Ever struggled to bite into your favorite foods or felt like your teeth just don’t fit together quite right? It could be a serious orthodontic issue. At Dougherty Orthodontics in St. Louis, we’re here to diagnose and treat orthodontic misalignments, helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Understanding Orthodontic Misalignment Orthodontic misalignment means your teeth or jaws aren’t in the right position. Common issues include overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and crowding. These problems can affect how you chew, speak, and clean your teeth.  Misalignment can also cause w ..read more

Taking care of your teeth is super important, especially when you’re straightening them with braces or clear aligners at Dougherty Orthodontics. Keeping your smile healthy during treatment might seem tricky, but it’s totally doable. Let’s dive into how you can keep your teeth clean, whether you have braces or clear aligners. Understanding Braces & Clear Aligners Braces use metal brackets and wires to move your teeth into the right spots. They’re great for fixing lots of dental issues but need special care. At Dougherty Orthodontics, we also offer LightForce braces, which use 3D-printed bra ..read more

At Dougherty Orthodontics, we know every smile that steps into our office is unique. Everyone has their own needs and goals for their smile, and we aim to bring each one a plan to provide the best results. Our orthodontic plans are tailored to what makes you, well, you! Let’s look into how we build them to make your dream smile a reality. Orthodontic Plan An orthodontic plan is a guide designed by Dr. Dougherty to correct any dental issues you might be facing. The plan includes a detailed breakdown of your smile, medical history, and goals for your smile.  It outlines the type of orthodon ..read more

At Dougherty Orthodontics, we believe that clear aligners are an excellent option for achieving a straighter smile in a discreet and effective manner. However, it’s important to note that not all clear aligners are created equal. Opting for professional treatment from a qualified professional can influence the outcome of your smile treatment. Read below to learn why you should see a professional for clear aligner treatment. Opting for a Professional for Clear Aligners Choosing professional orthodontic care isn’t just a difference in price but in safety, quality, and comfort. At Dougherty Ortho ..read more

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