Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Chattanooga in Chattanooga: Child-Focused Dental and Straightening Care on North Shore Drive
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Chattanooga is a full-service practice combining preventive and restorative pediatric dentistry with orthodontic treatment in a single location on the North Shore, designed to follow children through eruption of permanent teeth and into alignment correction without referral.
What this practice offers
The office treats children from infancy through the teen years and manages both standard pediatric dentistry (cleanings, fluoride, cavity treatment, early interceptive care) and orthodontics (braces and clear aligners). Combining both services under one roof eliminates the need for parents to coordinate appointments at two separate practices and allows the orthodontist to observe a patient's developing bite during preventive visits before formal braces treatment begins. The practice accepts most major dental insurance plans; verification of coverage before scheduling is standard.
Services and pricing
Preventive visits, which include cleaning, fluoride application, and bitewings, typically cost between $100 and $200 without insurance, depending on a child's age and the extent of exam. Restorative work (fillings for cavities) ranges from $120 to $250 per tooth. Sedation for anxious children is available; nitrous oxide (laughing gas) inhalation typically adds $75 to $100 per visit, and oral conscious sedation (medication by mouth) costs between $150 and $300 depending on the procedure. The practice uses three-dimensional imaging for bite assessment and planning.
Orthodontic treatment varies by case complexity. Traditional metal braces start at around $3,500 and range to $5,500 for comprehensive care, typically 18 to 30 months. Clear aligner treatment (Invisalign Teen or similar) runs $3,800 to $6,000. Payment plans are offered, often without interest for 12 months or longer, and treatment typically begins around age 10 or 11 when most permanent teeth are present, though the orthodontist may recommend early interceptive treatment (limited braces on just upper or lower teeth) as early as age 7 if significant crowding or bite problems are visible. Confirm current pricing before scheduling; orthodontic fees vary based on estimated treatment length and complexity.
How it compares to other Chattanooga pediatric dentistry options
Most pediatric dentists in Chattanooga practice dentistry alone and refer complex orthodontic cases to a separate orthodontist, typically adding two to four weeks to the referral process and requiring separate initial orthodontic exams. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Chattanooga avoids this delay; the orthodontist is on-site and reviews patient records immediately after the dentist identifies bite or alignment concerns. This structure works well for families who value continuity and one point of contact for bills and insurance. It is less ideal for a child whose orthodontist is already established elsewhere or whose family has strong loyalty to a specific orthodontic practice.
General dentists who see children often refer orthodontic cases to practices across Chattanooga or beyond, and insurance networks may not cover out-of-network referrals at the same benefit level, potentially raising out-of-pocket costs.
Who it suits and who it should not
This practice is well-suited to families new to the Chattanooga area who need both pediatric dental and orthodontic care and prefer managing both in one office, families concerned about appointment load and coordination, and children aged 6 to 18. The office environment is child-focused, with staff trained in behavior guidance for anxious or very young patients.
It is not the best fit for families whose child already has an established orthodontist or for parents seeking a purely preventive pediatric practice (though routine care is central here, the expertise and facility design emphasize mixed pediatric/ortho cases).
What the first visit involves
A new patient appointment lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. The dentist takes a full health history, performs an intraoral and extraoral exam, and typically takes bitewing X-rays and a panoramic radiograph to assess eruption patterns and identify cavities or other concerns. During this first visit, the dentist discusses findings, preventive habits (brushing, flossing, diet), and any recommended treatment. If orthodontic evaluation is needed, the orthodontist may observe the records gathered during the dental visit or schedule a separate orthodontic consultation. Bring insurance cards and a list of any medications or allergies.
Hours, location, and parking
The practice is located on North Shore Drive in Chattanooga. Hours are typically Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; call to confirm exact hours as they may change seasonally. Parking is available on-site.
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Chattanooga serves the practical need for combined child dentistry and orthodontic care without forcing families to balance schedules across multiple providers, making it a natural anchor for families with school-age children who expect years of ongoing treatment.
