What types of braces are available for patients in St. Louis at McDermott Orthodontics?

At McDermott Orthodontics in the St. Louis area, we offer traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces to effectively straighten teeth. Metal braces are durable and reliable for a wide range of cases, and clear braces provide a more discreet appearance while delivering excellent results.

How do braces work to straighten my teeth?

Braces use brackets and archwires to apply gentle, consistent pressure that gradually moves your teeth into proper alignment. Your orthodontist at McDermott Orthodontics will make precise adjustments over time to guide your smile toward a healthy, beautiful position.

How long does orthodontic treatment with braces usually take?

The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case. During your consultation, Dr. McDermott will review your orthodontic needs and provide an estimated timeline based on the best plan to achieve your desired results.

What should I expect during my braces treatment appointments?

Regular appointments are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting braces. During these visits, your orthodontist will make necessary changes to keep your treatment on track, answer your questions, and support your progress toward a confident smile.

Can braces help fix bite issues as well as straighten teeth?

Yes. Braces are designed not only to align teeth but also to correct bite irregularities. Proper bite alignment can improve chewing function, jaw comfort, and overall dental health as part of a comprehensive orthodontic approach.

How should I care for my braces during treatment?

Good oral hygiene is essential. Brush and floss regularly, avoid very hard or sticky foods that could damage brackets, and attend all scheduled check-in visits. Your orthodontic team will give you detailed care instructions to ensure your treatment stays on course.

Braces St. Louis

Braces in St. Louis

Looking for braces in St. Louis? At McDermott Orthodontics, Dr. Richard McDermott offers both metal and clear braces for patients of all ages at our Arnold and Florissant offices. Maybe your child needs their first evaluation. Maybe you're an adult who's finally ready for a straighter smile. Either way, we're here to help you figure out what's possible for your smile story.

Braces have come a long way. Today's options are smaller, smoother, and more effective than older versions, and Dr. McDermott builds every treatment plan personally to fit your goals and your lifestyle.

What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances that gradually move teeth into alignment using small brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a thin archwire. Gentle, steady pressure guides your teeth into their ideal positions over time, correcting both the look of your smile and how your bite functions.

At McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis, we offer two popular styles:

Metal braces. The classic stainless-steel option, now smaller and more comfortable than older versions.
Clear braces. Tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in for a more discreet look.

Both options treat common concerns like crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Dr. McDermott will help you decide which style fits your smile goals best during your free consult.

Benefits of Braces

Braces remain one of the most reliable ways to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Here's why so many patients choose them:

Proven results for complex cases. Braces handle significant alignment and bite issues that other options may not address as effectively.
Great for every age. Kids, teens, and adults all benefit. Your smile is natural jewelry, no matter your age, and it deserves to shine at every stage of life.
Better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which supports healthier gums and lowers cavity risk.
Improved function. Properly aligned teeth make chewing and speaking easier and more comfortable.
Clear ceramic option available. For patients who want a lower-profile look without giving up the strength of braces.
No compliance required. Braces work around the clock. There's nothing to remember to put back in, nothing to lose, and nothing to track.

Every option comes with easy financing at McDermott Orthodontics, so you can start your treatment with confidence.

The Braces Treatment Process

Wondering what to expect? Here's how it works at McDermott Orthodontics, step by step:

1. Free Consultation and Digital Exam

Your treatment begins with a free consult. Dr. McDermott will examine your teeth and bite, take digital scans or images, and discuss your goals. You'll leave knowing exactly what your options look like and what your next steps could be.

2. A Plan Built Around Your Smile

Next, Dr. McDermott designs a plan built around your smile. You'll receive a clear timeline and financing options so there are no surprises along the way.

3. Bracket Placement Appointment

Getting your braces on takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and the appointment itself is comfortable. Each bracket is bonded to a tooth, then the archwire is threaded through. You'll walk out with your new braces and plenty of guidance on how to care for them.

4. Regular Adjustment Visits

Every 4 to 8 weeks, you'll come in for brief check-ins. These visits let Dr. McDermott adjust the wires, swap bands, and track your progress toward your smile reveal.

