Choosing braces for your teen is a big decision! At Starling Orthodontics in Brentwood, TN, families find orthodontic treatment for teens in Brentwood that is built around comfort, confidence, and real life schedules.
The teen years are often the ideal time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth have erupted, while the jaws are still growing. This page is here to help parents searching for the best teen braces in Brentwood understand why Starling Orthodontics is a strong local choice for traditional metal braces and more!
We know you have many options out there, but here are just a few reasons to consider us!
We have experience with many different types of orthodontic appliances and the latest technologies including:
Starling Orthodontics is privately owned and operated since its beginning. We have only one location and we are here for you every day.
This is important to consider when choosing providers as some are only in a particular location one day a week.
No traveling across town to another location to be seen because you could not make that particular day at that location.
We open at 7AM to see you! Get in early so you don't have to miss the afternoon practice after school! Our patients find this to be quite helpful as some office do not open until later.
Please note that some of our longer appointments such as initial braces installation & removal must be done at different times to maximize everyone's early appointment availability.
We are closer to where your kids are- which means less time in that Nashville traffic! Our office is located at 1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Brentwood, TN 37027 in the Maryland Farms area.
Starling Orthodontics is conveniently located to many schools such as:
Doesn't feel good when you walk in somewhere, and people know you? That is what we aim to do here at Starling Orthodontics!
The teen years, typically between the ages of 10 and 16, are considered the most common time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth will be in place by this age. That gives an orthodontist the ability to guide teeth and jaw growth while development is still active.
At Starling Orthodontics, this timing is especially important. Orthodontic treatment during the teenage years can lead to quicker results because the jaws and teeth of teens are still developing, making it easier to guide teeth into the correct position.
By middle school, most permanent teeth have erupted. That makes it easier to identify crowding, spacing, crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, protruding front teeth, and other common issues that may affect oral health and confidence.
Braces are effective in addressing common orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, spacing problems, and bite misalignment, which can significantly impact a teen’s confidence and oral health. When alignment improves, brushing and flossing often become easier, which may reduce the risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum irritation, and uneven tooth wear.
The main reasons this is a smart window for braces include:
Confidence matters at this age. A teen whose smile is affected by crowding or spacing may feel more comfortable after treatment begins, especially when the plan fits their lifestyle.
Starling Orthodontics offers multiple braces options tailored to Brentwood teens’ school schedules, sports, activities, and appearance preferences. The main choices include traditional metal braces, low-visibility ceramic braces, clear aligner treatment when appropriate, and even lingual braces for families who want a highly discreet fixed appliance.
Today’s braces options are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than in the past, making them more appealing to teens. The history of orthodontics spans decades, but modern treatment looks and feels very different compared to the bulky braces many parents remember.
Dr. Starling will recommend the right option after a full exam, digital imaging, and a conversation about your teen’s goals.
High-quality orthodontic offices utilize advanced tools like digital impressions, 3D radiography, and digital treatment planning. Customized orthodontic plans utilize 3D digital X-rays and scans for personalized treatment, helping the orthodontist evaluate tooth roots, jaw relationships, and the best way to create stable results.
Below are the main options parents and teens usually explore.
Traditional metal braces are considered the gold standard in orthodontics and are effective for treating a wide range of alignment and bite issues. They are still one of the most common and efficient options for teen orthodontic treatment in Brentwood.
Modern metal braces use smaller, low-profile brackets than older styles. That can make them more comfortable in the mouth, easier to keep clean, and more manageable during a normal school day.
Traditional metal braces are often ideal for mild to complex issues. They give the orthodontist strong control over tooth movement, which can be helpful for significant crowding, bite correction, rotated teeth, or a stubborn overbite. For some teens, metal braces are also the most predictable way to line up teeth efficiently.
Teens can also personalize traditional braces with colored bands. These colored bands let a patient show school colors, team spirit, holiday themes, or personal style at adjustment visits.
For parents, the biggest benefit is reliability. Metal braces are fixed to the teeth, so they do not depend on a teen remembering to wear an appliance for a certain number of hours each day.
Clear ceramic braces are a popular alternative to metal braces, offering a more discreet appearance while providing similar results. The brackets are tooth-colored or clear, so they blend in more naturally with the teeth.
Ceramic braces work much like metal braces. They are attached to the teeth and connected with a wire that helps guide movement. This makes them a strong option for image-conscious teens who want a less noticeable treatment but still need the control of fixed braces.
There are a few practical trade-offs. Ceramic brackets may require slightly more care, and elastics can stain if a teen frequently eats or drinks deeply pigmented food and beverages. Ceramic braces cost slightly more than metal braces.
Starling Orthodontics will review whether ceramic braces are a good fit based on the teen’s bite, oral hygiene, activity level, and treatment goals. A teen who plays contact sports, for example, may need to discuss mouthguard use and appliance protection before choosing this option.
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for teens, offering a virtually unnoticeable way to achieve a straighter smile. Starling Orthodontics evaluates Brentwood teens for aligners when the case is appropriate.
Clear aligners consist of a series of custom-molded trays that fit tightly over teeth to gradually move them into alignment over time. Each aligner is worn for a specific length of time, then the teen will switch to the next tray in the series.
Clear aligners are removable, allowing teens to eat and drink whatever they want, and making it easier to maintain oral hygiene compared to traditional braces. That means no food restrictions, no brackets to clean around, and less worry about broken wires.
Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners typically require fewer office visits, which can be a major benefit for busy families managing school, sports, music lessons, and social events.
However, aligners require responsibility. Teens are advised to wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day to ensure effective treatment and optimal results. They should only be removed for meals, drinks other than water, brushing, flossing, and certain activities.
