Dr. Peter Bayer
Founder of Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics
For more than 50 years, Dr. Peter Bayer dedicated his life to creating healthy smiles, advancing orthodontic care, and serving the Fort Walton Beach community he loved.
Although he passed away in 2023, his legacy lives on through every patient we serve, every relationship we build, and every smile we help create.
A Journey Unlike Any Other
Dr. Bayer’s path to orthodontics was anything but traditional.
He first earned degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering before completing his MBA. After serving as an engineer in the United States Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base from 1961 to 1964, he discovered a new passion that would shape the rest of his life: orthodontics.
He attended dental school at the University of Buffalo, graduating at the top of his class and earning recognition for both his academic excellence and clinical skill.
He then completed his residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, where his engineering background gave him a unique perspective on orthodontic treatment.
Building a Legacy
In 1972, Dr. Bayer founded what would become Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics with a simple goal: to care for every patient with honesty, excellence, and compassion.
Over the next five decades, he earned the trust of generations of Emerald Coast families by taking the time to listen, putting patients first, and continually embracing new advancements in orthodontics.
His Legacy Lives On
Today, Dr. Bayer’s daughter, Dr. Leigh Curtis, is honored to carry forward the practice her father built.
While orthodontics has evolved over the years, the philosophy at Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics remains the same: provide exceptional care, build lasting relationships, and always do what’s best for every patient.
We are grateful for Dr. Bayer’s extraordinary life, his dedication to our community, and the foundation he created for generations of smiles to come.
He is forever in our hearts, and we strive to live up to his legacy each day.
How Can We Make You Smile?
We’d love to meet you, hear your story, and help you achieve a smile you’ll love.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Fort Walton Beach orthodontic office and let us show you how we can make you smile.