2024
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Our Recommended Top 19
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored St. Louis Orthodontists on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (5)
(5)Why choose this provider?
Dougherty is an orthodontics practice in St. Louis that helps patients straighten their teeth. The office has a state-of-the-art sterilization center, and it uses all-digital equipment to evaluate cases. The practice provides patients with a complimentary one-hour initial consultation that includes a comprehensive exam, X-ray imaging, and a packet of all available corrective plans. Dr. Stefanie Dougherty is the clinic's founder, who holds a Master of Science in Dentistry degree and a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial from Indiana University.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 3.5 (18)
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City Smiles is a general and cosmetic dental practice in St. Louis. The clinic uses a neuromuscular orthodontics approach to correct the alignment of teeth, muscles, and joints, and this approach is proven effective in improving facial symmetry and appearance. The clinic's orthodontist is a graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, and he is a certified provider of the Invisalign®, Six Month Smiles®, and ClearCorrect systems.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Frost Orthodontics is a practice in St. Louis that opened in 1959. The clinic helps adults and children with issues like misaligned teeth and problematic jaw structure, and it uses the Invisalign® system to correct certain orthodontic problems. The lead practitioner received earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Washington University, and he earned his Master of Science in Orthodontics degree from Saint Louis University.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Dr. Marc R. Singer is a dental practitioner in Creve Coeur that serves Greater St. Louis. Dr. Singer's clinic opened in 1989 and has since provided general dentistry and orthodontics services for adults, teens, and kids. The practice offers orthodontic treatment systems like traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign®, and ClearCorrect. The office has a 24/7 dental emergency plan for cases like severe pain caused by a broken orthodontic appliance.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
McDermott an orthodontics practice in Arnold and Florissant that provides a range of solutions to teeth and jaw problems. The clinic offers early-treatment programs for children below 11 years old, placements of orthodontic appliances for children and adults, and emergency orthodontic care. Dr. Richard McDermott, who founded the practice, obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, with honors, from the University of California, where he also earned his master's degree and Certificate in Orthodontics.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 3.5 (30)
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Forest Park Dental is a practice in Greater St. Louis that opened in 1986. The clinic provides general dentistry services, as well as treatments for orthodontic conditions like overbite or “buck” teeth, underbite or “bulldog” teeth, and misplaced midline. The practice offers different types of orthodontic appliances, and these include braces and fixed space maintainers. The clinic serves adults and children, including toddlers who have harmful habits like sucking their thumb.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (4)
Why choose this provider?
Alizadeh & Schreiner Orthodontics is a practice in Chesterfield, one of which founding partners is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. The clinic treats children, teens, and adults, and it deals with issues like crooked teeth and temporomandibular joint or TMJ dysfunctions. The clinic uses the iCAT 3D Dental Imaging System that has 95% less radiation than traditional scan machines, and it has a 24/7 emergency plan for patients who suffer pain or injury from broken appliances.
Expertise.com Rating
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Bankhead & Firth Orthodontics is a practice in Oakville, Sunset Hills, and Eureka. The clinic provides child and adult orthodontic treatment programs, using various types of braces. The clinic also offers retainer care that recommends metal-and-acrylic Hawley appliances or the virtually invisible Essix retainers. Dr. John R. Firth, who heads the practice obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University and his Master's in Orthodontics degree from Saint Louis University.
Why choose this provider?
Varble Orthodontics is a practice in Creve Coeur and St Charles. The clinic deals with all types of orthodontic cases, including the early prevention of dysfunctions that might require major surgery if left unattended. The practice collaborates with other orthodontic specialists on complicated cases. Dr. Zachary Varble, who heads the practice, obtained his Doctorate of Dental Medicine, magna cum laude, from the Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine, and he is a clinical professor at Saint Louis University.
Why choose this provider?
WingHaven Orthodontics is a practice in O'Fallon that deals with common orthodontic problems like overjets and crowding of the teeth. The clinic implements the two-phase program for most cases, to prevent surgery if left untreated. The founder holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific, and she received her Master of Science in Orthodontics degree from the Saint Louis University Dreiling-Marshall Center for Advanced Dental Education.
Why choose this provider?
The Orthodontic Consultants of Saint Louis provides a variety of orthodontic services to individuals in St. Louis. Richard Nissen is an experienced orthodontist and a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. One of the orthodontic treatments he offers is braces. This treatment helps address the different dental problems of patients, including the misalignment of teeth. Patients can select from the metal and ceramic options based on their preference. His other services include aligner trays and retainers.
Why choose this provider?
Century Orthodontics is a practice in Manchester, Clayton, and Wildwood that was founded in 1896 by Dr. Edward Angle, the father of modern orthodontics. The clinic is updated on the latest procedures and technologies in correcting teeth and jaw dysfunctions, and it offers a range of braces options to suit the patients' lifestyle and budget. The initial consultation is free, and the clinic has no-downpayment plans and a reasonable fee structure.
