St. Louis MO Orthodontist

Your Trusted St. Louis, MO Orthodontist

Finding the right orthodontist matters. You want someone who understands your smile goals, offers modern treatment options, and treats you like family. Dr. Richard McDermott brings that combination of skill and personal care to patients throughout the St. Louis area at McDermott Orthodontics.

Need braces for your kid or Invisalign for you? We've got options worth exploring. Our team is ready to help you start your smile story with a free consult at our Arnold or Florissant office.

What Does an Orthodontist in St. Louis, MO Do?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes two to three years of training beyond dental school to diagnose and treat misaligned teeth, jaw issues, and bite irregularities. Unlike a general dentist, an orthodontist focuses exclusively on tooth movement and jaw alignment using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances.

While your general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and overall oral health, Dr. McDermott brings a deeper level of specialized training to the table. He earned his DDS with honors from the University of Southern California, then completed a three-year orthodontics residency at USC. This advanced training allows him to diagnose and treat complex alignment issues that go beyond what general dentistry covers. Choosing a board-certified orthodontist means your care is guided by someone who spent years studying tooth movement and jaw development at the highest level.

McDermott Orthodontics offers several treatment options to fit your lifestyle:

• Invisalign: Custom clear aligners that straighten teeth without brackets or wires
• Metal braces: Time-tested, effective orthodontic care for patients of all ages
• Clear braces: Ceramic brackets that blend with your natural tooth color

At McDermott Orthodontics, our St. Louis practice uses digital imaging and 3D scanning to create accurate treatment plans. These tools help Dr. McDermott show you exactly how your teeth will move and what your smile will look like after treatment.

Orthodontic care isn't just for teenagers. Kids as young as seven can benefit from early evaluation, and more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their smiles. No matter your age, our team creates custom treatment plans designed around your specific needs and goals.

Benefits of Choosing a St. Louis Orthodontist at McDermott Orthodontics

Choosing McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis gives patients access to custom treatment plans from Dr. McDermott, digital imaging technology, flexible financing, and two convenient office locations in Arnold and Florissant.

Straight teeth do more than look good. St. Louis patients of Dr. McDermott at McDermott Orthodontics experience both health and confidence benefits firsthand. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums over time. When your bite aligns correctly, you also reduce wear on your teeth and strain on your jaw joints.

Most people want a smile they feel proud to show off. A confident smile can change how you feel in photos, at work, during conversations, and in everyday moments. That confidence boost is real, and our St. Louis orthodontic patients notice it throughout their treatment.

Here's what sets us apart:

Your Care Plan Is Built Around You

Dr. McDermott personally crafts each treatment plan. He takes time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and explain every step of the process. You're never just a number here.

Options for Every Smile

We offer Invisalign, clear braces, and metal braces because every smile is different. During your free consult, we'll discuss which option fits your lifestyle, timeline, and budget.

Tech That Actually Helps

Digital scanning and 3D imaging help us plan your treatment with detail and accuracy. You'll see a preview of your results before orthodontic care even begins.

We're Close By

With offices in Arnold and Florissant, we're close to home for families throughout the greater St. Louis area. That makes regular adjustment visits easy to fit into your schedule.

Paying for Treatment Shouldn't Be Stressful

Everyone deserves a beautiful smile. That's why we offer no-interest in-house financing and work with most insurance plans to make orthodontic care affordable for your family.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontic issues don't improve on their own. The AAO also reports that approximately 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is an adult. Early treatment can prevent more serious issues down the road, making it a smart investment in long-term oral health.

What to Expect: The Orthodontic Treatment Process

The orthodontic treatment process at McDermott Orthodontics in St. Louis involves five steps: consultation, custom planning, appliance placement, progress visits, and retention.

Here's a closer look at how each step works at our practice:

Step 1: Free Consult

Your first visit at our St. Louis-area offices includes a thorough exam and digital imaging. Dr. McDermott will evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. This is your chance to ask questions, talk through your smile goals, and get a clear picture of what treatment could look like. There's no obligation and no pressure.

Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan

Based on your exam, Dr. McDermott creates a plan built specifically around your needs. He'll explain the recommended treatment, estimated timeline, and cost. You'll know exactly what to expect before committing to anything.

Step 3: Appliance Placement or Aligner Fitting

Once you're ready to begin, we'll place your braces or fit your first set of Invisalign aligners. Our team walks you through care instructions and answers any questions about daily life with your new appliance. Most patients say this step is easier than they expected.

Step 4: Regular Progress Visits

You'll come back periodically for adjustments or to pick up new aligners. These visits are typically quick, usually lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Dr. McDermott uses each check-in to track progress and make any needed changes to your plan, so they're easy to fit into a lunch break or after-school schedule.

