If you searched for orthodontist children Nashville, you are likely wondering whether your child needs braces, when to start, and how to choose the right office. As an orthodontist, my goal is to make that process clear, calm, and practical for parents.
Expert Children’s Orthodontist for Nashville Area Families
Starling Orthodontics is an orthodontic specialty clinic in Brentwood serving children and teens from Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, Cool Springs, and all over Middle Tennessee. We provide a full range of services, from early evaluations to braces, clear ceramic braces, Clarity aligners, lingual braces, digital impressions, advanced wire technologies, and temporary anchorage devices.
Pediatric dental care focuses on cleanings, fillings, sealants, prevention, and cavities. Orthodontic care focuses on tooth movement, bite correction, jaw development, and protecting a child’s smile as permanent teeth come in.
Parents choose our office for:
Complimentary (Free) initial consultations for potential patients
A welcoming environment with warm, gentle, friendly staff
A child-friendly office culture to minimize dental anxiety during orthodontic visits
Expert care close to home, work, or school, which matters with Nashville traffic
Flexible, transparent pricing plans to fit different budgets
What Is a Children’s Orthodontist and How Is It Different from a Pediatric Dentist?
Orthodontists undergo additional specialized training beyond dental school, focusing on tooth movement, bite correction, jaw development, and facial growth, which distinguishes them from general dentists. Children’s jaws are actively developing, and their treatment requires a different approach compared to adults, as timing of intervention can significantly affect outcomes.
A pediatric dentist or board certified pediatric dentist supports pediatric dentistry, infants, little ones, adolescents, cleanings, fillings, fluoride, sealants, sedation dentistry when needed, and pediatric dental needs.
An orthodontist completes 2–3 years of additional training after becoming a dentist and specializes in braces, aligners, bite correction, and growth guidance.
General or pediatric dentists may offer limited treatment, but orthodontists are the specialists in moving child’s teeth and guiding facial growth.
The best care is collaborative: pediatric dental teams and orthodontic teams working together for oral health, overall health, and a healthy smile.
Meet Dr. Starling and Our Child Focused Orthodontic Team
Meet Dr. Starling, who works with children, teens, and adults across the greater Nashville area. Our team is dedicated to clear communication, respect for every patient, and recommendations that fit your child’s treatment needs rather than a one size fits all process.
Experience: growth, bite correction, early intervention Phase 1 treatments for children’s dental development, and aesthetic treatment.
Philosophy: Orthodontists are trained to communicate effectively with children, using age appropriate explanations to reduce anxiety and build cooperation during treatment.
Technology: 3D digital imaging, digital impressions, and advanced wires improve patient comfort during dental procedures and orthodontic visits.
Communication: parents can meet Dr. Starling chairside, ask questions, and understand each treatment plan before making decisions.
Support: we welcome kids, older kids, teens, and children with special needs.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist in Nashville?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven to identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention when necessary. TheAmerican Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven to catch potential issues early.
Early orthodontic evaluations allow for monitoring of a child’s growth and development, which can lead to shorter treatment times and better outcomes when intervention is needed. Many children do not need early treatment, but the visit gives parents a plan.
Things to Watch for:
Crowded, spaced, or blocked out teeth
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Crossbite, underbite, open bite, or deep overbite
Thumb sucking beyond ages 5–6
Mouth breathing, snoring, or airway concerns
Trouble chewing, speech concerns, or jaw shifting
Identifying issues like a narrow palate or crossbite at an early age can allow for simpler interventions, as treatment is more effective while the jaw is still growing. Most kids start active braces between ages 9 and 14, once many permanent teeth are present. You can see more information here on the right age for braces.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children at Starling Orthodontics
Personalized treatment plans in orthodontics take into account the unique dental and facial characteristics of each child, ensuring that the approach is tailored to their specific needs and growth patterns. Orthodontic treatment plans that are personalized can lead to shorter treatment times and better outcomes by addressing issues at the optimal time during a child’s growth.
Options include:
Traditional metal braces: smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than in the past, with colored bands for customization.
