St. Louis Orthodontics

St. Louis Orthodontics: What Is Orthodontic Treatment & Why Families Trust McDermott Orthodontics

A straighter smile changes how you feel every single day, and orthodontics is the specialty that makes it happen. Orthodontics focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. As a trusted St. Louis orthodontics practice, McDermott Orthodontics and Dr. Richard McDermott provide custom orthodontic care for local families, helping patients of all ages achieve healthier, straighter smiles through treatments like Invisalign, metal braces, and clear braces.

Maybe your child needs early interceptive treatment. Maybe your teen is ready for braces. Or maybe you're an adult finally investing in the smile you've always wanted. Our practice offers Options for Every Smile. Dr. McDermott earned his DDS with honors from the University of Southern California and completed a three-year orthodontics residency at USC. He crafts each treatment plan himself to fit your unique needs and goals.

Your smile is natural jewelry, and that belief drives how we treat patients of all ages at our Arnold and Florissant offices. Whether you're seven or seventy, your teeth can benefit from the right care at the right time. From your first free consult to your final smile reveal, you'll work directly with Dr. McDermott and our team to build a smile you're proud of.

Benefits of Choosing St. Louis Orthodontics Care

Orthodontic care from McDermott Orthodontics improves oral health through better alignment, corrects bite issues that cause long-term jaw problems, boosts daily confidence, offers modern discreet options, and keeps costs manageable at convenient locations.

Straightening your teeth does more than improve your appearance. For St. Louis patients, it improves oral health and daily comfort in ways that last a lifetime.

Alignment and your oral health

Crowded teeth create tight spaces where plaque hides. Brushing and flossing become difficult. When teeth sit properly, you can clean them thoroughly, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, which may reduce periodontal risk over time.

A misaligned bite puts uneven pressure on your teeth and jaw. Over time, this leads to jaw discomfort and TMJ issues, chronic headaches, uneven tooth wear, and difficulty chewing. Bite correction addresses these problems before they get worse.

What confidence actually looks like

Adults and teens alike tell us how much their self-esteem improves during treatment. People smile more. They speak up in meetings and conversations. It sounds small, but patients tell us it changes everything.

Treatment that works around your schedule

Not everyone wants metal braces. That's okay. Clear braces blend with your teeth. Invisalign lets you remove aligners for meals and photos. Dr. McDermott helps you pick what works for your schedule, your budget, and your comfort.

Affordable braces in St. Louis

Our offices in Arnold and Florissant make appointments convenient. We offer free consults so you can explore your options without pressure. Easy financing and insurance coordination keep affordable braces in St. Louis within your family's reach.

Our St. Louis Orthodontic Treatment Process: What to Expect

Getting started is straightforward. Here's what to expect from your first visit to your smile reveal.

Orthodontic care at our Arnold or Florissant office follows a clear, comfortable process. Here's how it works from your first visit to your perfect smile.

Step 1: Free Consult

Walk into either office, and Dr. McDermott examines your teeth and jaw, takes digital images, and listens to your concerns. No cost, no obligation. You leave knowing exactly what treatment could do for you.

Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan

No two smiles are alike. Dr. McDermott uses digital scanning technology to map your teeth and build a treatment plan designed specifically for you. He explains your options (Invisalign, metal braces, or clear braces) and helps you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and goals.

Step 3: Appliance Placement

This appointment takes about an hour. Our team places your braces or fits your first set of Invisalign aligners, then walks you through care instructions, including what to eat and how to handle soreness.

Step 4: Regular Progress Visits

Every 4 to 8 weeks, you return for a quick check-in. Dr. McDermott monitors your progress and makes adjustments. Most visits take 20 to 30 minutes, and our team keeps things moving so you're in and out.

Step 5: Retention Phase

Once your teeth reach their final positions, we remove your braces or complete your aligner series at our Arnold or Florissant office. But the work isn't done yet. Retainers keep your new smile in place. Dr. McDermott provides clear instructions on wear schedules to protect your results long-term.

Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

Almost anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatment, regardless of age. Dr. McDermott and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that every child see their family orthodontist by age seven. That may seem young, but early evaluation catches developing issues before they become complicated.

