Meet Your Chattanooga Orthodontist

Dr. Tom Popp

Dr. Tom Popp has been providing orthodontic care in Chattanooga for over 25 years. He is one of the most experienced Invisalign providers in the area and was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthodontics at Vanderbilt University. He graduated from Hixson High and UTC before his dental education at Emory University in Atlanta.

He practiced general dentistry for five years before his orthodontic residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Popp loves outdoor activities and spending time with his wife Starr, and their four adult children. Of course, he is thrilled to have his son, Colton, with him at Team Popp Dental.

Why an Orthodontist in Chattanooga?

Orthodontist vs. Dentist

An orthodontist is a dentist, but a dentist is not an Orthodontist. All orthodontists are dentists first, but though not every dentist has the qualifications to be an orthodontist. Dr. Popp continued his formal education for 2 or 3 additional years before receiving the necessary license and certification. As an orthodontist, Dr. Popp has spent years studying nothing but how and why to move teeth. This includes what to do, how to plan, and how to execute the appropriate treatment plan.

Why does it matter if you see your Chattanooga Orthodontist?

Specialists receive additional training to give them the skills needed to deal with more complex orthodontic problems. Dentists receive basic orthodontic training which allows them to perform root canals, extract wisdom teeth, and treat young children who do not need to see an orthodontist yet.

Seeing a specialist like your Chattanooga orthodontist may change your experience in braces by:

  • Providing additional treatment options.
  • Giving you more efficient treatment and visits, because it is the office's primary area of care.
  • Knowing that you'll receive the best possible outcome on your treatment plan, especially if you have severe bite problems that need to be addressed.
  • Personal experience treating multiple cases that share your unique concerns
  • Being seen more quickly, as a family dentist will be focused on longer patient cases or emergencies throughout the day.
  • You may think it's easier to have your orthodontic work completed by your dentist. Convenience shouldn't be a concern, because you will only be stopping by your Chattanooga orthodontist's offices every six to eight weeks.

 

And don't let price be a problem either! Team Popp Dental is proud to provide affordable treatment in the Chattanooga area.