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!

Krisitna G.

I am 51 wanting Invisalign to correct a few of my teeth that have been bothering me and they were very sweet and professional. Everyone I met treated me with respect and kindness. I am excited to get my teeth/bite corrected.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Kristina. Respect and kindness for every person who walks in is what we stand for, and we are excited for you.

Tim S.

Just committed to second round of teeth straightening for our daughter Sophia. Otto orthodontics was amazing start to finish with her first round. Looking forward to her completed process! Don’t look further for an amazing orthodontist experience for your kiddos!

Response from the owner:Thanks for leaving us a review Tim- your comment about our professionalism is much appreciated. We are so grateful for your business and kind words!

Betsy G.

Dr. Larkin is wonderful. He is great with the kids and the parents. And all of the staff is super friendly and make the process as easy as they can. It's a fun environment for something that is just naturally not fun at all.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! Our team is dedicated to fostering a supportive and professional atmosphere, and it's rewarding to know that our efforts are recognized.

Zaneta S.

Hello my experience with otto orthodontics was a 10 out of 10 Everyone was very nice they made sure that i understood how the process will go and what was best for me to do and also was very welcoming and they were the third consultation that i had done and they made my decision to come back to get my work done with them.

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.

Jasmine H.

So great to work with! Everyone was so nice and professional to work with during the first phase of our daughter's treatment!

juliuna G.

Otto is the Best orthodontist in Missouri. My teeth look so good one might mistake me for a Hollywood movie star. Great Work!

Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking the time to leave this review! Making every visit comfortable and stress-free is always our goal, so it means a lot to hear that came through.

Mandy D.

The staff was super friendly and personable. They took time to explain everything to myself and my son. Upfront pricing with no hidden costs, love it!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Amanda! We're thrilled to hear that you and your son had a positive experience with our team. Our goal is to provide clear communication and friendly service. We appreciate your support and hope to see you both again!

Katy G.

They are very willing, understanding and helpful to all needs. I have great experiences so far before my treatment and since my treatment for braces started in November. The orthodontist assts and Dr. Rowland are understanding and helpful, I have sensory issues with my mouth and teeth and they are always understanding and gives breaks too :) Always good experience!

Hope K.

The staff here is so incredibly patient and kind, I saw them interacting with nervous patients especially the kids that need more hand holding and they spent a lot of time making sure everyone felt comfortable and heard. They all have the best attitudes, are so positive and playful, and still incredibly professional. I have been recommending them to everyone, everywhere and will continue to do so!

Response from the owner:Hope, thank you for noticing that! Patience with nervous first timers is something our team takes real pride in, and it means a lot that it stood out to you.

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.

Janice M.

Everyone in the office was so nice and attentive from the time I booked my son’s consultation to the time we left.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Janice! We're delighted that you and your son experienced our attentive service throughout the consultation process. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Tania P.

We had our 1st consultation, everyone was nice. We were able to get all the information (cost, timeframe, all the details and X-rays) we needed for my daughter to get braces. They were quick and very resourceful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive feedback! Our team is dedicated to providing a respectful and professional environment, and it's wonderful to know that this is recognized.

Dr. Latoya A.

My experience with Otto Ortho. has been incredibly positive. The staff is attentive and always ready to answer any questions. My daughter is still covered under her plan, and I can confidently say that she is very comfortable with the team and the entire process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this! It's always rewarding to know that the care and attention our team puts into every visit is making a difference.

Kristen V.

We love Otto Orthodontics! The staff is so friendly and welcoming and we appreciate the incentives for the kiddos.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Kristen! We're thrilled to hear you love our vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to seeing you again!

Olivia R.

Otto Orthodontics was a great experience. The entire staff was very welcoming, knowledgeable and efficient. This office made getting my son braces seem like a breeze.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive feedback! Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming and professional environment for everyone. It's wonderful to know that our efforts are making a difference.

Monday	8:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday	8:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday	8:30am – 5:00pm
Thursday	8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday	7:30am – 4:00pm

Dr. Kirsten Karkow

otto-matic confidence in every smile