Braces in St. Louis

What Are Braces?

Braces in St. Louis are orthodontic appliances that gently straighten teeth and correct bite issues using small brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a thin archwire. Over time, steady, controlled pressure guides teeth into their ideal positions for a healthier, more confident smile.

This gentle system fixes crowding, gaps, and misalignment in patients of all ages. The brackets act as anchors, while the wire delivers the light force needed to shift teeth. Tiny elastic ties or self-ligating clips hold everything in place between visits. Each adjustment fine-tunes that pressure so your teeth move safely and predictably.

At McDermott Orthodontics, Dr. McDermott designs every treatment plan around your unique smile goals. Patients from Arnold, Florissant, and across the St. Louis area trust our team for braces that fit their lifestyle, budget, and timeline. From younger kids to working adults, we have options for every smile.

What Are the Benefits of Braces?

Straightening teeth is only the start. Braces set the stage for better oral health, easier daily care, and a smile you're excited to show off. Here's what patients across the St. Louis area love about their results.

• A straighter, healthier smile. Aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease over time.
• Better bite function. Correcting an overbite, underbite, or crossbite can ease jaw tension, reduce uneven tooth wear, and make chewing feel more comfortable.
• Reliable results for complex cases. Metal braces handle significant rotations, deep bites, and severe crowding that other options may struggle with.
• A confidence boost. Patients often tell us they smile more freely, speak with more assurance, and feel proud when they see their new smile at the end of care.
• Long-term dental health. Properly aligned teeth put less stress on your jaw joints and enamel, protecting your smile for years to come.

Patients of all ages see real benefits from braces. Bringing in your 10-year-old? Ready as an adult to fix that shift you've noticed for years? Dr. McDermott has options for every smile. Our practice offers metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign, so your plan is built for your teeth alone.

How Does the Braces Process Work at McDermott Orthodontics?

Getting braces is simpler than most people expect. Here's exactly what your experience looks like from your first visit to your smile reveal.

1. Free consult and exam. Your smile story starts with a no-pressure visit at our St. Louis area office. Dr. McDermott reviews your teeth, bite, and goals, then explains whether braces are your best fit.
2. Custom treatment plan and digital imaging. We use digital scans and images to map your teeth in detail. Dr. McDermott personally crafts a plan built around your bite, timeline, and lifestyle.
3. Bracket placement and wire fitting. At your bonding appointment, our team carefully attaches each bracket and threads the archwire. The visit is comfortable, and you'll leave with clear care instructions.
4. Periodic adjustments every 4-8 weeks. Short check-ins let Dr. McDermott fine-tune your wires and track your progress. These quick visits keep your teeth moving on schedule.
5. Removal and retainer phase. Once your teeth reach their ideal spot, we remove your brackets and fit you with a custom retainer to protect your new smile for life.

Most patients wear braces for 12-24 months, though your timeline depends on the complexity of your case. Dr. McDermott will give you a realistic estimate at your free consult so there are no surprises. Throughout care, our team is a call or text away with answers, tips, and encouragement.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?

This treatment works for patients of all ages, from kids with growing smiles to adults ready for a change. The best way to know if they're right for you is a free consult, but this quick guide can help you understand your options.

Braces are a great fit for:

• Children who need early guidance for jaw growth or spacing
• Teens with crowding, gaps, or bite issues during their busy school years
• Adults who want reliable, proven results, no matter how long it's been

Common concerns this treatment corrects include crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. There's no upper age limit, and Dr. McDermott regularly treats patients well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Your smile is natural jewelry, no matter your age.

Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Is Right for You?

Not sure which side of the table you fall on? That's exactly what your free consult is for. Dr. McDermott will walk you through your best options and help you pick the treatment that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Why Choose McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis

Choosing where to get braces in the St. Louis area matters. You want an experienced provider, a warm team, and a practice that treats you like family, not a number.

Here's what sets McDermott Orthodontics apart:

• Experienced care from Dr. Richard McDermott. Dr. McDermott holds his DDS in Orthodontics. That training shapes every plan he builds.
• A skilled, welcoming team. From your first call to your smile reveal, our team makes every visit friendly and stress-free. Many patients tell us it feels like catching up with friends.
• Every option under one roof. We offer metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign, so you get the right fit, not the only option.
• Trusted in the community. Families across Arnold, Florissant, and the St. Louis area have shared their smile stories with us, and we're grateful for every one of them.
• Easy scheduling and financing. We keep things flexible with convenient hours at our Arnold and Florissant offices, no-interest in-house financing, and easy financing built around your family's budget.

Dr. McDermott follows the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontists, including the guidance that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That kind of proactive, expert care is what makes McDermott Orthodontics a trusted name for braces in St. Louis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

How much do braces cost in St. Louis?

The cost varies based on the type you choose and the complexity of your case. At McDermott Orthodontics, we offer no-interest in-house financing and easy financing built around your family's budget. Your free consult includes a clear breakdown of costs so there are no surprises.

How long does braces treatment take?

Most patients wear braces for 12-24 months, though some cases finish sooner and complex cases may take a bit longer. Dr. McDermott will give you a personalized timeline at your free consult based on your bite, spacing, and goals.

Do braces hurt?

They are more comfortable than most people expect. You may feel mild soreness for a day or two after your bonding appointment and after adjustments, but this fades quickly. Over-the-counter relievers and soft foods help ease any tenderness during those first few days.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

Skip hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. That means popcorn, ice, caramel, gum, hard candies, and whole nuts. Cut apples, carrots, and corn on the cob into smaller pieces, and you'll be just fine. Our team gives you a full food guide at your bonding visit.

Are braces or Invisalign better for me?

It depends on your case, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Braces are ideal for complex bite corrections and don't require daily wear discipline. Invisalign is popular with adults and teens who want a discreet, removable option. Dr. McDermott will help you compare both at your free consult.

Does insurance cover braces?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage for children, teens, and sometimes adults. Our team will check your benefits and file the paperwork for you. If insurance doesn't cover everything, our easy financing keeps braces affordable for your family.

Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation

Ready to start your smile story? A free consult is the easiest first step toward a straighter, healthier smile in the St. Louis area. Dr. McDermott and our team will walk you through your options, answer every question, and help you pick the treatment that fits your life.

Call (636) 296-6332 or book online in under two minutes. Our offices in Arnold and Florissant welcome patients from across the St. Louis area, with flexible scheduling that works around school, work, and family life.

Your perfect smile is closer than you think. We look forward to meeting you.