Step 5: Retention Phase

When your teeth reach their final positions, we remove your braces or you finish your last aligner. Retainers help maintain your results for years to come, and Dr. McDermott will explain the best retention plan for your smile.

Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, though your timeline depends on your specific case. Our team checks in at every visit to make sure things are moving in the right direction.

Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

Most children age 7 and older, teenagers, and adults with crowded teeth, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, or crossbites are candidates for orthodontic care. A free consult with Dr. McDermott at McDermott Orthodontics can confirm whether braces or Invisalign is right for you.

Whether you're a parent considering treatment for your child or an adult who's finally ready to address long-standing crowding, our St. Louis, MO orthodontist team likely has an option that fits.

Children (Age 7 and Up)

Dr. McDermott and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that every child see their family orthodontist by age seven. Early evaluation can identify developing issues before they become more complex.

Teenagers

The teen years remain the most common time for braces. Permanent teeth have typically erupted, and jaw growth is still occurring. We offer both metal braces and Invisalign Teen for patients who prefer a more discreet option.

Adults

Your smile is natural jewelry, no matter your age. Age doesn't limit your options. More adults are choosing orthodontic care than ever before, and Invisalign along with clear braces offer subtle choices that won't clash with your professional image. Adults of all ages see great results with us.

Common issues we treat include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps and spacing between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Teeth that don't meet properly when you bite down
• Jaw alignment concerns

Not sure if you're a candidate? That's exactly what the free consult is for.

Why Do St. Louis Families Trust McDermott Orthodontics?

St. Louis families trust McDermott Orthodontics because Dr. Richard McDermott combines advanced training, modern technology, and a patient-first approach at two convenient locations in Arnold and Florissant, with flexible financing that makes orthodontic care accessible.

Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. You want someone with the right credentials, experience, and approach to patient care. Here's why families throughout St. Louis choose our practice:

Expert Credentials

Dr. Richard McDermott earned his DDS with honors from the University of Southern California and completed a three-year orthodontics residency at the same institution. He's an Elite Invisalign Provider, reflecting extensive experience with clear aligner treatment.

Advanced Technology

Our practice uses digital scanning and 3D imaging to plan treatment with accuracy. These tools eliminate messy impressions and help you visualize your results before orthodontic care begins.

You Come First, Not Just Your Teeth

Dr. McDermott personally crafts each treatment plan and keeps an open door for questions throughout your time with us. Whether you're coming in for your first consult or your last adjustment, you'll feel right at home.

Part of the St. Louis Community

We serve the Arnold and Florissant communities in the greater St. Louis area with a focus on building lasting relationships. Our patients become part of our extended family.

Affordable Options

With your family's budget in mind, we'll create an affordable payment plan that meets your needs. Easy financing with no interest is available in-house, and we work with most insurance providers to maximize your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Care in St. Louis

How much do braces cost in St. Louis, MO?

Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and the type of appliance you choose. During your free consult, we provide a detailed cost breakdown with no surprises. No-interest financing and insurance coordination help make treatment affordable.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Most patients finish in 12 to 24 months. Your timeline depends on factors like the severity of your alignment issues and how well you follow care instructions. During your free consult at McDermott Orthodontics, Dr. McDermott will give you an estimate based on your specific case.

What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?

The main difference is that Invisalign uses custom clear aligners that are removable and nearly invisible, while metal braces use fixed brackets and wires for continuous tooth movement. Both are effective, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and lifestyle.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

Age seven. That's the recommendation from both Dr. McDermott and the American Association of Orthodontists. Many children don't need treatment at seven, but early evaluation allows us to monitor development and time treatment well.

Does McDermott Orthodontics offer free consultations?

Yes! We offer complimentary consultations at both our Arnold and Florissant locations. Your visit includes an exam, digital imaging, and a discussion about your treatment options specific to your smile.

Can adults get braces or Invisalign?

Absolutely. Adults make up a growing portion of our patient base. Invisalign and clear braces offer discreet options that fit professional lifestyles. Adults of all ages see great results with us.

Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation in St. Louis Today

Ready to start your smile story? Dr. McDermott and our team are here to help you explore your options with a free, no-obligation consult.

During your visit, you'll receive a thorough evaluation, learn about treatment options that fit your goals, and get answers to all your questions. Dr. Richard McDermott will create a plan built just for you, right here in St. Louis.

Call us at (636) 296-6332 or schedule your appointment online at our Arnold or Florissant office.

Give us a call. We'd love to chat about your smile.

Transforming Smiles With Heart & Expertise