A typical Brentwood teen might wear aligners during class, remove them for lunch, put them back in after brushing, wear a mouthguard for sports if recommended, and then clean the trays at night. The system works well when the teen is consistent.
Starling Orthodontics follows a clear, family-friendly treatment process from the first visit to the final retainer. Parents and teens know what to expect, what each step means, and how the office will support them along the way.
The good news is Starling Orthodontics offers a Complimentary consultation to asses your orthodontics needs.
Here is what the treatment process generally includes:
Treatment time varies by patient. Starling Orthodontics notes that braces treatment may run 12 to 36 months depending on the case. The exact length depends on crowding, bite issues, growth, compliance, and biology.
Some soreness can occur during the first week after braces are placed or adjusted. This is normal and generally improves quickly. Teens usually adapt to brackets, aligners, or lingual appliances faster than parents expect.
Before treatment begins, we will provide clear information on treatment costs and financing plans before treatment begins. That helps parents understand the investment before anything is signed.
Starling Orthodontics is designed to make teen orthodontic treatment convenient, comfortable, and even fun for families in Brentwood and nearby communities. The practice serves families throughout middle Tennessee and welcomes patients who want thoughtful care from an experienced orthodontic team.
Dr. Craig M. Starling, DDS graduated from dental school at the Medical College of Virginia and completed his orthodontic specialty training at Vanderbilt University. He is listed with the American Association of Orthodontists, and his advanced specialty background helps parents feel confident that their teen is receiving care from a trained orthodontic provider.
Orthodontists should have extensive experience managing common bite issues, crowding, and jaw growth in teenagers. That experience matters because teen treatment is not only about straight teeth; it also involves timing, growth, compliance, and long-term stability.
A few qualities that help Starling Orthodontics stand out include:
Reviews and reputation can help gauge patient satisfaction and the quality of care in orthodontic practices. Parents often look for patterns in reviews, such as whether visits run on time, whether the team communicates clearly, and whether teens feel respected.
Flexible payment plans aid in covering the significant investment of braces. We can also discuss insurance, payment expectations, and available financial options so parents are not surprised after the plan is created.
As Orthodontists, we try hard to accommodate busy schedules with flexible appointment options. For families juggling school, work, sports, and sibling activities, this convenience can make the difference between stressful treatment and a manageable routine.
A welcoming atmosphere can help motivate teenagers to maintain oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. When teens like the team and understand the reason behind each instruction, they are more likely to wear elastics, clean carefully, and follow aligner rules.
Starling Orthodontics explains each phase of orthodontic treatment to both parents and teens. The team can walk through what discomfort may feel like, how long it usually lasts, how to handle rubber bands, and how to keep braces or aligners clean.
For fixed braces, teens learn how to brush around brackets, floss with special tools, and avoid foods that can damage the appliance. For aligners, teens learn how to store trays safely, clean them daily, and avoid leaving them on a lunch tray or in a napkin.
Good communication also lowers anxiety. When a patient knows what is happening and why, treatment feels less intimidating. That support can help teens take ownership of their smile.
Starling Orthodontics measures success by more than straight teeth. A healthy bite, easier hygiene, long-term stability, and a teen’s confidence all matter.
Proper alignment may reduce future dental problems by making teeth easier to clean and by limiting uneven wear. It may also help some patients avoid more complex treatment later in life.
After active treatment, retainers help preserve the result. This phase is important because teeth can shift gradually if retainers are not worn as directed. Starling Orthodontics provides post-treatment guidance so teens understand how to protect the smile they worked for.
Parents can think of teen braces as an investment in oral health and self-esteem. The benefit is not only cosmetic; it can affect daily comfort, dental health, and how a teen feels walking into a classroom, onto a field, or into a first job interview years later.
Families from Brentwood, Middle Tennessee, and even those relocating from across the country often want the same thing: a treatment plan that fits their teen’s life and creates a confident smile.
It is common for teens and parents to feel nervous before orthodontic treatment begins. The best way to reduce stress is to prepare early, ask questions, and make the first visit feel like a normal part of growing up.
Before the consultation, talk with your teen about what they hope to change. Is it crowding? An overbite? A gap? A smile they feel shy about in photos? These details help the orthodontist understand both clinical needs and personal goals.
Here are a few practical steps:
For braces, your teen may need to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy food that can loosen brackets or bend wires. For aligners, your teen can eat normally because the trays are removable, but the aligners should go back in after brushing.
Temporary soreness is normal. Speech changes can occur with aligners or lingual braces, but most teens adapt quickly. If something feels sharp or uncomfortable, we can help you with what is normal and what needs attention.
Good cleaning habits are essential. Brushing after meals, flossing daily, and keeping appliances clean can help prevent tooth decay and cavities during treatment. A teen who plays sports should also ask about mouthguard recommendations.
If your teen has signed up for a busy semester, tell the office. The team can help you think through appointment timing, school events, and the best way to keep treatment moving without unnecessary stress.
Starling Orthodontics is a strong choice for parents searching for the best teen braces orthodontist in Brentwood because the practice combines specialty training, modern technology, multiple treatment options, and a teen-focused approach. From traditional metal braces to ceramic braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces, families can explore the option that fits their teen’s needs and lifestyle.
Parents can schedule a complimentary consultation with Starling Orthodontics to learn whether their teen is ready for braces or aligners. During this visit, your family can ask about treatment time, insurance, payment options, appliance choices, and what to expect at each stage.
To get started:
Bring your teen to the first visit so they can meet the team, see the office, and ask questions about metal braces, ceramic braces, aligners, or lingual braces. The right plan can help create a healthy, confident smile that lasts well into adulthood.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your appointment online.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation online.