Children (Ages 7-10)

Early interceptive treatment, or Phase I treatment, addresses jaw growth issues and creates space for permanent teeth. Not every child needs treatment this young, but an evaluation with USC-trained orthodontist Dr. McDermott ensures nothing gets missed.

Teens (Ages 11-18)

The teenage years remain the most common time for braces. Permanent teeth have erupted, but jaw bones still respond well to treatment. Teen options include:

• Metal braces for reliable, effective correction
• Clear braces for a less noticeable look
• Invisalign Teen for active lifestyles

Adults (Any Age)

More St. Louis adults than ever are choosing orthodontic care. Dr. McDermott sees adults at both our Arnold and Florissant offices, and clear braces and Invisalign make treatment discreet enough for professional settings. Your teeth can move at any age. We see adults start treatment every week.

Common Issues We Treat

• Crowding: Teeth overlap or twist due to limited 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: Upper and lower teeth don't align properly when biting

A free consult determines which approach works best for your specific situation. Dr. McDermott evaluates your teeth, discusses your goals, and recommends a path forward built around you.

Why St. Louis Orthodontics Patients Choose McDermott

St. Louis families choose McDermott Orthodontics because they experience Personalized Care, Proven Results. Here's why patients consider Dr. McDermott the best orthodontist specialist of St. Louis.

Advanced Training and Expertise

Dr. Richard McDermott completed his DDS with honors at the University of Southern California, followed by a three-year orthodontics residency at USC. This specialized training means he handles complex cases with confidence. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends seeing an orthodontist specialist for treatment, and Dr. McDermott meets that standard.

Modern Technology

Our practice uses digital imaging and 3D treatment planning tools that let you see projected results before treatment begins. These technologies improve accuracy and set clear expectations from day one.

Direct Access to Your Orthodontist

Dr. McDermott maintains an open-door policy, meaning you can reach him directly with questions between appointments. He personally reviews every treatment plan and makes every adjustment himself. Our team knows your name when you walk in, and you won't get passed between rotating providers. That kind of consistency matters when your treatment spans months or years.

Easy Financing

Orthodontic care shouldn't strain your budget. We offer no-interest in-house financing, insurance coordination, and payment plans that work for your family.

Elite Invisalign Provider

Dr. McDermott is an Elite Invisalign Provider, demonstrating extensive experience with clear aligner treatment. You're working with a provider who knows these systems inside and out.

Two Convenient Locations

Our offices in Arnold and Florissant serve families throughout the St. Louis area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in St. Louis

How much do braces cost in St. Louis?

Braces in St. Louis typically range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on complexity, treatment type, and duration. Schedule a free consult for an exact quote. McDermott Orthodontics offers easy financing and works with most insurance plans.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Most treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though some cases finish sooner and complex situations may take longer. During your free consult, Dr. McDermott gives you a realistic timeline.

Is Invisalign as effective as braces?

Yes, for most cases. Invisalign treats crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites effectively. Some complex situations still benefit from metal braces. Dr. McDermott evaluates your teeth and recommends the option that delivers the best results. Many adults choose Invisalign because it won't clash with their professional image.

Does McDermott Orthodontics accept insurance?

Yes. We coordinate with most dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits. Our team handles the paperwork and helps you understand your coverage. Combined with no-interest financing, we make orthodontic care accessible for St. Louis families.

What age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This doesn't mean treatment starts right away. Early evaluation lets Dr. McDermott identify developing issues and determine the ideal time to begin if needed.

What's the difference between metal braces and clear braces?

Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and are the most durable, cost-effective option. Clear braces use ceramic brackets that blend with your teeth, making them less noticeable. Both work the same way. The ceramic brackets blend right in, and while we do use metal wire, it's barely noticeable.

Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation in St. Louis Today

Your smile story starts with a free consult at McDermott Orthodontics. Dr. McDermott evaluates your teeth, answers your questions, and creates a treatment plan designed just for you.

We keep things simple: show up, get honest answers, and decide on your own time. That's it.

Call us or visit our website to book online. We welcome patients at both our Arnold and Florissant locations.

With easy financing, insurance coordination, and Options for Every Smile, getting the smile you want is more doable than you think. Gain more confidence and take the first step with a free consult at McDermott Orthodontics.