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!

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!

Lynda B.

Absolutely wonderful staff. The dental assistants were great and patience with our son. Walked him through everything they would be going. The doctor was a peach. No complaints!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team made your son's visit so positive. Your kind words about our staff and the care provided mean a lot to us!

Missy D.

We love Otto Orthodontist everyone is great to work with and always and helpful and full of smiles!! Thanks for being great!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Missy! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoy working with our team. Your positive feedback about our smiles and support means a lot to us. Looking forward to seeing you again!

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!

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!

D D.

Beautiful office, friendly staff and doctors, most up- to- date technology. We are excited to start treatment in a few weeks!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you appreciate our office's environment and technology. We look forward to starting your treatment journey together soon at Otto Orthodontics!

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!

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.

Sophia A.

Amazing staff, they saved the day and helped me after I moved here and needed help completing treatment. Everyone is so friendly. Would highly recommend!

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

Jenna P.

The ladies at Otto were all so nice, it felt like I was talking to old friends more than doctors! I felt so welcomed!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Jenna! It’s fantastic to hear that our team made you feel so comfortable and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again at Otto Orthodontics!

Ashley G.

Walked in for a consult and left with braces for my 16 year old an hour and forty five minutes later. The most pleasant staff! Couldn’t imagine going anywhere else!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, Ashley! We're delighted to hear about your smooth consult and the positive atmosphere with our team. Your satisfaction means everything to us! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Jordan P.

We went to Otto ortho for a second opinion. My daughter(12yrs) was so impressed by the staff and I couldn’t be happier that they matched the other quote that we will be seeing them for the next 2+ years!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Jordan! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter felt comfortable with our team and that we could provide a competitive quote. We look forward to supporting her smile journey!

andrea M.

Dr Roland and staff are truly amazing! So nice and thorough, they take the time to explain what they are doing and why. I am in the dental field and this is where I recommend my patients to always!

Briana T.

I go here for my braces I love this place, affordable, kind and quick! I highly recommend this place !!!

Response from the owner:We truly appreciate you leaving this review! Our team strives every day to make our office a place where patients feel welcomed and well taken care of.

Sarah F.

Per the patient (9yr old) - “they were awesome! Very nice & very careful while putting on my braces”

Response from the owner:Thank you, Sarah! We're thrilled to hear your child had a positive experience with us. Our team strives to provide gentle and attentive care. We look forward to seeing you both again soon!

Dr. Kirsten Karkow

otto-matic confidence in every smile