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. 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!

Kristen

We love Dr Otto and her entire staff. Everyone is friendly- appointments run on time and they do a wonderful job helping my young daughter feel comfortable with her braces. She has a unique case and in the last year we have already seen amazing results-her teeth look great!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Kristen! We're thrilled to hear that you and your daughter have had such a positive experience with our team. We look forward to continuing to support her orthodontic journey!

Lindsey E.

Scheduling was made very easy, staff were all very friendly and welcoming, office was very clean, upbeat and overall a wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Lindsey! We're thrilled to hear you had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again at Otto Orthodontics!

Kiley L.

Had such a great experience every time we come in for our appointment! Anna saw me last time and was very cheerful and pleasant to work with! 😊

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Anna. Our team is dedicated to providing cheerful and professional service. We look forward to seeing you again!

Heather E.

Excellent consultation experience. Loved all the information, explanation of Treatment plan and transparent estimate. Super friendly staff and awesome atmosphere of office.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Heather! We're thrilled to hear you had an excellent consultation experience. Our team is dedicated to providing clear information and a welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you again!

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.

Chelsea H.

My braces were applied back in August and I had my first adjustment visit a few days ago. I’m so happy that I was referred to this orthodontic practice. My experiences from my initial consultation to the recent appointment have been absolutely superb. Everything was explained to me and any questions or concerns that I have had were answered. All of the ladies from the phone line to office staff are amazing! They return calls within a reasonable time, also a messaging line is available that you can text instead of a phone call. As someone who has had horrible experiences with dental offices as an adult, walking into this office I know that my teeth are in good hands. The excellent staff helps take some of the anxiety out of the visits and any concerns or issues that have arisen since the application of the braces. The financing process was easy with a reasonable payment plan over the course of 18months. There is a portal that you can make extra payments or simply keep track of your account. I recommend Otto Orthodontics to anyone considering braces for themselves or their kids. If google had more than 5 stars I’d give them all available stars. I’m looking forward to the smile that I’ll have at the end.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Chelsea! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with our team. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We look forward to seeing your beautiful smile!

meliha A.

My brother has been going here over two years now I believe so and when I decided that I wanted braces I knew I wanted to come to this place because they are very welcoming and the team is hard-working and even with my own experience today I had such a pleasant and comfortable experience. They are so helpful and kind.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your trust in our team. We look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional care!

Megan M.

We love Otto Ortho and we’re so glad we chose them!! So kind, so patient, and so approachable. Everything about their office and staff feels relaxing and professional.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you find our team kind and professional. Your comfort is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to serve you.

Samantha B.

Although we don't go here anymore (double insured we needed to find a place that took both our insurance's) we absolutely loved it when we did! This office is truly full of dedicated wonderful staff that go above and beyond to make what can be a scarey experience so calm and inviting! The environment they created is fun and vibrant while still having that comfy cozy feeling making it a more relaxing experience than you would think possible for an orthodontist office. My girlie's really enjoyed the artwork and neon pink signs but they really thought it was cool the staff had matching shoes!! The kiddos like to dress up the same so that was like coolest thing for them! The best thing overall though was the ease of communication between the staff, orthodontist, myself, and my daughter! They just really made an effort to make you feel heard when asking questions, answering questions, explaining, just all of it!!! 10/10 I wish every office I HAD to go to was this way, I'd never miss any appointments! 😆

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your daughters enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and dedicated service at our office. We appreciate your kind words and wish you all the best!

Carla F.

This is our 5th and last child to receive orthodontic treatment with Dr. Otto’s office. They are professional, friendly, accommodating. The office is fun and friendly for the middle school and teen set. Super pleased with our experience and excited to see this child come out with a bright and straight smile!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Carla! We're thrilled to have been part of your family's orthodontic journey. It's great to hear that you enjoyed our friendly atmosphere and professional care. We appreciate your trust!

Tyler S.

I’ve never been to an orthodontist before and my experience with Otto Orthodontics was amazing. They far exceeded my expectations. The staff is so friendly starting with the front desk. The place was so vibrant and fun. My consultation with Ashley went better than I would have imagined. She was the perfect mix of professionalism and personable. I felt really comfortable going over the plan and I felt like I could talk with her forever. Dr. Roland was so nice and made me feel really comfortable and optimistic about my future smile. She gave me options to weigh as well as informed me on what she thinks would be the best route. Getting mouth work done can be stressful but this place is amazing and I’m so glad I pulled the trigger to check them out and can’t wait for to have the smile that I’ve always dreamed of. Thank you Otto Orthodonics!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Tyler! We're thrilled to hear that your experience exceeded expectations. Our team is dedicated to making every visit enjoyable and informative. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile!

Megan F.

We have had an awesome experience here so far! The orthodontist was so informative and helped explain the plan so clearly for my son’s treatment. Everyone was awesome to work with!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Megan! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience. Our team is dedicated to providing clear communication and exceptional care. We look forward to continuing your son's treatment journey!

Denis H.

Great orthodontist! Their skills and experience are the best we have worked with. They listen to your concerns and proactively response to any questions you may have!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Denis! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!

Dominic B.

I had an excellent experience at Otto Orthodontics. As an adult starting orthodontic treatment, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the entire team made the process smooth and comfortable. Dr. Otto is professional, detail oriented, highly knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about the process and end result of your smile. I highly recommend to anyone considering treatment at any age. - Augustus B.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a smooth and comfortable experience with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!

Lauren

Very friendly & courteous. Weren't pushy about anything & were very informative. My first impression of Otto Orthodontics is great 👍 And they have rewards?! So cool

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Lauren! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. We look forward to helping you achieve your perfect smile!

Dr. Kirsten Karkow

otto-matic confidence in every smile