Trusted Orthodontist in St. Louis, MO
Dr. Richard McDermott is a trusted orthodontist in St. Louis, welcoming patients of all ages from across the metro at our Arnold and Florissant offices. Every smile story starts with a free consult, so you can meet Dr. McDermott, tour our practice, and get a personalized plan with zero pressure.
We're proud to serve families throughout the region with metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. Whether your child is ready for a first orthodontic visit or you're an adult finally investing in your own smile, you'll find warm, personalized care here.
Ready to get started? Schedule Your Free Consultation today.
Orthodontic Services We Offer
At McDermott Orthodontics, we keep things simple: proven treatments, modern technology, and options for every smile. Here's a quick look at what Dr. McDermott offers:
- Metal Braces: Today's metal braces are smaller, smoother, and more effective than ever. A dependable choice for kids, teens, and adults.
- Clear Braces: Tooth-colored ceramic brackets that match your natural smile. A discreet alternative to metal without sacrificing results.
- Invisalign: Practically invisible aligners that straighten your teeth without brackets or wires. A good fit for teens and adults who want a low-profile look.
- Orthodontics for All Ages: From early evaluations for children to adult treatment, we care for smiles at every stage of life.
- Free Consultation: Meet Dr. McDermott, get a full exam, and receive a custom treatment plan at no cost.
Dr. McDermott treats a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowding, spacing, and other forms of malocclusion (misaligned bites). Digital scans and modern imaging help us plan every case with precision.
Traditional & Clear Braces in St. Louis
Traditional braces in St. Louis use metal brackets and wires to straighten teeth over about 12 to 24 months. Modern metal braces use smaller brackets and gentler wires to move your teeth efficiently and comfortably, with quick check-in visits every 4 to 8 weeks.
Prefer something more subtle? Clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that match your enamel. They work just like metal braces but are far less noticeable in photos, at school, or in the office.
Great candidates for braces include:
- Kids and teens with growing smiles
- Adults ready to correct long-standing bite issues
- Patients with more complex alignment concerns
- Anyone who prefers a fixed appliance over removable aligners
Cost varies based on the complexity of your case, and we offer easy financing to fit your family's budget. You'll get a full estimate at your free consult, with no surprises.
Invisalign & Clear Aligners in St. Louis
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that gently guides your teeth into place using a custom series of removable trays. Dr. McDermott is an experienced Invisalign provider, so you're in capable hands from your first scan to your smile reveal.
Here's how it works:
- Digital scan: A quick, comfortable 3D scan of your teeth (no messy impressions).
- Custom plan: Dr. McDermott designs your aligner sequence based on your unique bite.
- Wear your aligners: Pop them in about 20 to 22 hours a day, swapping to a new set as directed.
- See your progress: Most Invisalign cases finish in about 12 to 18 months.
Why patients love Invisalign:
- Practically invisible in photos and everyday life
- Removable for meals, brushing, and special occasions
- Smooth plastic that's gentle on your cheeks and gums
- Fewer in-office visits than traditional braces
Invisalign pricing in the St. Louis area varies by case, and we make it manageable with easy financing.
Curious if you're a candidate? Book a free Invisalign consult with Dr. McDermott.
Orthodontics for Children, Teens & Adults
Your smile is natural jewelry, no matter your age. Dr. McDermott provides orthodontic care for patients of all ages, with treatment paths designed around each life stage.
Children (Ages 7-10)
Early orthodontic care helps young smiles grow on the right track. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early visits let Dr. McDermott spot bite issues while your child's jaw is still developing, which can simplify treatment later on.
Teens
Teen treatment fits real teenage schedules and preferences. Metal braces are still a favorite, clear braces offer a more subtle look, and Invisalign is a popular pick for teens active in sports, band, or theater. We work around school schedules to keep appointments easy.
Adults
Adult orthodontics is more discreet and efficient than ever. It's never too late to straighten your smile, and adult patients often choose clear braces or Invisalign for their low-profile look. Many appreciate how easily modern orthodontic care fits into a busy lifestyle.
What to Expect at Your First Consultation
Your free consult is relaxed, informative, and no-pressure. Here's what happens:
- Warm welcome: Meet Dr. McDermott and our team, and get a tour of our office.
- Digital exam & scans: We'll take modern images to fully understand your smile.
- Personalized plan: Dr. McDermott reviews your options, timeline, and recommendations.
- Cost & financing chat: You'll get a full breakdown, plus easy financing details.
- Your choice: Take your time. There's no obligation and no referral needed.
Most first visits take about 60 minutes, and you'll leave with clear answers and next steps.
Cost, Insurance & Financing Options
We believe great orthodontic care should fit your family's budget. The total investment depends on your treatment type and case complexity, and your free consult includes a full cost estimate.
Ways we make treatment affordable:
- No-interest, in-house financing
- Insurance collaborations with most major providers
- FSA and HSA accepted
- Flexible payment plans tailored to your family
We'll walk through your insurance benefits with you and handle the paperwork, so you can focus on your smile.
Why Choose McDermott Orthodontics
With so many choices in the St. Louis area, here's what sets our practice apart:
- Experienced Invisalign provider: Dr. McDermott has extensive experience with clear aligner cases.
- Personalized care, proven results: Every treatment plan is crafted by Dr. McDermott himself.
- Advanced technology: Digital scanners and modern imaging for accurate, comfortable care.
- Real patient reviews: Families across the metro trust us with their smile stories.
- Community-rooted: We treat every patient like part of the McDermott family.
Creating great smiles with heart and expertise, one patient at a time.
Serving St. Louis and Surrounding Areas
McDermott Orthodontics proudly serves patients from across the St. Louis metro, including Arnold, Florissant, Hazelwood, Ferguson, Fenton, Imperial, House Springs, Oakville, and nearby communities. Both of our offices offer easy access from major routes like I-270 and I-55.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an orthodontist cost in St. Louis?
Orthodontic care in St. Louis typically ranges based on treatment type and case complexity. At McDermott Orthodontics, your free consult includes a full cost estimate. We also offer no-interest in-house financing and work with most major insurance plans to keep care affordable.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
By age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Even if treatment isn't needed right away, an early visit lets Dr. McDermott monitor your child's growth and catch bite concerns early, when they're often simpler to address.
How long does orthodontic care take?
Most orthodontic care lasts 12 to 24 months, depending on your specific case. Invisalign patients typically finish in about 12 to 18 months. Dr. McDermott will give you a personalized timeline at your free consult based on your goals and needs.
Do you accept my insurance?
Yes, we work with most major dental insurance plans and will happily verify your benefits before you start care. Our team also offers no-interest in-house financing, FSA and HSA acceptance, and flexible payment plans to make treatment work for your family.
What's the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist with additional specialty training. All orthodontists are dentists, but only orthodontists complete extra years of training focused on tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw alignment. Dr. McDermott is a specialist dedicated exclusively to orthodontic care for patients of all ages.
Ready to start your smile story? Schedule your free consult with Dr. McDermott today, and see why families across the St. Louis area choose McDermott Orthodontics.