Kids’ Orthodontist in Bristol, VA & Kingsport, TN
Free Orthodontic Evaluations | Accepts TennCare & Virginia Medicaid | Friendly, Kid-Focused Care
At Tri-Cities Orthodontic Specialists, we make orthodontic care for children comfortable, positive, and pressure-free. Our team serves families throughout Bristol, VA, Kingsport, TN, Johnson City, TN, and the surrounding Tri-Cities area — and we love watching kids grow into confident smiles.
What Is the 7 & Up Club?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth — giving our orthodontists the clearest view of how their smile is developing and whether early guidance would be beneficial.
Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. In many cases, we simply monitor your child’s growth and step in at exactly the right time. But when action is helpful, treating early can simplify — or completely eliminate — more involved treatment later.
Explore our Orthodontic Services
Teen Orthodontics
Comprehensive braces and aligner options designed for the unique needs of teens in the Tri-Cities area. Colored bands, flexible options, and friendly care.
Adult Orthodontics
It’s never too late. We help adults in Bristol, VA and Kingsport, TN achieve straighter, healthier smiles with modern, discreet treatment options.
SureSmile® Clear Aligners
Straighten your teeth discreetly with virtually invisible aligners. A popular alternative to traditional braces for teens and adults in Bristol and Kingsport.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Our team’s advanced training in dentofacial orthopedics allows us to treat not just how teeth are aligned, but how the entire facial structure develops.
Signs Your Child May Need an Evaluation
Some alignment and jaw development issues are obvious; others are easy to miss. Here’s what to watch for — even while your child still has baby teeth:
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Crowded, overlapping, or protruding teeth
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or closing the mouth comfortably
- Mouth breathing or habitual thumb/finger sucking past age 5
- Crossbite, underbite, or noticeable jaw asymmetry
- Clicking, popping, or shifting in the jaw
- Difficulty forming certain sounds or words
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
If you notice any of these signs — or simply want peace of mind — a free evaluation at our Bristol or Kingsport office is the easiest next step.
Benefits of Early Treatment
When the timing is right, early intervention can:
- Create space for permanent teeth to come in properly
- Correct crossbites and jaw imbalances while bones are still flexible
- Reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions later
- Break habits like thumb-sucking that affect jaw development
- Guide jaw growth for better facial harmony
- Shorten — or in some cases eliminate — full braces treatment down the road
Not every child needs early treatment. But every child benefits from an early evaluation.
Why Choose Tri-Cities?
Board-trained specialists — Our orthodontists have advanced residency training, not general dentists offering braces as a side service
Board-trained specialists
Our orthodontists have advanced residency training, not general dentists offering braces as a side service
Two convenient locations
Bristol, VA and Kingsport, TN, serving families across the entire Tri-Cities region
Kid-friendly environment
we work hard to make every visit comfortable and fun for young patients
Accepts most insurance plans
Accepts TennCare, and Virginia Medicaid with flexible monthly payment options to make care accessible for every family
Ready for a Straighter Smile?
Two convenient Tri-Cities locations to serve you: