True to Our Roots

Dr. Brian Schabel & Dr. Vivian Chan

You may be surprised to hear that North Coast Orthodontics has been creating smiles in the Santa Cruz area for over 50 years! Dr. Robert E. Matlack opened his first practice in 1966 in a newly constructed suite in a medical/dental complex on Water Street in Santa Cruz. Through the years he became a well-known and well-respected clinician, arguably the most successful in Santa Cruz county at the time. He was a highly disciplined man and a dedicated leader with a high standard of care. In 1978, Dr. Matlack outgrew his first practice and relocated the office to a new a bigger space in the Water Street complex. Dr. Matlack opened a 2^nd office off of Rio Del Mar in Aptos in 1993 to serve the patients in South Santa Cruz County.

Fast forward to 2005. Dr. Schabel, still in his orthodontic residency at the University of Michigan at the time, learned that Dr. Matlack was thinking of retiring. While he narrowly missed the opportunity in 2005, he was quickly presented with the same opportunity one year later by the new owner of the practice, Dr. James Jasper.

On July 5^th 2006, Dr. Schabel’s dream opportunity became a reality and he took ownership of the practice Dr. Matlack founded in his hometown of Santa Cruz.

Upon careful consideration, Dr. Schabel decided to rename the practice “North Coast Orthodontics”. During his first year in private practice, Dr. Schabel focused intently on patient care.

In June 2007, Dr. Chan graduated from the orthodontic program at the University of Michigan and joined Dr. Schabel in the practice. They became the first and only husband and wife orthodontic team in the area.

A few years later, Drs. Schabel and Chan decided to move their office to the former World Savings Bank, directly across from Capitola Mall on 41^st Avenue.  The doctors did all the demolition in the building themselves! Construction began in February of 2011 and a few months later, the pair opened their doors for the first time.

To this day, our orthodontists strive to uphold Dr. Matlack’s high standard of care. The results we provide and the satisfaction of our patients are what matter most. Drs. Chan and Schabel are thankful for the journey they’ve experienced so far and are excited for what the future holds. 

Ready to get started on your new smile? Click here to schedule a complimentary braces or Invisalign consultation.