5. Bracket Removal and Retainer Fitting

When your smile reveal arrives, we'll remove the brackets, polish your teeth, and fit you with a custom retainer to keep everything in place.

Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case. Dr. McDermott will give you a realistic estimate at your first visit.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?

Braces work well for a wide range of patients. You may be a great candidate if you fall into one of these groups:

Children ages 7 and up. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7 to catch issues early.
Teens with permanent teeth. The teen years are a classic time for braces, when most adult teeth are in place and ready for alignment.
Adults of any age. It's never too late. Many of our adult patients at McDermott Orthodontics are glad they finally made the leap.
Patients with complex bite issues. Braces often handle significant overbites, underbites, and crossbites better than removable aligners.
Anyone willing to build good habits. Brushing well, keeping your braces clean, and skipping gum during treatment help your braces do their best work.

Not sure if braces are right for you? A free consult with Dr. McDermott is the easiest way to find out.

Why Choose McDermott Orthodontics for Braces in St. Louis

Choosing where to get braces matters just as much as choosing the braces themselves. Here's what sets our practice apart for families across the St. Louis area:

Orthodontic specialist training. Dr. Richard McDermott earned his DDS and completed specialty training focused entirely on orthodontics, well beyond what a general dentist offers.
Experience with every age. From first-time kid patients to adults in their 60s, Dr. McDermott has helped countless St. Louis families through braces treatment.
Digital scanners replace goopy impressions. We use digital scans and imaging to make your visits faster, more accurate, and more comfortable, with no messy trays.
Free initial consult. You can meet Dr. McDermott, tour the office, and get a personalized plan with zero obligation.
Easy financing. No-interest in-house payment plans and insurance collaborations make braces work for your family.
A team that treats you like family. Our patients consistently tell us the warm, personal atmosphere is what keeps them coming back. Dr. McDermott keeps an open-door policy, so you always have direct access to him.

Transforming Smiles With Heart & Expertise. That's not just a tagline. It's how we work every day at McDermott Orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in St. Louis

How long does braces treatment take?

Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though some simpler cases finish sooner and complex cases may take longer. Your exact timeline depends on how much your teeth need to move and how your body responds to treatment. Dr. McDermott will share a plan built around your smile after your first exam.

Do braces hurt?

Getting braces put on is comfortable. You may feel mild soreness for a few days after your initial appointment and after some adjustments as your teeth begin to shift. Most patients handle any tenderness with over-the-counter medication and soft foods for a day or two. The feeling fades quickly.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

Steer clear of hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. Common items to skip include:

Hard candy, ice, and nuts
Sticky caramels, taffy, and gum
Popcorn and crunchy chips
Whole apples and raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)

Soft foods, pasta, cooked vegetables, and most everyday meals are perfectly fine.

Does insurance cover braces in Missouri?

Many dental and orthodontic insurance plans in Missouri cover a portion of braces, often up to a set lifetime maximum. Coverage varies widely by plan. Our team at McDermott Orthodontics will review your benefits with you and handle the paperwork, so you know exactly what's covered before treatment begins.

Braces vs. Invisalign: which is better for me?

Both work well, but the right choice depends on your case and lifestyle. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Braces	Invisalign
Best for	Complex alignment and bite issues	Mild to moderate cases
Appearance	Metal or clear ceramic	Nearly invisible
Removable	No, fixed	Yes, removable
Compliance	Works 24/7 automatically	Must wear 20–22 hours daily
Food restrictions	Yes	None (remove to eat)

Dr. McDermott is an elite Invisalign provider and also offers metal and clear braces, so he'll help you choose the option that gives you the best result for your smile and your schedule.

Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation

Ready to see what braces can do for your smile? Book your free consult with Dr. McDermott at McDermott Orthodontics today. There's no obligation and no pressure, just honest answers and a clear plan built around you.

Call our Arnold office at (636) 296-6332 or our Florissant office at (314) 831-9399, or book online anytime at mcdortho.com/free-consult. Same-week appointments are often available, so you can start your smile story sooner than you think.