunate to be in a profession that creates a transformative experience for people of all ages. After having braces as a senior in high school, she developed an interest in orthodontics. She received her dental education from the Medical University of South Carolina, where she graduated first in her class. After receiving her DMD, she also completed her orthodontic residency training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her three-year residency provided extensive training in traditional braces, clear aligner therapy, and surgical orthodontics.

She is a native of South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wofford College. While at Wofford, she played collegiate volleyball (despite her petite size!) and received the William Stanley Hoole Award, which is awarded to the senior intercollegiate athlete with the highest academic average.

Prior to becoming an orthodontist, Dr. Whittow worked in environmental education. She spent several years in the Twin Cities, working with YMCA camps and environmental education centers, but ultimately decided to pursue a career in which she could combine her love of science and mathematics with the transformative experience of creating a beautiful smile. Her husband, Ryan, grew up in Wisconsin and they are happy to be in the Midwest and closer to family. Together, Dr. Whittow and Ryan love to travel and explore new places. They enjoy outdoor adventures including summer hiking, boating on the lake, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. On the weekends you may also find them cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers or Green Bay Packers while spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Whittow is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, and the Southern Association of Orthodontists.