Why Clarksville is the Perfect Place for Your Orthodontic Treatment

Clarksville has quietly become one of the best spots in Middle Tennessee to straighten your smile. Why Clarksville is the perfect place for your orthodontic treatment comes down to a mix of modern technology, community-focused care, and real convenience. At About Faces and Braces, Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice bring board-certified expertise right here to town, so you don’t have to drive to Nashville for a 5-star experience.

Whether you’re a Fort Campbell family, an APSU student, or a lifelong Clarksville resident, the local orthodontic scene has grown to match your needs. Keep reading to see why staying close to home is one of the smartest moves you can make for your smile.

Exterior of the About Faces and Braces orthodontic office in Clarksville, TN, with the practice sign visible above the entrance

What Makes Clarksville a Great Place for Orthodontic Care

Clarksville is Tennessee’s fifth-largest city, and its healthcare scene has grown right along with it. That means you can get big-city orthodontic technology without the big-city commute. About Faces and Braces has been part of this community for years, and we love serving the families who make Clarksville home.

The city blends a lot of different lifestyles into one tight-knit community:

  • Fort Campbell military families who need flexible scheduling and treatment plans that travel well
  • Austin Peay State University students balancing classes, work, and campus life
  • Multi-generational Clarksville families who’ve grown up here and want local care they can trust

Local orthodontic practices have invested in the same tools you’d find in Nashville or Franklin, including digital scanners and modern aligner systems. The difference is the feel. You walk into a Clarksville office and chances are good you’ll see a neighbor in the waiting room. That sense of familiarity sets the tone before you even sit down in the chair.

At About Faces and Braces, we care about you like you’re our own family. Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice treat patients of all ages across the region, from first-time kids to adults finally doing something for themselves.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works in Clarksville

Orthodontic treatment in Clarksville usually starts with a free consultation at About Faces and Braces, followed by digital scans, a personalized treatment plan, and routine visits every 4 to 8 weeks. Most patients wear braces or clear aligners for 12 to 24 months, then move into retainers to protect the results. The whole process is designed to fit your schedule and your goals.

Here’s what to expect, step by step:

  1. Start with a free consultation or virtual exam. Dr. Shawn or Dr. Candice will look at your smile, talk through your goals, and answer every question you have. No pressure, no commitment.
  2. Get digital scans. We skip the goopy impressions and use a digital scanner to create a precise 3D image of your mouth. It’s faster, cleaner, and more accurate.
  3. Choose your treatment. You can pick from metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners based on your lifestyle and goals. Dr. Shawn or Dr. Candice will walk you through what each option looks like for your case.
  4. Come in for adjustments. Routine checkups happen every 4 to 8 weeks so we can track progress and keep things moving.
  5. Finish strong with retainers. Once your teeth are in their new positions, retainers protect your smile for the long haul.

Treatment time varies, but most patients finish in 12 to 24 months. Complex cases can take longer, and some simple corrections wrap up faster. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at your first visit so you know exactly what to expect.

Benefits of Choosing a Clarksville Orthodontist

Going local for your orthodontic care is more than a convenience thing. It’s a smart move for your schedule and your overall experience. Here’s what you gain when you choose About Faces and Braces right here in Clarksville.

How Does Local Care Save You Time?

Skipping the Nashville traffic is a win every single visit. A quick local appointment beats a round-trip down I-24 every time, saving you time and the stress of parking downtown. Our team also works around APSU class schedules and Fort Campbell duty hours, so early mornings, after school, and lunch-break visits are all on the table. Modern technology comes with the local address too. Digital scans, virtual exams, and in-office imaging mean you get the same tools you’d find at any top-tier Nashville practice.

What Makes a Local Orthodontist Right for the Whole Family?

We treat orthodontics for all ages, including kids as young as 7, teens in the middle of middle school chaos, and adults who are finally ready. Both doctors are board-certified orthodontists, a credential that reflects extra training and shows up in every treatment plan. You and your family also get a real relationship with our team here, not a chart number, which makes every visit easier.

Dr. Shawn Lehman-Grimes and Dr. Candice Coleman, orthodontists at About Faces and Braces, smiling together in their Clarksville office

Clarksville vs. Driving to Nashville for Orthodontics

A lot of Clarksville families used to think they had to drive to Nashville for top-tier care. That’s not true anymore. Local practices like About Faces and Braces offer the same technology, treatment options, and board-certified providers right here in town, without the drive.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how each option compares:

Factor Clarksville Orthodontist Driving to Nashville
Travel time (round trip) 15-30 minutes 90+ minutes
Scheduling flexibility Early, late, lunch slots Limited by drive time
Emergency visits Local office Full day off work
Personal relationship Community-rooted team Varies by practice
Technology access Digital scans, virtual exams Same tools, longer drive

Then factor in the little things. A loose bracket on a Tuesday afternoon shouldn’t require a three-hour round trip. A lost aligner shouldn’t mean rearranging your week. When Dr. Shawn or Dr. Candice is 15 minutes away, those small bumps stay small. Local access also means you can swing in for a quick check if something feels off, instead of waiting weeks for an opening that lines up with a long drive.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

Almost anyone with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation around age 7, but there’s really no upper age limit. Here’s who tends to be a strong candidate for care at About Faces and Braces.

  • Children around age 7. Early evaluation helps Dr. Shawn or Dr. Candice spot issues while the jaw is still developing. Not every kid needs treatment right away, but knowing the picture early is a win.
  • Teens with alignment or bite concerns. Crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite are all common reasons teens start treatment.
  • Adults who want a change. It’s never too late. Clear aligners and clear braces offer discreet options that fit into professional life.
  • Patients with healthy teeth and gums. A clean bill of dental health is the green light for active orthodontic care.
  • Anyone curious about their options. The free consultation is the easiest way to find out what’s possible for your smile.

If you’re not sure whether you’re a candidate, come in and talk to us. That’s exactly what the first visit is for, and there’s zero pressure to commit to anything on the spot.

Orthodontic patient getting a digital 3D scan of their teeth with an iTero scanner at About Faces and Braces in Clarksville

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Clarksville, TN?

Clarksville is Tennessee’s fifth-largest city and one of its fastest-growing. It’s home to Fort Campbell, Austin Peay State University, and a tight-knit community that spans multiple generations. The city blends military heritage, college energy, and small-town friendliness, which is why healthcare practices like About Faces and Braces have invested so heavily in serving local families.

Does it matter which orthodontist I go to?

Yes, it absolutely matters. Not every orthodontist has the same training, technology, or approach. Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice are board-certified orthodontists, a credential that requires significant extra training beyond standard orthodontic residency. That extra level of expertise directly affects the quality of your results and your experience along the way.

How long does orthodontic treatment take in Clarksville?

Most patients finish treatment in 12 to 24 months. Simpler cases can wrap up faster, while more complex bite corrections may take a bit longer. At your free consultation, Dr. Shawn or Dr. Candice will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific smile goals.

Can I start with a virtual exam before coming in?

Yes. About Faces and Braces offers a virtual exam option, which is a great way to get a professional opinion from home. It’s especially helpful for busy APSU students, Fort Campbell families with tight schedules, or anyone just starting to explore their options.

You and your family deserve an amazing smile, and you shouldn’t have to drive far to find one. Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice welcome patients across Middle Tennessee at any of our About Faces and Braces locations, and the local team is always happy to answer questions when you’re ready to learn more. If you’d like to see what’s possible for your smile, you can start your smile journey with a free consultation at a time that fits your schedule.