Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists are dental specialists who have received at least two additional years of full-time training in a residency after graduating from dental school.

This additional training uniquely prepares them to provide you and your children with the best possible care and experience in achieving great dental health and appearance.

No! Although we welcome patients referred by their general dentist, you can call us directly and schedule a consultation without a referral. It also does not affect your insurance benefits to schedule directly with us.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Team Popp recommend a checkup when the first teeth erupt, or at least by age one.

At this visit, you’ll learn how to care for your child's teeth and what to expect for dental growth and development.

The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Popp recommend no later than age seven, or when a concern is detected by the dentist or parent.

We can treat some problems better at an early age, but we welcome patients of all ages (including adults!) for an orthodontic evaluation to see how great their smile can be. Plus, your first orthodontic consultation is totally free!

Every child is unique, so we determine each patient's best treatment options individually. Many children can be treated without any medication if managed properly.

Sometimes laughing gas can help them relax for dental procedures. If needed, we can use oral sedation.

Hospital dentistry, where the child is "put to sleep," can be utilized if the patient can not cooperate for treatment in the office.

We see pediatric patients from newborn to 20 years old. Usually, when your child is between 18–20 years old, they’ll be ready to see our Team Popp general dentists for continued dental care.

Insurance payments depend on the specific policy benefits covering the patient. We try to help our patients get the most of any insurance benefits they have, and we accept most dental plans at our Chattanooga office.

Rarely does dental insurance pay for 100% of dental treatment, so the patient will have some financial responsibility. For our orthodontic patients, we offer several payment options to make treatment affordable.

The treatment is usually 1–3 years, with 18 months being the average. We can give you a better idea at a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

The short answer is, "as long as you want your teeth to be straight." Like the rest of your body, teeth change with time, and that change is usually to crowd more.

Every night is ideal for the rest of your life, but many patients maintain good alignment with 4–5 nights per week. Retainers wear out, so you replace them as your dentist recommends.