Discreet, Comfortable, and Effective Orthodontic Treatment
Clear aligners are thin, nearly invisible, removable trays that gradually straighten teeth. You wear a custom-made series about 20–22 hours a day, changing to a new tray every one to two weeks, until your smile reaches its planned position. At Kennedy Dental Care, Dr. Tim provides clear aligner treatment for teens and adults at all four of our Corpus Christi offices.
Dr. Tim examines your child's teeth and bite, and we take digital impressions and X-rays to map the starting point.
Using 3D imaging, we design the series of aligners – and you preview how the smile is planned to move before treatment begins.
Each tray is worn about one to two weeks, 20–22 hours a day, coming out only for meals and brushing.
Checkups roughly every 6–8 weeks let Dr. Tim confirm the teeth are tracking and hand over the next trays.
When treatment finishes, a custom retainer keeps the new smile in place – because teeth naturally drift without one.
Clear aligners suit many teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or certain bite concerns. They are best for patients who will consistently wear them 20–22 hours a day – the results depend on it.
Complex cases often do better with braces, and Dr. Tim will tell you honestly which treatment fits. We believe every child deserves access to the right orthodontic care, even if it is not with us.
Often, yes – teens love that aligners are nearly invisible and come out for sports, band, photos, and food. The honest question is readiness: aligners only work when they are worn.
Before choosing aligners for your teen, consider whether they will keep trays in 20-plus hours a day, keep track of them at school and practice, and clean them daily. Some teen aligner systems include wear indicators that help parents and Dr. Tim monitor use.
If your teen is not ready for that responsibility, braces do the work without depending on willpower – and that is a perfectly good choice.
At Kennedy Dental Care, we believe straightening your teeth should be comfortable, convenient, and confidence-building. Clear aligners offer a modern, wire-free alternative to traditional braces – and since 1969, families across Corpus Christi, Portland, TX, Annaville, Flour Bluff, and Robstown have trusted our team for personalized orthodontic care. Whether you have a teen looking for an alternative to braces or you are an adult finally straightening your own smile, Dr. Tim builds every aligner plan around the patient wearing it.
55+
Years serving the Coastal Bend
04
Convenient locations
4.9★
Average patient rating
New trays can feel snug for a day or two – gentle pressure means the plan is working, and it settles quickly. There are no wires or brackets to irritate cheeks, and no adjustment appointments to recover from.
Every aligner case is different, so we start with a consultation and give you a clear estimate before anything begins. Many dental insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatment; we accept most insurance plans as well as Medicaid and CHIP, offer CareCredit and Cherry financing, and membership plan families receive 10% off orthodontic treatment.
Book an AppointmentDr. Tim completed his orthodontic residency through the Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program and the Aligner Intensive Fellowship – advanced training in exactly this treatment.
Your child's dental checkups and aligner care stay coordinated in one practice.
Saratoga, Alameda, Staples, and Calallen make appointments easy to keep – which matters for a treatment built on consistency.
A 4.9-star average across 3250+ 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! 🤍”
Aligners are removable, nearly invisible trays best for mild to moderate cases; braces are fixed brackets and wires that handle everything, including complex movements, without depending on wear habits. The right choice depends on your child's case and readiness – Dr. Tim will explain both options at your consultation.
Invisalign is a well-known brand of clear aligner. All Invisalign trays are clear aligners, but other aligner systems exist too. We offer Invisalign and other options, and Dr. Tim will recommend the system that fits your case and budget.
Yes, for teens ready for the responsibility as aligners must be worn 20-plus hours a day, kept track of, and cleaned daily. Teens who want an invisible option and can commit do very well; teens who might lose or skip trays are often better served by braces.
Most patients finish in about 6 to 18 months, depending on the case. Dr. Tim gives you a personalized timeline at the consultation.
You may feel gentle pressure for a day or two with each new tray – a sign the teeth are moving. It settles quickly, and there are no wires or brackets to irritate the mouth.
No – trays come out for all food and any drink except water, then teeth get a quick brush before the trays go back in. It is one of the habits worth practicing in the first weeks.
A straighter smile is within reach – discreetly. Book a consultation with Dr. Tim at any of our four Corpus Christi offices, and find out whether clear aligners fit your family.
(361) 992-9500