Why choose this provider?
Cherre Orthodontics is a practice in Ellisville. The clinic deals with crooked teeth and problematic jaw bites, using fixed metal or ceramic braces, Invisalign® removable appliances, and retainers. The clinic also performs orthognathic surgery, which corrects abnormalities of the facial bones that can cause difficulty in chewing, talking, and sleeping. Patients can call to schedule a free initial consultation.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (77)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Kirkwood Station Dental is a practice in Kirkwood that provides general dentistry, periodontic, endodontic, and orthodontic services. The clinic offers treatment options to correct the teeth and the jaw, and these include full fixed braces, segmental braces, clear aligners, and removable orthodontic appliances. The clinic also provides comprehensive esthetic treatment programs that involve orthodontics and veneers. The website features an online dental library that contains valuable information on proper orthodontic care.
Expertise.com Rating
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Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists is a practice in O'Fallon, Chesterfield, Wentzville, and Warrenton that provides immediate and advanced care for kids, teens, and adults. The treatment systems include the SureSmile® “hybrid orthodontic system”, which the clinic's founder himself has pioneered, traditional metal braces, lingual or hidden braces, and clear ceramic braces. The office has two other locations in Illinois.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 4.2 (12)
Why choose this provider?
Moshiri Orthodontics is a practice in St. Louis, Creve Coeur, and Lake St. Louis that has been in operation for more than 30 years. The clinic handles simple and speciality-care cases, and it uses the Invisalign® appliance for certain orthodontic issues. The founder is certified by the American Board of Orthodontists, and he is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the World Federation of Orthodontics. Initial consultations are complimentary.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (10)
- 5.0 (7)
Why choose this provider?
Levens Orthodontics is a practice in St. Louis that also runs the Adult Orthodontic Center of St. Louis. The clinic provides a range of orthodontic appliance choices that include the Incognito™ lingual braces system. The doctor graduated, with honors, from Saint Louis University Department of Orthodontics, and he is the only practitioner in the United States who holds a Master's in Lingual Orthodontics degree. The initial consultation is free, and the office facilitates the filing of patients' insurance claims.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.5 (8)
- 5.0 (7)
Why choose this provider?
West County Orthodontics is a practice in Chesterfield that offers a range of treatment programs to straighten the teeth, correct cross bites, open bites, and remove harmful oral habits. The clinic serves adults and children, and it offers aesthetic alternatives to metal braces like ceramic and lingual braces. Patients can call to arrange a complimentary initial consultation, but they are requested to fill out the online health form beforehand so the doctor can pre-assess their cases.
Why choose this provider?
Bauer Orthodontics is a practice in Cottleville that serves all of St. Charles County. The clinic can install conventional metal braces, esthetic clear braces, or invisible lingual braces for adults, adolescents, and children. The clinic handles other orthodontic issues like TMJ therapy and preparation for orthognathic surgery to improve the jaw. Dr. Mattew J. Bauer, who founded the practice, earned his Master's in Orthodontics degree from Saint Louis University, where he is now a member of the clinical orthodontic faculty.
Compare our Top Orthodontists
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dougherty Orthodontics | View More | |||
| City Smiles | View More | |||
| Frost Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Marc R. Singer, D.D.S. | View More | |||
| McDermott Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Forest Park Dental | View More | |||
| Alizadeh & Schreiner Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Banhead & Firth Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Varble Orthodontics | View More | |||
| WingHaven Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Orthodontic Consultants of Saint Louis | 31 The Boulevard Saint Louis, Richmond Heights, MO63117 | View More | ||
| Century Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Cherre Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Kirkwood Station Dental | View More | |||
| Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists | View More | |||
| Moshiri Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Levens Orthodontics | View More | |||
| West County Orthodontics | View More | |||
| Bauer Orthodontics | View More |
FAQs
Introduction
Dentistry is a broad type of medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the mouth, gums, throat, and overall oral care. An orthodontist is a type of dentist that specializes in fixing misaligned teeth, jaw alignment, and bite patterns. One way to distinguish between the two is that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. In their lifetime, everyone should regularly see a dentist. However, only people with specific dental problems will need to see an orthodontist.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialty dentist who receives advanced training to diagnose and treat overbites, overcrowded mouths, misaligned teeth and jaws, and occlusions. After diagnosing the issue, an orthodontist will recommend a treatment course that may include surgery, braces, retainers, tooth removal, and more.An orthodontist receives more training than a general dentist to become an expert in their specific field of dentistry.
Are orthodontists doctors?
Yes, all dentists are doctors of oral health. Dentists receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS). As orthodontists are a type of dentist, they qualify as a doctor.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A dentist treats a wide variety of issues. An orthodontist is a specialist who has received extra training to focus on one aspect of dentistry — teeth and jaw alignment. An orthodontist has all the training the dentist has and could drop orthodontics and practice general dentistry. In comparison, a dentist would need to have the additional education to become an orthodontist.
