The Pursuit.
The Standard.
Meet the Dream Team Behind North Coast Orthodontics
At North Coast Orthodontics, you’ll find a team that combines advanced orthodontic expertise with a warm, individualized approach that makes patients feel valued and supported. While we’ve served Santa Cruz families for 20 years, our connection to the community goes far beyond the office doors, as our very own Dr. Schabel grew up here, allowing us to provide an even more personable experience for families and patients. With a passion for giving back and a dedication to creating world-class smiles crafted by hand and heart, North Coast Orthodontics has become a trusted part of the community for patients of all ages.
How it All Began
North Coast Orthodontics was established in 2006, but our origins go back 40 years earlier, when Dr. Robert E. Matlack established a Santa Cruz orthodontic practice in 1966. Over the course of his career, Dr. Matlack earned a reputation as one of Santa Cruz County’s most respected orthodontists. Upon his retirement in 2004, he left behind a legacy that continues to shape the practice today.
Dr. Schabel and Dr. Chan took over the practice in 2006 as North Coast Orthodontics. Along with all the patients who are new to our practice, we continue to see children and grandchildren of former patients of Dr. Matlack.
Our current state-of-the-art Capitola office on 41st Avenue opened in May 2011, while our Scotts Valley office on Mount Hernon Road opened in February 2025.
How We Provide an Exceptional Orthodontic Experience
At North Coast Orthodontics, we understand the expectations of the patients and families we serve, and we do everything we can to make sure each patient has an exceptional experience at our practice.
As a team, we promise to:
- Make you feel at home from day one. From the moment you enter our practice, we want you to feel comfortable, welcome, and appreciated. We are here for you, and it’s our goal to build your trust in us so we can help you smile.
- Keep your treatment moving and your day on track. We know you have a busy schedule, and we don’t think your appointments should interfere with your life. All of our appointments are appropriately scheduled, so you’ll spend less time in the waiting room or dental chair and more time out enjoying the things that make you smile.
- Provide an experience as unique as your smile. Your comfort is important to us, and because we work with patients of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds, we recognize that each person who visits our practice has unique needs and expectations.
Meet Your
Smile Experts
Get to know the people and faces that make North Coast Orthodontics a leading Santa Cruz practice.
Dr. Brian Schabel
For Dr. Schabel, caring for patients is especially meaningful because he’s serving the community that helped shape him. He grew up in Santa Cruz and attended Scotts Valley Middle School and Harbor High School, both minutes from our offices in Capitola & Scotts Valley, respectively.
As a Santa Cruz local, he understands what makes the area so special and what’s important to families here. Today, he and Dr. Chan are proud to call Santa Cruz home, where they’re raising their children and building lasting relationships with the families they serve.
Professionally, he is recognized for his contributions to orthodontic education, published work, and involvement in leading dental organizations, all while helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through personalized, expert care.
Dr. Vivian Chan
As both an orthodontist and a mom, Dr. Chan understands the trust families place in their healthcare providers. She brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to every patient, creating a welcoming environment where children, teens, and adults feel comfortable and cared for.
Together, she and Dr. Schabel are proud to raise their children in Santa Cruz County, making it especially meaningful to provide world-class orthodontic care to the same community their own family calls home.
In her career, Dr. Chan is a respected orthodontist, researcher, and lifelong learner, who continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and enhance patient care. Her work has been recognized on a national stage through professional research presentations, while her compassionate personality has earned the trust of countless families throughout Santa Cruz.
The Dream Team
The heart of North Coast Orthodontics is the dedicated team that brings Dr. Schabel and Dr. Chan’s vision to life each day. United by a shared commitment to excellence, our team combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion to create an experience that feels both professional and personal. Patients often notice a difference — from being treated like family to the respect shown for their time, comfort, and individual goals.
Technology and Innovation That Enhances Your Experience
With backgrounds rooted in research and advanced orthodontic training, Dr. Schabel and Dr. Chan take a discerning approach to new technology, investing in innovations that have been proven to make treatment more comfortable, efficient, and precise. From digital imaging and impression-free scanning to 3D printing and virtual care options, our technology helps streamline the orthodontic experience while supporting exceptional patient care.
iTero Scanner
The iTero digital scanner allows us to capture highly accurate 3D images of your teeth without the need for messy traditional impressions. This advanced technology improves comfort, enhances treatment precision, and gives patients an instant view of their smile during consultations. With fast, radiation-free scanning and digital records that cannot be lost or damaged, iTero helps create a more efficient and seamless orthodontic experience.
3D Printing
Our in-house 3D printing technology allows us to create customized orthodontic appliances with exceptional precision and efficiency. By using detailed digital scans, we can design and produce personalized retainers, aligners, and other appliances that fit comfortably and support accurate treatment. This advanced technology helps reduce turnaround times, streamline care, and provide a more convenient experience for our patients.
Digital Radiography
Digital radiography allows us to capture detailed images quickly and efficiently while using significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays. This advanced technology supports accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, helping us deliver precise, personalized care while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.
Virtual Visits
Virtual visits make it easier to stay connected with our team without always needing to come into the office. Using a secure, easy-to-use platform, patients can meet with Dr. Schabel, Dr. Chan, and our team from a smartphone, tablet, or computer for consultations, progress checks, or treatment questions. This convenient option helps make orthodontic care more flexible for busy families and patients on the go.
Committed to Our Community
At North Coast Orthodontics, supporting our community is an important part of who we are. We are proud to give back through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and programs, such as Spread the Aloha, which honors local heroes by providing orthodontic care to those in need. Our practice also sponsors the Scotts Valley Little League AAA Yankees, San Lorenzo Valley Middle and High School Theater Programs, Santa Cruz Junior Lifeguards, and the Scotts Valley Education Foundation (SVEF), helping enrich educational, athletic, and recreational opportunities for children and families throughout the area.
As a locally owned practice, we believe in investing in the people and communities that have supported us over the years.
Setting The Standard For Personalized Treatment & Service
Our team at North Coast Orthodontics is honored to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles in an environment built on trust, expertise, and genuine care. Whether you’re exploring treatment for yourself or a family member, we are here to guide you every step of the way with personalized solutions and a commitment to exceptional service. Schedule your complimentary evaluation in Capitola or Scotts Valley, and discover the difference of orthodontic care crafted by hand and heart.