Welcome to Dexter, MI

Welcome to SBK Orthodontics, proud to serve the Dexter community from our office at 8031 Main St., Suite 303. As a trusted orthodontist Dexter families have come to know, we offer a full range of treatments including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign First, and custom retention plans crafted right in our office. Whether you are bringing in a child for their first orthodontic evaluation or exploring options to straighten your own smile as an adult, our team combines advanced technology with genuine, personal care to guide you through every step of treatment.

A Brief History of Dexter

Dexter’s story began in 1824, thirteen years before Michigan achieved statehood, when land speculator Samuel W. Dexter purchased a large tract of land along Mill Creek and set the village in motion. Early residents called the settlement Mill Creek Settlement until 1830, when the village was formally platted and renamed in honor of its founder.

Water shaped Dexter’s early economy. Mill Creek and the Huron River, which still trace much of the community’s western and northeastern boundaries, powered a string of mills that fueled local industry: a sawmill in 1827, a woolen mill in 1838, a grist mill in 1844, and a cider mill in 1886. That last mill, the Dexter Cider Mill, still presses cider on the banks of the Huron River today and is recognized as the oldest operating cider mill in Michigan.

Samuel Dexter himself left a lasting mark beyond the village that bears his name. He served as chief justice of the Washtenaw County Court and was elected a University of Michigan regent. His Greek Revival home, Gordon Hall, built in the early 1840s just northwest of the village, is believed to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and was later gifted to the University of Michigan by his granddaughter in 1950.

Dexter has weathered its share of adversity too, including a destructive EF3 tornado in March 2012 that damaged homes and businesses without claiming a single life. The community’s resilience carried it forward, and in November 2014 Dexter officially transitioned from a village to a city under a new voter-approved charter, a milestone that reflects just how far the small mill town has grown.

Living and Working in Dexter

Today’s Dexter blends small-town charm with genuine opportunity. Families are drawn to the highly regarded Dexter Community Schools, tree-lined neighborhoods, and a walkable downtown centered around a village green that still feels like the heart of the community. 

Its location just north of I-94, between Ann Arbor and Chelsea, gives residents easy access to regional employers and the University of Michigan’s academic and healthcare hubs, while keeping the pace of daily life comfortably unhurried. Between local shops, seasonal festivals, and a strong sense of civic pride, Dexter offers the kind of quality of life that makes it easy to put down roots.

Points of Interest in Dexter

There is plenty to explore just minutes from our office, including:

• Dexter Cider Mill: A Washtenaw County landmark since 1886, known for fresh-pressed cider, doughnuts, and riverside views along the Huron.
• Hudson Mills Metropark: Nearly 1,600 acres offering hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, disc golf, canoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter.
• Mill Creek Park: A downtown green space connected to the Border-to-Border Trail, a paved path stretching toward Hudson Mills Metropark and beyond.
• Gordon Hall: The historic Greek Revival home of village founder Samuel Dexter, notable for its architecture and reputed ties to the Underground Railroad.
• Dexter Farmers Market: A weekly gathering spot for fresh produce, handmade goods, and conversation with local growers and artisans.

Whether you are a longtime resident or new to the area, these local spots capture what makes Dexter such a special place to call home.

Ready to Get Started? Schedule Your Visit

Choosing the right orthodontist Dexter residents can rely on for compassionate, expert care makes all the difference in your treatment experience. At SBK Orthodontics, we take pride in being part of this community, and we would love the opportunity to help you or your family achieve a healthier, more confident smile. Reach out to our Dexter office to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward the smile you deserve.

A Team Invested in Your Smile

From your very first visit through your final retainer check, our Dexter team is here to make sure you feel supported, informed, and genuinely cared for. Contact us today to get started on your orthodontic journey with a practice that treats you like family.