FAQs

Definitely not! You never need a referral to schedule a consultation with McDermott Orthodontics. Whether you’re interested in treatment for yourself or your child, our team can help you get started at our Arnold or Florissant office.

McDermott Orthodontics offers braces and Invisalign for kids, teens, and adults. During your consultation, Dr. McDermott will look at your smile, talk through your goals, and recommend the option that best fits your needs.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven. This doesn’t always mean your child will need treatment right away, but an early visit helps Dr. McDermott check jaw growth, tooth spacing, bite alignment, and other concerns before they become more difficult to treat.

Yes. McDermott Orthodontics offers Invisalign for patients who want a clear, removable way to straighten their teeth. Invisalign can be a great fit for many teens and adults in Arnold, Florissant, and nearby St. Louis communities.

Yes. Braces remain one of the most reliable ways to correct crowding, spacing, bite issues, and more complex orthodontic concerns. Dr. McDermott offers modern braces designed to move teeth efficiently while helping you feel confident throughout treatment.

Treatment time depends on your smile, your bite, and the type of treatment you choose. Many patients wear braces or Invisalign for 12 to 24 months, but Dr. McDermott will give you a more specific estimate during your consultation.

Yes. Many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve their smile, bite, and long-term oral health. McDermott Orthodontics offers discreet treatment options for adults, including Invisalign and ceramic braces.

You can contact McDermott Orthodontics to schedule a consultation at our Arnold or Florissant office. Our team will help you choose a convenient appointment time and answer any questions before your visit.

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for braces or Invisalign. Our team can help you review your coverage and understand how your benefits may apply at McDermott Orthodontics.

Your first visit includes an exam, digital images, and a conversation about your smile goals. Dr. McDermott will review your teeth and bite, explain your treatment options, and answer your questions before you decide what comes next.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment can help correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Improving your bite can make it easier to chew, clean your teeth, and protect your smile over time.

Braces use brackets and wires to move your teeth, while Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners. Both options can create a healthier, straighter smile, and Dr. McDermott can help you choose the right fit for your needs.

Most patients visit McDermott Orthodontics every few weeks so our team can check progress and make any needed adjustments. Your exact schedule will depend on your treatment plan.

Yes. You can still play sports during orthodontic treatment. If you have braces, Dr. McDermott may recommend an orthodontic mouthguard to help protect your teeth, brackets, and gums.

You can still enjoy plenty of foods with braces, but you’ll need to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage your brackets and wires. Our team will give you simple tips to eat comfortably and protect your braces.

After treatment, you’ll wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new positions. Retainers are an important part of protecting your smile after orthodontic treatment at McDermott Orthodontics.

If you have a broken bracket, poking wire, lost aligner, or another orthodontic concern, contact McDermott Orthodontics. Our Arnold and Florissant teams can help you figure out what to do next.