Starling Orthodontics offers leading-edge orthodontic treatment that goes beyond traditional braces. Using advanced digital technology and modern treatment techniques, we provide headgear-free orthodontics, digital impressions without uncomfortable molds, smaller and more discreet braces, clear ceramic braces, innovative wire technology, spacer-free solutions, fewer appointments, and more efficient treatment times. Our commitment to clinical excellence allows us to deliver outstanding results while making the orthodontic experience easier, more comfortable, and more convenient for busy families.
Dr. Starling is one of the top lingual braces providers in the United States and the #1 provider in the state of Tennessee. WIN lingual braces are fully customized, hidden braces that attach to the back of the teeth that are completely invisible from the front. After building his reputation as Tennessee's #1 Incognito® provider, Dr. Starling transitioned to WIN lingual braces when Incognito ceased production, bringing his patients the most advanced customized lingual system available today.
For teens, lingual braces offer a significant advantage over clear aligners: there's nothing to remember to put back in. Clear aligners only work when they're worn, and for busy teenagers that can be a real challenge. Lingual braces work around the clock, every day, without relying on a teen's compliance, making them one of the most predictable and parent-friendly treatment options available. For teens who want straight teeth without anyone knowing they're in treatment, there is simply no better option.
3M Clarity clear aligners offer teens a removable, nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces, straightening teeth through a series of custom-fitted, comfortable aligners with no brackets or wires. For teens with mild to moderate alignment issues who are disciplined about wear time, Clarity aligners can be a great fit. They're easy to remove for eating, brushing, and special occasions like photos or big events. This makes them a popular choice for teens who are self-conscious about their appearance during treatment.
Because clear aligners depend on 20–22 hours of daily wear to work effectively, they work best for motivated teens who are committed to keeping them in. Dr. Starling will evaluate your teen's bite, alignment needs, and lifestyle during the complimentary consultation to determine whether clear aligners or braces are the better path to the best possible result.
Clear and ceramic braces offer teens the full corrective power of traditional braces with a much less noticeable look. The brackets are made from tooth-colored or clear ceramic material, blending naturally with the teeth so they're far less visible than standard metal braces. These braces are a popular choice for teens who want effective treatment without drawing attention to their smile during the process.
Like metal braces, ceramic braces are fixed and work continuously, so there's no compliance concern around remembering to wear them. They're a great middle-ground option for teens who want something more discreet than metal but aren't candidates for or aren't interested in lingual braces or clear aligners. Dr. Starling uses advanced bracket technology and space-age wire systems with ceramic braces to deliver the same high-quality results as any other treatment in our practice.
Metal braces remain the most tried and true orthodontic treatments available, and for good reason. For more complex cases involving significant crowding, bite issues, jaw alignment, or rotated teeth, traditional braces give Dr. Starling the most precise control over tooth movement and deliver consistently excellent results. They are also the most cost effective treatment option, making them a practical choice for many families.
At Starling Orthodontics, metal braces aren't your parents' orthodontic experience. Dr. Starling uses smaller, lower profile brackets and advanced space-age wire technology that make today's metal braces more comfortable, more efficient, and faster than ever before. No spacers, no headgear, and fewer visits than orthodontic approaches of the past- just a reliable, proven path to a beautifully straight smile for your child or teen!!
Temporary Anchorage Devices, commonly called TADs, are one of the most powerful and least talked-about tools in modern orthodontics. These small titanium anchors are temporarily placed in the jaw to provide a fixed reference point that allows Dr. Starling to move teeth with a level of precision that wires and brackets alone cannot always achieve.
For some patients, TADs can be a game-changer. They can eliminate the need for jaw surgery, avoid tooth extractions, correct a gummy smile, level a slanted bite, and help guide teeth that haven't fully erupted into their proper position-all without headgear or other bulky appliances.
Placement takes less than five minutes and is performed with a small amount of local anesthetic, making the process far more comfortable than most patients expect. When the planned tooth movements are complete, TADs are removed just as easily. In fact, most patients find the initial soreness after getting braces placed is more noticeable than anything they experience with TAD placement or removal.
TADs are not needed for every case, but when they are the right tool, they can dramatically improve the outcome, avoid more involved procedures, and sometimes even shorten overall treatment time. Dr. Starling will discuss whether TADs are appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation.
In some cases, children and teens experience significant jaw growth discrepancies that cannot be corrected with braces alone. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery, may be recommended for patients with severe bite problems, jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, underbites, overbites, or jaw-related breathing and chewing difficulties.
At Starling Orthodontics, we work closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to create a personalized treatment plan that combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery when necessary. Corrective jaw surgery can improve the way the teeth fit together, enhance chewing and speech function, support healthier breathing, and create better facial balance.
Our goal is always to achieve a healthy, functional bite and a confident smile that lasts a lifetime. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Starling can determine whether surgical orthodontic treatment may be beneficial for your child or teen.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have emerged for Dr. Starling to identify potential issues with jaw development, bite alignment, and tooth spacing even while most baby teeth are still present.
An early evaluation doesn't mean your child will start treatment right away. Most children simply need to be monitored as they grow. But for those with an emerging issue, catching it early can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and reduce the likelihood of more complex treatment down the road.
Signs your child may benefit from an orthodontic consultation include crowded or crooked teeth, early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, thumb-sucking habits, protruding front teeth, underbites, overbites, crossbites, or jaws that appear misaligned.
At Starling Orthodontics, we provide complimentary consultations for children and teens throughout Brentwood, Nashville, Franklin, and Middle Tennessee. During your visit, Dr. Starling will evaluate your child's smile, discuss any concerns, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan- whether that's early intervention, ongoing observation, or orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners
At Starling Orthodontics, your child's first visit is always complimentary. Dr. Starling will take the time to examine your child's teeth, jaw, and bite development,. We will walk you through any findings, and answer every question you have with zero pressure or obligation. Whether your child needs treatment now, needs to be monitored over time, or gets a clean bill of health, you will leave with a clear picture of where things stand. Give your child the best possible start and schedule your free consultation at our Brentwood, TN office today.
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