Orthodontics in St. Louis
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, and treats misaligned teeth and jaws. At McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis, Dr. Richard McDermott straightens teeth and corrects bite issues using Invisalign, metal braces, and clear braces. Our practice serves patients of all ages across the St. Louis area, including families in Arnold and Florissant.
Maybe your child needs an early evaluation. Maybe you're an adult who's finally ready to fix a lifelong bite issue. Either way, orthodontic care can improve both function and confidence. Dr. McDermott personally reviews every case and builds a plan around your goals, your schedule, and your budget.
Your smile is natural jewelry, and it deserves care that treats you like family.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Straightening your teeth does more than change how you look in photos. Aligned teeth are healthier teeth, and a balanced bite protects your jaw for years to come.
Here's what patients in St. Louis gain from orthodontic care at our practice:
- A more confident smile. Straighter teeth often lead to a real boost in self-esteem, whether you're a teen heading into senior year or an adult stepping into a new career.
- A corrected bite. Orthodontic care addresses overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites so your teeth meet the way they should.
- Easier cleaning. Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Less jaw strain. Properly aligned jaws reduce uneven wear on your enamel and can ease TMJ-related discomfort.
- Better speech and chewing. When your teeth fit together correctly, everyday tasks like eating and speaking feel more comfortable.
| Concern | How Orthodontics Helps |
|---|---|
| Crowded teeth | Creates space so teeth align properly |
| Gaps between teeth | Closes spaces for a fuller smile |
| Overbite or underbite | Repositions teeth and jaws for a balanced bite |
| Difficulty cleaning | Makes brushing and flossing more effective |
| Jaw discomfort | Reduces strain from uneven bite forces |
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, treating bite and alignment issues early can prevent more involved care later in life.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Process
Every smile story at McDermott Orthodontics follows a clear, five-step process built around your comfort and your goals. From your first visit to your smile reveal, Dr. McDermott and our team are with you at each stage.
Here's what to expect:
- Free consult and exam. You'll meet Dr. McDermott, share your goals, and receive a thorough exam. There's no cost and no pressure.
- Digital imaging and custom plan. We use digital scans and imaging to map your bite. Dr. McDermott then designs a plan specific to your teeth, whether that involves Invisalign, metal braces, or clear braces.
- Fitting your appliance. Once your plan is set, we place your braces or hand you your first set of Invisalign trays. We'll show you how to care for them and answer every question.
- Regular progress visits. You'll see us every 4-8 weeks so Dr. McDermott can check your progress and make adjustments. These visits keep your smile journey on track and give you a chance to ask about anything you've noticed at home.
- Retainers to protect your results. After your smile reveal, retainers hold everything in place so your new smile stays put.
Most patients complete orthodontic care in 12-24 months, though timelines vary based on the case. Dr. McDermott will give you a realistic estimate at your free consult.
Are You a Candidate for Orthodontics?
Orthodontic care isn't reserved for teens. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit, and Dr. McDermott sees patients of all ages at our Arnold and Florissant offices.
You may be a strong candidate if you have:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- Teeth that appear uneven
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Jaw discomfort tied to how your teeth fit together
- A previous orthodontic result that has shifted over time
| Patient Type | Common Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Children (ages 7-10) | Early evaluation, Phase I care if needed |
| Teens | Metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign Teen |
| Adults | Invisalign, clear braces, or metal braces |
| Mild to moderate cases | Invisalign often works well |
| Complex cases | Braces offer precise control |
The best way to know for sure is a free consult with Dr. McDermott. He'll examine your teeth, review your goals, and recommend the care that fits your life. That personal review is where a good plan starts.
Why Choose McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis
At McDermott Orthodontics, you get more than orthodontic care. You get a team that treats you like family from your first visit through your smile reveal.
Here's what sets our practice apart in the St. Louis area:
- Experienced provider. Dr. Richard McDermott earned his DDS with honors from the University of Southern California and completed a three-year orthodontics residency at USC.
- Elite Invisalign Provider designation, meaning Dr. McDermott has extensive experience treating many kinds of cases with Invisalign.
- Personalized care for every age. Personalized treatment plans crafted by Dr. McDermott himself means your plan reflects your teeth, your goals, and your lifestyle.
- Advanced technology. We use digital imaging and iTero scanning for precise planning and clearer communication about your smile story.
- Easy financing. No-interest in-house financing and insurance collaborations help keep care within your family's budget.
- Open-door policy for direct access to Dr. McDermott, so you always know who's guiding your care.
- Smile Rewards program for our loyal patients.
With two offices in Arnold and Florissant, quality orthodontic care in the St. Louis area is closer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in St. Louis?
Cost depends on the type of care, the complexity of your case, and how long treatment takes. We offer no-interest in-house financing and work with most insurance plans to keep care affordable. You'll receive a clear cost breakdown at your free consult, with no surprises.
How long does Invisalign or braces treatment take?
Most patients complete orthodontic care in 12-24 months, though some finish sooner and complex cases may take longer. Invisalign and braces both move teeth safely and predictably. Dr. McDermott will give you a personalized timeline based on your exam and digital scans.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, especially for children and teens. Our team will review your coverage and handle the paperwork so you know exactly what your plan pays. If insurance doesn't cover the full cost, easy financing options can bridge the gap.
What is the best age to start orthodontics?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7. That doesn't always mean starting care right away, but it lets Dr. McDermott catch issues early. Teens and adults can start orthodontic care at any age, and it's never too late for straight, well-aligned teeth you'll feel proud to show off.
Do braces or Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild soreness for a few days after getting braces or switching to a new set of Invisalign trays. That's a sign your teeth are moving. Most patients describe it as pressure, and it fades quickly. Over-the-counter relief and soft foods help during the first few days.
Is a free consultation really free?
Yes, truly free. Your first visit includes an exam, a chat with Dr. McDermott, and a recommendation, all at no cost and with no obligation. It's the easiest way to see if orthodontic care is right for you.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation Today
Ready to start your smile story? Booking a free consult at McDermott Orthodontics is simple. Call us at (636) 296-6332 or request an appointment online, and our team will find a time that works for you.
There's no obligation and no pressure, just a friendly conversation with Dr. McDermott about your goals. Our Arnold and Florissant offices welcome patients from across the St. Louis area, and both locations offer flexible scheduling to fit around work and school. We'd love to meet you and show you around.
Your perfect smile is within reach. Let's get started.