Nothing can throw off your day more than bad breath. Normally, regular brushing and flossing can ward off bad breath. But, if you have braces, it will be more difficult to keep your smile clean and fresh. At Dougherty Orthodontics, we want all of our patients to smile bright, so we’ve come up with a few ways to keep bad breath away. What Causes Bad Breath? Bad breath is a problem everyone can face, even if you don’t have braces. But if you do have braces, you may be more prone to experience bad breath. There are a few reasons behind your breath being a bit worse with braces. These can range fr ..read more

Getting a great smile is about more than just looking good. Bite problems can cause serious health issues, like trouble eating and gum disease. At Dougherty Orthodontics, we’re here to help you fix any bite problems you might have. We’ll explain how to find the best way to fix your bite problems, the types of bite problems, and what causes them.  Solutions for a Better Bite At Dougherty Orthodontics, we provide a range of treatments to solve your bite problems. The choice of orthodontic treatment depends on the type and severity of your malocclusion or bite problem, as well as your person ..read more

Braces aren’t just for the younger crowd. Nowadays, more and more adults are choosing to get braces to enhance their smiles. At Dougherty Orthodontics, we understand that every smile has its own story, regardless of age. Let’s dive into the reasons and possibilities and debunk some myths about braces for adults. A Rise In Adult Orthodontic Patients In recent years, there’s been a huge rise in adults choosing orthodontic treatments. In fact, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. With advancements in technology, treatments are now more appealing and convenient for adults.  At Doughe ..read more

It’s true that orthodontics can be for all ages—but if there’s an ideal window for most, it’s teenagehood. Tissues are still somewhat flexible, but all permanent teeth have already erupted, allowing for a clearer idea of your treatment’s outcome. Dougherty Orthodontics has a soft spot for this age group, and we want to tell you why teens should get orthodontic treatment! Reasons for Treatment First off, let’s look at some common reasons for a teen who might be seeking orthodontic treatment. Malocclusions: These are bite problems, which can be typical at this age. Overbites, underbites, crossb ..read more

Part of being centered in any community is how you give back to it and make it a better place. Here at Dougherty Orthodontics, we are absolutely thrilled to serve the St. Louis area, and we want to tell you all about how we are giving back! More Than Meets The Eye You might assume orthodontists are just… orthodontists. Teeth people! And some are! But the truth is, we are in a unique position where we can make meaningful changes through our office. Every time you have an appointment with us, you aren’t merely having someone examine your teeth. We go above and beyond in every aspect to ensure th ..read more

Dr. Dougherty and our team at Dougherty Orthodontics in St. Louis know that one question often looms when considering orthodontic treatment: “Do I need dental insurance?” It’s a question we hear from parents and adults alike. That’s why we want to give you the lowdown on dental insurance and other ways to make orthodontic care affordable.  The Role of Dental Insurance So, you’re wondering if dental insurance is necessary for orthodontic treatment. This question often pops up, especially among parents eyeing braces for their kids. The simple answer is no. Dental insurance isn’t a requireme ..read more

Do you know how good it feels when you find the right clothes? Like how they fit like they were made just for you? That’s what LightForce braces can do for your teeth right here in St. Louis! We’re excited to introduce this modern twist on traditional braces at Dougherty Orthodontics. LightForce braces are all about personalization, comfort, and style, tailored to fit your unique smile. Curious? Let’s see why Dr. Dougherty uses these awesome braces.  What Are LightForce Braces? LightForce braces are not your everyday braces. They’re a revolution in orthodontic care designed specifically f ..read more

You might be wondering, “Orthodontics? Future? Are we talking about braces on Mars?” Not quite. But we are talking about some amazing advancements transforming the world of orthodontics. It’s as if we’ve swapped our dental drills for lightsabers (okay, not really, but you get the idea). Dr. Dougherty and the rest of the awesome team at Dougherty Orthodontics are implementing the latest technologies for our St. Louis patients.  The Evolution of Orthodontics Orthodontics has come a long way since the days of those clunky, metal “train track” braces we all remember from our own school days ..read more

At Dougherty Orthodontics, we share your concern for your child’s health and well-being. That is why we believe in taking your child to an orthodontist by age seven for an early evaluation! To give you the most accurate information about the benefits of early treatment, we spoke to Dr. Dougherty! Let’s see what she has to say. How do you know if your child needs orthodontic work? The best and easiest way to know if your child needs braces is to take them to an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Dougherty!  At your child’s initial examination, Dr. Dougherty will examine their teeth placemen ..read more

Patients of Dougherty Orthodontics, in St. Louis, work hard to restore their smiles. That process often involves braces. But did you know braces aren’t the end of your orthodontic journey? Think of your smile as more than just part of your body. Instead, view it as an investment. You’d want to protect an investment, right? That’s where retainers come in. Retainers help preserve your new smile over a lifetime. But if you’ve ever been curious about why you need to wear a retainer, we’re here to help.  What Distinguishes Retainers From Braces While braces and retainers both serve the purpose ..read more