Straightening Smiles with Expert Orthodontic Care
Braces straighten teeth using small brackets bonded to each tooth and a wire that gently guides them into position over time. They work around the clock without depending on habits, which makes them the most versatile option for kids, teens, and adults – including complex cases that aligners cannot handle. At Kennedy Dental Care, braces treatment is planned and supervised by Dr. Tim, our residency-trained orthodontist, at all four Corpus Christi offices.
Dr. Tim examines your child's teeth and bite, with digital X-rays mapping what is happening below the surface, and builds a personalized plan.
Brackets are bonded to the teeth and the archwire goes in – a straightforward appointment, no shots required.
Short visits keep the teeth moving on plan; this is also when band colors change.
When alignment is complete, the braces come off and a custom retainer protects the result – because teeth drift without one.
Two answers parents need first: when kids actually need braces, and which type fits your child.
Parents usually notice the signs first: crowded or overlapping teeth, large gaps, a bite that looks off, or teeth coming in at odd angles. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven – so that developing issues can be identified while the jaw is still growing.
If you are unsure whether it is time, an evaluation gives you a straight answer – including “not yet,” which is often the honest one.
Traditional Metal Braces – the most durable and dependable option, handling everything from simple crowding to complex bite correction. Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than the ones parents remember – and kids get to pick their band colors at adjustment visits.
Ceramic Braces – tooth-colored brackets that work like metal braces with a far more discreet look. If you searched for “clear braces,” this is usually one of the two things you meant – the other is clear aligners, covered on its own page.
Most patients wear braces about 18 to 24 months, though simple cases finish sooner and complex ones take longer. Adjustment visits every 4–6 weeks keep things on track, and Dr. Tim updates you on progress at each one. After braces, a retainer keeps the new smile in place.
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A straight, healthy smile builds confidence – and for many kids, braces are where that smile begins. Since 1969, families across Corpus Christi, Portland, TX, Annaville, Flour Bluff, and Robstown have trusted Kennedy Dental Care for personalized orthodontic care. Because we marry pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof, your child's checkups and braces stay coordinated from the first evaluation to the day the braces come off.
55+
Years serving the Coastal Bend
04
Convenient locations
4.9★
Average patient rating
Braces cost depends on the case – how much movement is needed, how long treatment runs, and the type of braces chosen. That is why treatment starts with a consultation and a clear, itemized estimate before anything begins.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, and our team verifies yours up front. We offer CareCredit and Cherry financing which spread the cost into monthly payments, and in our membership plan families receive 10% off orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Tim (Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program, American Association of Orthodontists) plans and supervises every case.
Cleanings, checkups, and braces stay coordinated – especially valuable during treatment, when hygiene matters most.
Saratoga, Alameda, Staples, and Calallen keep adjustment appointments easy to reach.
A 4.9-star average across 3,250+ Google reviews, serving Coastal Bend families since 1969.
D.D.S.
Dr. Timothy Kuhlman specializes in orthodontics and has extensive experience in both traditional braces and clear aligners.
He graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed his orthodontic residency through the Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program in San Antonio. He also served 11 years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Germany.
Dr. Kuhlman has completed the Aligner Intensive Fellowship and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.
He and his wife, Nydia, enjoy traveling and watching college football with their three children. Dr. Kuhlman treats patients at our Saratoga and Calallen locations.
Kennedy Dental Care holds a 4.9-star average rating across 3,250+ Google reviews – a reflection of the care our team brings to every visit.
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
Watch for crowding, big gaps, bite problems, or teeth coming in at odd angles – and get a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Most kids who need braces start between about 9 and 14, once enough adult teeth are in. An evaluation gives you a clear answer, including “not yet.”
Usually about 18 to 24 months, depending on the case – simple corrections finish sooner, complex ones take longer. Dr. Tim gives you a personalized timeline at the consultation.
Getting braces on does not require shots, and soreness after placement or adjustments is mild and temporary – soft foods for a day or two help. Most kids adjust quickly.
Sticky, hard, and chewy foods – popcorn, gum, hard candy, ice, caramel – can break brackets. Cut apples and corn off the cob into pieces instead of biting in.
Brush after every meal, angling the brush around the brackets, and use orthodontic floss or a floss threader between wires once a day. We show every patient the technique at placement.
Braces work without depending on habits and handle complex cases; Invisalign is nearly invisible but only works when worn 20-plus hours a day. The right answer depends on your teen's case and reliability – Dr. Tim will compare both for you honestly.
Cost depends on the case and treatment length, so we start with a consultation and an itemized estimate. Insurance orthodontic benefits, Medicaid/CHIP when medically necessary, CareCredit and Cherry financing, and the membership plan's 10% orthodontic discount all help make braces affordable.
Whether your child is showing the first signs of crowding or your teen is ready to start, a consultation with Dr. Tim gives you a real plan, a clear estimate, and an honest recommendation – at any of our four Corpus Christi offices.
(361) 992-9500
