When Dr. Jennifer Buchanan first opened the doors to Buchanan Orthodontics, McKinney was a North Texas town of roughly 30,000 residents. Three decades later, the population has grown past 230,000 and Dr. Buchanan has watched her practice grow right along with it.

Reaching a 30-year business milestone is a significant achievement, but for Dr. Buchanan, the true success lies in the relationships she has built across generations. She now treats the children of some of her original patients, sometimes pulling up archived photos to compare smiles across the family.

“It’s almost hard to believe,” Dr. Buchanan said. “What’s so neat about McKinney is that even though it’s grown, the heart is still there. To have that trust and see second-generation patients, that’s the biggest compliment to me.”

What does reaching 30 years mean to Dr. Buchanan?

Looking back across three decades, Dr. Buchanan said the most meaningful part of her career has been the relationships she has built with patients and their families. Those connections often continue outside the office, whether she runs into a former patient at the grocery store or sees a familiar face while helping at the McKinney Hat Company, which she owns with her husband.

For Dr. Buchanan, the milestone is also a reminder that she has built a career doing work she genuinely loves. She said she still feels like orthodontics is where she is meant to be, with plenty of enthusiasm for what comes next.

“I love what I’m doing, and I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be,” Dr. Buchanan said.

Reaching 30 years has also given Dr. Buchanan a chance to see how much orthodontic care has evolved.

How has orthodontic technology changed?

Since Dr. Buchanan opened her practice, advances in orthodontic technology have created new treatment options and made care easier for patients. Today, Buchanan Orthodontics uses technologies including Damon braces and Spark clear aligners.

Dr. Buchanan said modern orthodontics also allows her to consider more than the appearance of a patient’s smile, including factors such as breathing and sleep.

“The technology has grown so much, and treatment is so much easier for my patients,” Dr. Buchanan said. “I’m helping patients breathe better, sleep better and, of course, have gorgeous and handsome smiles.”

How does Dr. Buchanan give back to the community?

Community service has been part of Buchanan Orthodontics since its early days. Dr. Buchanan initially hosted skating parties for patients, with donations benefiting Habitat for Humanity. After the skating rink closed, the fundraisers evolved into karaoke events and larger community gatherings.

That work eventually became Smiles Charity, which now helps provide mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans. The mission became especially personal after one of Buchanan’s patients was killed shortly before his 21st birthday, prompting her to think about the sacrifices made by service members and the challenges they can face when they return home.

Today, Smiles Charity is working on its 23rd mortgage-free home in its 19th year.

“Giving someone a home is that home base where they can relax, have that comfort and have that peace to really rebuild their life,” Dr. Buchanan said.

The practice also partners with the Boys & Girls Club on other community efforts:

  • Shoes for Smiles: Patients join local children while they shop for new school shoes. Dr. Buchanan said 150 children received shoes this year.

  • Holiday giving: Each Christmas, the practice adopts local teenagers, focusing on older children who can sometimes be overlooked during holiday gift drives.

Dr. Buchanan said involving her patients in these efforts gives them an opportunity to experience the impact of giving back firsthand.

What comes next for Buchanan Orthodontics?

After 30 years, Dr. Buchanan said she has no plans to slow down. She plans to continue practicing orthodontics, staying current with new technology and finding ways to grow the charitable work that has become an important part of her practice.

“I’ve got more gas in the tank,” Dr. Buchanan said. “When you love what you do and you love the community, love your patients, it makes it easy.”

For Dr. Buchanan, the next chapter is about continuing the work she loves while finding new ways to serve the community that has been part of her life for three decades.

Ready to schedule an appointment?

Whether you're looking to begin your own orthodontic journey, explore clear aligner options or find a welcoming, family-focused practice in McKinney, Dr. Buchanan and her team are ready to welcome you. Visit the office or connect online to schedule a consultation and learn more about the practice's community programs.

How long has Buchanan Orthodontics been serving McKinney?

Buchanan Orthodontics has served McKinney families for 30 years, since Dr. Jennifer Buchanan opened the practice in 1996.

Does Buchanan Orthodontics offer clear aligners?

Yes. Buchanan Orthodontics offers Spark clear aligners as well as Damon braces, giving patients different options for orthodontic treatment.

What community programs does Buchanan Orthodontics support?

Buchanan Orthodontics supports several community programs, including Shoes for Smiles, holiday giving for local teenagers and Smiles Charity, which helps provide mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans.

How does Buchanan Orthodontics support wounded veterans?

Through Smiles Charity, Buchanan Orthodontics raises funds to help provide mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans. The organization is currently working on its 23rd home in its 19th year.