Dr. Kirsten Karkow

otto-matic confidence in every smile

Dr. Kirsten Karkow

Orthodontist

I love orthodontics. It’s a science and an art, and I’m proud to be in this field. Designing and creating gorgeous smiles is an artistic outlet for me, and I love working with all kinds of people to create their best smiles and watch their confidence grow. I also have specialized training in orthodontic care for patients with cleft lip and palate and special healthcare needs, and it’s some of the most meaningful work I do. It doesn’t matter how complex the case is. We can do this, together.

Education

Early Acceptance into Dental School
Doctor of Dental Surgery — University of Iowa
Master of Science & Certificate in Orthodontics — Marquette University
Serves on the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team Under the Division of Plastic Surgery

Personal

I grew up in Manchester, Iowa, in a big family. My husband, Nick, and I now live in Webster Groves with our daughters, Ava and Knox, and love the community there. I love hanging out with family, exploring the STL food scene, being active, and practicing pretty much any type of art.

Experience Our

5-Star Care

Check out what patients have to say about their 5-star experience with our amazing team. We can’t wait to provide you and your family with the same quality of care!

Shaunda C.

Oh man! They are great! I had no baby sitter so I had to bring the 2 year old with me. She talked loud and ran around the whole office and worker joined in and played with while i received the services that I came for. I won’t bring here next time but if I had to I know it would not be a problem. The doctor that I saw was great! I couldn’t have asked for better service. Thank you

TK B.

Prompt, easy, courteous, professional, informative, and this is just day 1. Stay tuned…

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind feedback! We're thrilled to hear you found our service prompt and professional. We're excited to continue this journey with you—stay tuned for more great experiences ahead!

Stephanie K.

What a great experience! From the initial visit and them explaining the plan and then to my placement was amazing! Nichole was awesome she explained step by step what the process was and I was in and out within an hour on my lunch break!! Looking forward to the end results!!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Stephanie! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Nichole and the efficient process. Your excitement for the results motivates us, and we look forward to seeing your smile soon!

Ornir B.

For years I was struggling with my teeth endless dr appointments with so many different issues and finally I got to the point where I can move on to the cosmetic part to bring back a great smile i always wanted to have! From the moment I walked inside otto orthodontist I felt the care the sensitivity the warm welcome and the top technology that made feels that this is dr i wanted to treat me! Otto orthodontist team thank you very much!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! Our team is dedicated to providing a respectful and professional environment for everyone. It's wonderful to hear that this commitment is recognized.

Kimber E.

Took me a long time to pick a place for my daughter's orthodontist work. And Im so glad I picked this place. They are so nice and so easy to deal with making appts and changing appts. And they are efficient and I love that the appts dont take forever.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you found our team friendly and accommodating. Efficiency is important to us, and we're glad your experience reflected that. We appreciate your trust!

Barry P.

Dr. Larkin and his team are awesome. What a great experience. I did not know what to expect. The team was very professional and so helpful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with Dr. Larkin and our team. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to seeing you again!

Scott R.

Dr. Roland and Ashley went above and beyond for my son! They have been so friendly and helpful throughout the whole “braces” process. I’ll definitely be back with my other kids when they’re ready!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Scott! It's fantastic to hear that our team made the braces process a positive experience. We look forward to welcoming your other children when they're ready!

Maggie S.

Fantastic care from every member of the staff! Such a wonderful experience for me and my child.

Amanda C.

We went yesterday for our initial exam. They were unbelievably friendly. The kindness that every technician offered was a blessing. They explained everything and worked with us to walk through the whole process for braces and all the options. Even my son stated how kind and friendly everyone was. He was hesitant to get braces but now he's not. We will be continuing our journey with them and my son couldn't be happier.

Cathy H.

We had a wonderful experience for phase 1 & 2 of braces! Otto orthodontics is the best!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming and professional environment for everyone. It's wonderful to hear that this effort is recognized.

Jessica J.

We visited Otto Orthodontics for a second opinion for my daughter’s need for braces. Not only were the staff warm and welcoming, they were able to significantly beat pricing from another office where our first consult was held. We look forward to working with them in the near future for our daughter’s orthodontic needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback! Our team is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and professional environment, and it’s rewarding to know that our efforts are recognized.

Tonia W.

The staff and doctors at Otto Orthodontics really care about their patients. They are compassionate and knowledgeable. With so many orthodontists to choose from, I’m really happy with the choice we made to go with Otto for my kids.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It's great to hear that our team's compassion and expertise made such a positive impact. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care for your kids!

Tricia W.

We have had a great experience at Otto, from the friendly and helpful front staff to the back staff and doctors everyone has always been the best. We love the Fenton location!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our team at the Fenton location made your experience enjoyable. Your kind words motivate us to keep providing excellent service. We appreciate your support!

HD V.

We had a great experience at Otto Ortho in Fenton! Dr. Karkow and staff (Katelynn) worked with us and were patient and knowledgeable. Very personable staff, would highly recommend to anyone!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Comments like this remind us why we love what we do — helping patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey with us.

Erin

The young lady was very friendly and polite. She took time to explain things very well.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Erin! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team. Our commitment to providing thorough explanations and friendly service is our priority. We appreciate your feedback!

Dr. Kirsten Karkow

otto-matic confidence in every smile