We want you to smile with joy!

Visit us to make that happen.

Let’s get to know each other!

Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics is the go-to practice for an Instagram-perfect smile. We proudly serve the Fort Walton Beach area with advanced orthodontics, experience, the latest technology, and friendly service. As a father-daughter team, we understand the importance of family and cater to the needs of the entire family regardless of age. To get started, book your complimentary consultation today. We can’t wait to meet you!

Meet Dr. Curtis

Dr. Leigh Curtis had big shoes to fill (literally) being the daughter of Dr Peter Bayer, she always wanted to follow in Dr Bayer’s footsteps and decided to purse several degrees to make her dreams come true. 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’s School of Dentistry. Dr. Curtis completed a General Practice Residency and also obtained a Masters of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2004 she completed her residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at New York University College of Dentistry.

During her time in school and residency, Dr. Curtis enjoyed being involved with her community and taking on leadership roles within organized dentistry. 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 three kids keep their lives interesting, busy, and exciting.

Meet Dr. Bayer

Dr. Peter Bayer’s life began in Syracuse, New York where he grew up and even earned his first college degree. Surprisingly, Dr. Bayer’s first degrees were not science or dental-related. Dr. Bayer instead began his diverse background with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mechanical Engineering. He then went on to earn an MBA before joining the Airforce and being stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida from 1961 to 1964 as an engineer.

Once Dr. Bayer left the Air Force, he 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.

Dr. Bayer believes in supporting his local community. He is also actively involved in professional associations at the local, state, and national levels. Dr. Bayer enjoys regularly attending continuing education courses.

Dr. Bayer and his wife Martha have four adult children: Eric, Leigh, Zach, and Lauren. Dr. Bayer and his wife are proud to call Ft. Walton Beach home since 1976. When he is not at the office, Dr. Bayer loves to travel, fly, and fixing anything – adding his family to any of these activities, makes it that much more special.

Meet the Team

Supporting the Community

Dr. Leigh Curtis and Dr. Peter Bayer believe that they have to support their community and encourage everyone to smile! Both doctors are involved with Smiles Change Lives which is a non-profit organization that assists children and adolescents who need braces and other orthodontic treatment but cannot afford it. Another way that Dr. Curtis and Bayer support the community is through sponsoring Girl and Boy Scout projects, local teams, and making contributions to their patients’ activities.