We want you to smile with joy!

Visit us to make that happen.

Let’s get to know each other!

Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics is proud to serve the Fort Walton Beach area, offering advanced orthodontics that deliver radiant smiles. Combining experience, warmth, and the latest technology, we’re ready to cater to the needs of your entire family.

Meet Dr. Curtis

As the daughter of Dr. Peter Bayer, Dr. Leigh Curtis stepped into the field of orthodontics knowing she had big shoes to fill. She decided to earn multiple degrees to pursue her dreams. She began her college career at Clemson University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences, followed by her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Dentistry. Dr. Curtis completed a General Practice Residency and also obtained a Master of Public Health from UAB. In 2004, she completed her residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at New York University College of Dentistry.

Dr. Curtis understands that no one succeeds on their own, and as such, she has always made an effort to give back to her community. Some of her fondest memories include assisting with the “Special Smiles” program during the Special Olympics and receiving prestigious awards such as the Award of Excellence given by the ASDA (American Student Dental Association) and the Alumni Scholarship award. She continues to participate in community outreach dentistry programs such as “Give Kids a Smile”, “Mission of Mercy”, and “Smiles Change Lives”.

Dr. Curtis enjoys spending time with her husband, Damian Curtis, on the Emerald Coast basking in the sun or in the Alabama woods to enjoy hunting, nature, and relaxation. Dr. Curtis and her husband have three beautiful children, Hayden, Martha Rylee, and Clark. The kids keep their lives interesting, busy, and exciting.

Our Founder: Dr. Bayer (1939-2023)

Dr. Peter Bayer lived an incredible life that followed no path but his own. His first degrees were not science or dental-related. Instead, he earned a Bachelor’s in Economics and Mechanical Engineering. He then went on to earn an MBA before joining the Air Force and being stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida from 1961 to 1964 as an engineer.

It was only after he left the Air Force that Dr. Bayer began to forge his path toward his true passion of orthodontics and attended dental school at the University of New York in Buffalo. Dr. Bayer graduated at the top of his class and was recognized for his academic and clinical achievements. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Bayer completed his Residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and combined the two fields of engineering and orthodontics. He practiced orthodontics for over 50 years and paved the way for our success. He is forever in our hearts and we strive each day to live up to his legacy.

Meet the Team

Supporting the Community

Dr. Leigh Curtis encourages everyone to smile! She is involved with Smiles Change Lives, a non-profit organization that assists children and adolescents who need braces and other orthodontic treatment but cannot afford it. Dr. Curtis also supports the community by sponsoring Girl and Boy Scout projects, local teams, and making contributions to patients’ activities.