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!

John K.

New to the area and our first visit and we were very impressed. Everyone was very nice, explained in detail the process and what to expect. Highly recommend them to anyone.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your first visit was a positive experience. Our team is dedicated to providing clear guidance and support. We appreciate your recommendation!

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!

Kelly H.

Very thorough exam and explanation of benefits and care plan! We love the energy of OTTO. My children love it as do I.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Kelly! We're thrilled to hear that you and your children enjoyed the thorough exam and care plan. Our team is dedicated to creating a positive experience for all our patients. We appreciate your support!

Donielle W.

I had my top braces put on today and had a great experience from start to finish. My appointment was right on time, which I really appreciated. The team explained everything clearly and made sure I understood what to expect during and after the process. They also gave great advice on how to properly care for my braces moving forward. Overall, very professional, efficient, and informative—highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Donielle! We’re thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team during your appointment. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your recommendation. Welcome to your orthodontic journey!

Cathleen T.

We are so pleased to have our daughter with special needs treated by Dr. Karkow and the team at Otto Orthodontic in Fenton. They have been phenomenal with our kiddo.

SALLY S.

Can’t say enough great things about Otto! Everything is done to the highest quality.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Sally! Your kind words about the quality of our work truly motivate our team. We're committed to providing excellent service, and we're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with us!

Jordan G.

very knowledgeable, friendly staff, welcoming and patient. Excellent customer service!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Jordan! We appreciate your kind words about our knowledgeable and friendly staff. Providing excellent customer service is our priority, and we're glad you felt welcomed during your visit.

Gustavo Monroy de la F.

Fue un excelente servicio, todo muy higiénico buena atención al cliente, 100% Recomendado

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our hygienic environment and exceptional customer service. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Fazila B.

We had our first appointment today for both my kids braces install. Everyone was great from start to finish. Friendly staff and very helpful. Definitely recommend!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Fazila! We’re thrilled to hear that your kids had a positive experience with our friendly team during their braces installation. Your recommendation means a lot to us!

Racquel F.

We had the best experience today at Otto Orthodontics! My son got his braces, and everything from start to finish was seamless. Dr. Otto is truly a professional...so knowledgeable, kind, and great with kids. Every single person on her team was amazing and made us feel so comfortable. We’re so grateful and highly recommend her to anyone looking for exceptional orthodontic care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Racquel! We're thrilled to hear that your son's experience was seamless and that our team made you feel comfortable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!

Anne K.

I can’t say enough about how incredible our first experience was with Dr. Otto and her stellar team. Her team made my kids feel so at ease and excited to be there! Dr. Otto was so thorough going over my twins treatment plan. Dr. Otto
is so knowledgeable and her passion for providing the highest care was very evident! The practice is beautiful and she invests in her patients with the best in class technology! We couldn’t be more thrilled to start our twins orthodontic journey with Dr. Otto! Thank Dr. Otto and team for a remarkable experience!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Anne, for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled that Dr. Otto and our team were able to create a comfortable environment for your twins. Your trust in us for their orthodontic journey means so much!

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!

Jewel W.

I chose Otto due to their consistent 5 star ratings, and am so thankful I did. All of the staff has been phenomenal. They were clear about the process, answered any questions I had, and Ashley checks on me to see how I am doing through treatment. Absolutely amazing service. I have already recommended them to co-workers, friends, and family.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Jewel! It’s wonderful to hear that our team provided exceptional support throughout your treatment. We appreciate your referrals and look forward to continuing to help you and your loved ones achieve beautiful smiles!

Chasitie P.

Everyone is so helpful and answered every question we had in regards to my daughter’s treatment. They are very pleasant and make it fun and comfortable for the girls. We are happy we chose Otto Orthodontics for both of my daughters’ care.

Lisa H.

I am currently undergoing invisalign treatment with Otto orthodontics. I had a question/concern recently, they got me in and addressed it promptly. All was good! They put my mind at ease.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Lisa! We're glad to hear that your concerns were addressed promptly and that you're feeling at ease during your Invisalign treatment. We appreciate your trust in us!

Dr. Kirsten Karkow

otto-matic confidence in every smile