Meet The Doctor

At Hamilton Orthodontics, stunning smiles are our business. From day one of your treatment, we provide personalized service and guidance on the journey to your best smile.

Photo of Dr. Hamilton smiling

DR. PHILLIP
HAMILTON

Dr. Hamilton is a North Carolina native and a third-generation orthodontist, so you could say orthodontics is in his DNA! Growing up in Denver, NC, with an orthodontist father and a dental hygienist mother, the path to a career in dentistry seemed destined. From an early age, he was helping out at his dad’s office, trimming models and learning the art of creating beautiful smiles.

Despite his family ties to the profession, Dr. Hamilton’s curiosity led him to Chapel Hill, eager to explore new opportunities in college. After dabbling in different majors and taking a year off to find his passion, he embarked on a life-changing journey: hiking over 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail! It was on this adventure, surrounded by nature, that he realized orthodontics truly was his calling.

Dr. Hamilton earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Religious Studies from UNC Chapel Hill. Before heading to dental school, he worked as an orthodontic assistant, learning the ropes of patient care and orthodontic treatments firsthand. He then completed his dental degree at UNC and stayed on to specialize in orthodontics, where he trained with some of the best, including the legendary Dr. Bill Proffit. During his residency, Dr. Hamilton conducted research on clear aligners and Invisalign, honing his expertise in cutting-edge orthodontic treatments.

 

While at UNC, Dr. Hamilton met his wife, CJ, who could always spot him on campus thanks to his lime-green bike seat! Their relationship took a fun twist when CJ fully supported his six-month Appalachian Trail hike, even joining him on parts of the trek. They were married in Chapel Hill and moved back to Raleigh to be closer to CJ’s family. CJ is a Raleigh native and a practicing physical therapist working with UNC Hospitals specializing in neurological rehab. They have three energetic daughters: Tatem, Paige, and Erin. The family, along with their lovable (and sometimes forgotten!) brown dog, Scout, enjoys life in the Triangle area, where they’re always outdoors—hiking, biking, and exploring parks.

When he’s not transforming smiles, Dr. Hamilton enjoys working on home improvement projects, building Legos with his daughters, and embracing the simple joys of family life. A lifelong cycling enthusiast, he finds joy in both riding and repairing bikes, appreciating the fascinating overlap between the technicalities of bike mechanics and orthodontics. Whether he’s biking, running, or tending to yard work, Dr. Hamilton loves staying active and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Hamilton couldn’t be more thrilled to practice in the Triangle, where the dental community is as vibrant as the area itself. He is involved in several study clubs and alumni groups and strives to stay up to date on the latest orthodontic technologies in order to continue to improve the premium care we strive for at Hamilton Orthodontics. His favorite part of orthodontics? 

 

“Every smile tells a story, and I love being a part of that journey. I get to know each patient personally, and together, we craft a treatment that fits their lifestyle. Watching their confidence grow with a new smile is the best reward!”

 

 

 Professional Accomplishments and Affiliations

* North Carolina Association of Orthodontists
* Southern Association of Orthodontists
* American Association of Orthodontists
* Raleigh-Wake County Dental Association
* American Dental Association
* University of North Carolina Orthodontic Alumni Association

“Absolutely love this office and everyone in it! I started working with Dr. Engstrom in February of 2020 and he was very helpful in getting me started on my journey toward what we thought would be jaw surgery. Dr. Hamilton came on while during my treatment and has stepped right in and made himself an expert in my case from day one. Between the two of them I’ve had such amazing results I no longer need the surgery! They’re very open to listening to my concerns and explaining everything to me as we go. The rest of the staff at the office has always been incredible as well. They actually take the time to get to know you and keep up with your life between visits. Always a friendly smile and never make you feel silly for having a million questions. Getting braces as an adult was never something I hoped I would need, but this office has made the experience as wonderful as possible!”

E Rowberg

“Dr. Engstrom and Dr. Hamilton are wonderful orthodontists! Thorough, attentive, great office staff, on time and efficient. Investing in my smile in my adult life (Invisalign) has been money and time well spent, and I’m grateful to have such great personalized care. Highly recommend!”

J Tolley

“Dr. Hamilton and staff are WONDERFUL. I was intimidated by the thought of finding the best orthodontist for my son’s needs, and they have made it so easy! They have been thoughtful and conscientious about every single aspect of this experience, from financials to installation to monitoring. All done with care and concern. Thank you!”

C Jeffreys

LET’S GET STARTED