What does an orthodontist do?
People go to an orthodontist when they have teeth or jaw abnormalities. An orthodontist treats:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overly spaced teeth
- Bite alignment issues, such as an overbite or an underbite
- Jaw misalignment
- Facial symmetry issues
The orthodontist's objective is to improve the patient's teeth so they have a straight and functioning smile that allows them to speak, eat, and look normal.
Do you have to be referred to an orthodontist?
Most orthodontists today don’t require a referral to book a consultation appointment with a new patient. However, you may wish to get a referral from your dentist to get a recommendation. If you’re hoping to get your orthodontic care covered by insurance, your insurance may require a referral. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and details.
Do orthodontists keep retainer molds?
People often lose or break their retainer. If that happens, they’ll need to visit their orthodontist and pay for a new retainer. Luckily, since orthodontists know this happens so frequently, most keep retainer molds on file to get a new one made for you immediately.
Do orthodontists pull teeth?
Yes, orthodontists can extract teeth in their treatment process. Pulling teeth is common for overcrowded teeth, braces, facial symmetry, jaw alignment, and other cases. Most often, if they think it's necessary for tooth extraction, they refer the patient to a general dentist or oral surgeon.
Do orthodontists remove wisdom teeth?
An orthodontist can recommend you have your wisdom teeth removed within their treatment plan, but they don't typically do this procedure themselves. Instead, wisdom teeth removal is usually done by a general dentist. If the case is particularly complicated, the patient may be referred to an oral surgeon for their wisdom teeth removal.
Do orthodontists reshape teeth after braces?
After doing all that work to align your teeth, your straight smile could sometimes be further improved with teeth contouring or reshaping. Both a general dentist and an orthodontist have the education and training necessary to offer these procedures to their patients.
Can you switch orthodontists when you have braces?
Yes, you can switch orthodontists when you have braces. You'll need to notify your orthodontist of your intentions, ask them to send your records to your new orthodontist, and make sure the new orthodontist has the same type of braces and treatments. Your current orthodontist may charge you a fee for leaving without finishing treatment.
Can you transfer orthodontists?
Yes, you can always transfer orthodontists. This is a service you're paying for and you reserve the right to work with someone new. But, ideally, you'll want to find a new orthodontist that is comfortable taking on your specific case before you notify your old orthodontist that you're leaving.
Do orthodontists clean teeth?
An orthodontist doesn’t typically clean their patient’s teeth. Patients will need to continue to see their regular dentist for check-ups and cleanings while receiving treatment with an orthodontist. However, at the beginning of your appointment, your orthodontist might do a light cleaning if necessary.
Can you get a new retainer from any orthodontist?
Yes, you can go to any orthodontist for a new retainer. However, it will likely cost more money. This is because your orthodontist will already have your impressions on file, while a new orthodontist will take a new impression of your teeth. This will also delay the process of getting the new retainer.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Most employers offer dental coverage. However, orthodontic coverage is usually limited (if provided at all) to children under the age of 18. You might be able to receive coverage if you can make a case that you need orthopedic care for your overall health, but this is rare.To be sure, contact your insurance provider directly.Many orthodontists offer payment plans for long-term treatment plans.
How do I become an orthodontist?
It typically takes between 10-11 years to become an orthodontist. The steps include:
- Completing an undergraduate degree
- Passing the Dental Admission Test
- Graduating from an accredited dentistry school
- Completing 2-3 years at an accredited orthopedic residency program
- Passing the National Board Dental Examination
- Obtaining a license to practice orthodontics. In some states, this means passing a special state exam.
How much do orthodontists make?
The national average salary for an orthodontist in the USA is $256,491. However, this salary can greatly vary depending on the state, hours worked, if the person owns their own practice, and other factors. Orthodontists also receive excellent benefits, such as license reimbursem*nt, flexible schedules, and loan assistance.
How do I become an orthodontist assistant?
An orthodontist assistant will need to complete a certificate or associate’s degree in dental assisting and get certified to practice. Each state might have slightly different requirements, such as state exams, to become an orthodontist assistant. You’ll need to:
- Review your state’s requirements
- Choose a certification or associate's degree program in your area, enroll, and graduate
- Pass the certification exam
How much does an orthodontist assistant make?
According to Payscale.com, the median annual salary for an orthodontist assistant in 2020 was $34,477.However, this salary can vary greatly depending on the state the orthodontist assisting is working in, the total hours worked, level of experience, and other factors.
Can a dental hygienist become an orthodontist?
A dental hygienist completes a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene to receive their accreditation. After this, they can choose to continue their education to become an orthodontist.They'll first need to complete a four-year doctoral program to get a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After which, they'll continue on to an orthodontist specialty.
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