Orthodontist in St. Louis

What Does an Orthodontist in St. Louis Do?

An orthodontist in St. Louis diagnoses, prevents, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. Unlike general dentists who handle overall oral health, orthodontists complete additional years of residency training dedicated to straightening teeth, correcting bite function, and guiding jaw development. That extra training matters, especially when you're dealing with complex alignment issues or planning treatment for a growing child.

If you've been searching for an orthodontist in St. Louis, you've probably noticed you have plenty of options. So what should you actually look for?

Dr. Richard McDermott brings this specialized expertise to patients of all ages throughout the St. Louis area, including families in Arnold, Florissant, and surrounding communities. Parents exploring options for their child, teenagers ready for braces, and adults who are finally ready to address that smile all find a home at our practice. Our team creates orthodontic care plans designed around your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

We offer several treatment options to fit different lifestyles and preferences:

• Invisalign: Clear, removable aligners that straighten teeth discreetly
• Metal braces: Reliable, time-tested orthodontic care for all types of alignment issues
• Clear braces: Ceramic brackets that blend with your natural tooth color

Your smile is natural jewelry, and we're here to help it shine. From our offices in Arnold and Florissant, we serve families across St. Louis with orthodontic care that puts you first, not just your teeth.

Benefits of Choosing McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis

Orthodontic care at McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis delivers real, measurable benefits. These include healthier teeth and gums, a corrected bite that functions properly, greater confidence in your smile, and affordable options that work for your family's budget.

Looking good in photos is nice, but the benefits go much deeper than that. When your teeth align properly, your whole mouth works better.

Better Oral Health for St. Louis Families

Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where food particles and bacteria hide. Even the most dedicated brushers struggle to clean these areas completely. Straighter teeth mean easier cleaning, healthier gums, and fewer cavities down the road.

How's Your Bite?

When your upper and lower teeth don't meet correctly, it puts extra stress on certain teeth. Over time, this can lead to uneven wear, jaw tension, and even headaches. Orthodontic care corrects these issues so your bite functions the way it should.

Real Confidence, Not Just Straighter Teeth

There's something powerful about smiling without hesitation. Many of our patients across St. Louis tell us they feel more confident in job interviews, social situations, and everyday conversations after completing their treatment.

That boost in self-assurance is real, and it lasts.

Affordable Braces and Invisalign in St. Louis

Every family in Arnold, Florissant, and across St. Louis deserves a beautiful smile. As an Elite Invisalign Provider, Dr. McDermott pairs advanced certification with affordable braces in St. Louis so cost never stands between you and the care you need. McDermott Orthodontics offers:

• No-interest in-house financing
• Easy financing options built around family budgets
• Insurance coordination to maximize your benefits

You'll Actually Know Your Orthodontist

Dr. McDermott personally crafts each treatment plan. You're not just another patient number here. We see our patients as family, and that means taking the time to understand your goals and concerns.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free consult with no obligation. It's the first step toward the smile you've been wanting.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works at Our St. Louis Office

Getting orthodontic care at McDermott Orthodontics follows four steps: a free consult, a custom treatment plan, active treatment with periodic visits, and your smile reveal. Here's what to expect from start to finish.

Step 1: Your Free Consult

Come in and talk to us. Your smile story begins here. During this no-obligation visit at our Arnold or Florissant office, Dr. McDermott examines your teeth, discusses your concerns, and answers all your questions. We'll take any necessary images and talk through what treatment might look like for you. Patients often tell us they feel relieved after this first appointment because they finally have a clear picture of what to expect. No pressure, just an honest conversation.

Step 2: Your Custom Treatment Plan

No two smiles are identical, so no two treatment plans should be either. Based on your examination, Dr. McDermott recommends the best approach, whether that's Invisalign, metal braces, or clear braces. We'll explain the timeline, costs, and what to expect at each stage.

Step 3: Active Treatment

You'll visit our office periodically for progress checks and adjustments. Most appointments take under 30 minutes.

Step 4: Your Smile Reveal

This is the part everyone looks forward to. When your teeth reach their ideal positions, we remove your braces or finish your final set of aligners. Retainers help maintain your new smile for years to come, and we'll provide clear instructions on how to keep your results looking great.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Most orthodontic care takes between 12 and 24 months, though some cases finish sooner and others take a bit longer. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) notes that treatment length varies based on the complexity of each case. During your initial appointment, Dr. McDermott provides a realistic timeline based on your specific needs.

Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

Almost anyone with misaligned teeth, bite issues, or spacing concerns is a candidate for orthodontic care. McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis treats children as young as seven, teenagers, and adults at every stage of life.

Children (Ages 7 and Up)

Dr. McDermott and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that every child see their family orthodontist by age seven. That may seem young, but early evaluation catches potential issues before they become complicated. Some children benefit from early intervention, which creates room for developing teeth and corrects bite issues while they're easier to address.

Teenagers

Why are the teen years still the most popular time for braces? Permanent teeth are in place, but jaws are still growing, making this an ideal window for orthodontic care. Teens at McDermott Orthodontics can choose from metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign depending on their lifestyle and preferences.

Adults

More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic care, and modern options make it easier to fit into professional and personal life. Invisalign has become especially popular among adults since it won't clash with their professional image. At McDermott Orthodontics, we see adults at every stage of life who are ready to invest in their smile.

Common Issues We Treat

• Crowding: Teeth overlap or twist because there isn't enough space
• Gaps: Spaces between teeth affect appearance and function
• Overbite: Upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth
• Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
• Crossbite: Some upper teeth close inside lower teeth

Not sure if you or your child needs orthodontic care? A free consult at McDermott Orthodontics determines the best path forward.

Why St. Louis Families Trust McDermott Orthodontics

Choosing an orthodontist means trusting someone with your smile, or your child's smile. That's a big decision. Here's why families across St. Louis choose McDermott Orthodontics.

Specialized Training and Deep Community Roots

Dr. Richard McDermott completed extensive orthodontic education, including a three-year orthodontics residency, giving him deep expertise in the complexities of tooth movement, jaw development, and bite correction. As an Elite Invisalign Provider, Dr. McDermott has the advanced certification and case experience that sets him apart from general dentists offering aligner treatment.

From our offices in Arnold and Florissant, we've helped countless families achieve the smiles they deserve. We're not a corporate chain. We're your neighbors, providing Orthodontic Care You Can Trust.

Patients Come First

We prioritize you, not just your teeth. Whether you're coming in for your first visit or your last adjustment, you'll feel right at home. Our open-door policy means you can always reach Dr. McDermott directly with questions or concerns. One thing patients mention again and again is how much they appreciate being able to talk to their orthodontist directly, not through layers of front-desk staff.

Modern Technology, Real Affordability

Orthodontics has come a long way. We use current technology to plan treatments precisely and make your experience as comfortable as possible. Today's braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before, and Invisalign offers a nearly invisible option for many patients.

Great orthodontic care shouldn't be out of reach, either. With your family's budget in mind, we create easy financing options that meet your needs:

• No-interest in-house financing
• Insurance coordination to maximize your benefits
• Our Smile Rewards program, which provides additional benefits for patients

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in St. Louis

How much do braces cost in St. Louis?

Orthodontic costs in St. Louis vary based on the type of treatment and complexity of your case. McDermott Orthodontics offers no-interest in-house financing and works with most insurance plans to make treatment affordable. During your free consult, we provide a clear cost breakdown with payment options that fit your budget.

Does McDermott Orthodontics Accept Medicaid or Insurance in St. Louis?

We work with many insurance providers to maximize your benefits. Our team handles the paperwork and helps you understand your coverage. For specific questions about Medicaid or your particular insurance plan, contact our office directly at (636) 296-6332.

How long does orthodontic treatment take on average?

Most patients wear braces or aligners for 12 to 24 months, though some simpler cases finish in as few as 6 months. Dr. McDermott provides a realistic timeline during your first visit based on your individual situation.

What is the difference between Invisalign and metal braces?

Here's a quick comparison:

Invisalign uses custom clear, removable aligners, while metal braces use fixed brackets and wires. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate cases; metal braces handle all complexity levels. Dr. McDermott helps you determine which option fits your lifestyle and treatment goals.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, Dr. McDermott can identify potential issues and determine if early orthodontic care would be beneficial. Many children don't need treatment at seven, but catching things early often makes later treatment simpler and shorter.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with McDermott Orthodontics Today

We make starting treatment simple with a free, no-obligation consultation.

During your visit, Dr. McDermott, an Elite Invisalign Provider, personally evaluates your smile, answers your questions, and outlines your options. There's no pressure, just honest guidance to help you make the right decision for you or your family.

Start your smile story today.

Call us at (636) 296-6332 or visit our website to schedule your free consult. McDermott Orthodontics is proud to serve St. Louis families from both our Arnold and Florissant locations.

Transforming Smiles With Heart & Expertise