Clear ceramic braces: less noticeable than metal braces and designed for older kids or pre-teens who prefer a more subtle appearance.
Clear aligners & Invisalign: a popular alternative to traditional braces, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth without brackets and wires, but requiring patient compliance.
Lingual braces: a hidden option attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible while providing effective treatment.
TADs and/ or growth guided care: used when we need extra control for certain bite, jaw, or facial growth issues.
Phase I/ Early Treatment Orthodontics: used to correct localized issues such as habits, jaw growth, or crossbites. Early intervention is key to help growth & development continue on track.
A comprehensive approach to personalized treatment plans includes not only the alignment of teeth, but also considerations for jaw development and overall facial aesthetics during childhood. A pediatric focused orthodontist considers the holistic development of a child, addressing issues like mouth breathing and thumb sucking that can impact jaw development and overall health. Children's jaws are actively developing, and their treatment requires a different approach compared to adults, as timing of intervention can significantly affect outcomes.
What Your Child’s First Visit and Ongoing Appointments Will Be Like
At the first visit, we welcome your family, take photos, complete digital scans when needed, and evaluate the teeth, bite, jaw growth, and smile goals. Then we review whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all.
A supportive environment and friendly staff can significantly reduce children’s dental anxiety. Orthodontic visits typically occur every 4 to 8 weeks throughout treatment.
What to expect:
A positive experience from the first moment
Clear explanation of the child’s treatment and timeline
Appointment times designed around a busy schedule
Coaching on brushing, elastics, aligner wear, and healthy habits
Help if a bracket breaks or an aligner is misplaced
Working With Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist and Supporting Oral Health
We coordinate with your child’s pediatric dentist or general dental office because dental care does not pause during orthodontics. Preventive care is essential for maintaining children’s dental health, as it helps to prevent dental problems before they occur, ensuring a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Keep this routine:
Regular check ups and cleanings are key components of preventive dental care allowing for early detection and treatment of potential issues.
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are effective preventive measures that help protect children’s teeth from decay and cavities.
Continue twice yearly dental visits during braces or aligners.
Tell us about cavities, gum irritation, white spots, or special needs so we can adjust care.
Cost, Insurance, and Flexible Payment Options for Nashville Families
Starling Orthodontics offers complimentary initial consultations for children and teens, with exams and digital records as needed. Orthodontic providers should offer flexible, transparent pricing plans to fit different budgets.
We help with:
Insurance verification with most insurance providers
Coordination with insurance providers common to Nashville area families
Flexible payment options, including customized monthly plans
Written estimates before treatment starts
Choices that respect your family budget
Serving Children and Families Across Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Finding an orthodontist close to home, work, or school is crucial due to potential traffic concerns. Our Brentwood location is convenient for many families in Green Hills, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Bellevue, Franklin, Nolensville, Cool Springs, and Nashville.
Many families choose Starling Orthodontics for proximity, expertise, and a positive, family-centered office. We are honored when parents refer friends because their child’s smile gained health, confidence, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Orthodontics in Nashville
Do we need a referral from our pediatric dentist? No. A referral is helpful, but parents may schedule directly.
What is the best age for braces? The first orthodontic visit should be by age seven; braces often begin between 9 and 14.
How long does treatment usually take? It depends on growth, bite, compliance, and goals. Most cases take 12–24 months.
Are clear aligners an option for my child? Yes, for responsible older kids and teens who can wear them as directed.
Do braces hurt? Mild soreness is normal after adjustments, but modern treatment is more gentle than in the past.
How do we handle broken brackets? Call our office. We will guide you and schedule a repair if needed.
Can my child play sports or instruments? Yes. We recommend mouthguards for sports and patience while adapting to instruments.
Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance? Many plans include orthodontic benefits, and we help verify insurance.
Can we spread payments out over time? Yes, flexible payment options are available.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Consultation in the Nashville Area
If you are ready to understand your child’s teeth, bite, and growth, schedule a free consultation with Starling Orthodontics.
