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!

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!

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!

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!

Stephanie W.

We had a wonderful experience at Otto Orthodontics for my son’s consultation visit. We visited another orthodontist in Wentzville and left feeling unheard and pressured to do two phases for my 10 year old son. The staff at Otto were completely honest and not in it for the money. They encouraged us to wait for the rest of his baby teeth to come in (probably 9 months to a year) rather than spending an extra $3000 on two phases. Ashley talked to us about our options and answered all of my questions. We can’t wait to visit in January to start the next steps. If you’re considering braces for your kiddo, I highly recommend this place.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience, Stephanie! We're thrilled to hear that our team provided honest guidance for your son's orthodontic journey. We look forward to welcoming you both in January!

Laura P.

Wow! Excellent experience for our first visit to get my daughter’s braces on! Already so appreciative of the highly professional and friendly staff!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Laura! We’re thrilled that your daughter's first visit was so enjoyable. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and a welcoming environment. We look forward to seeing you both again!

Gina S.

Dr. Larkin is the best! His attention to detail is unmatched. He focuses on dental health and beauty. The staff is also so nice and fun!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Gina! We're thrilled you found Dr. Larkin's attention to detail and our team's friendliness exceptional. Your smile is our priority, and we appreciate your kind words!

Kristi B.

My daughter had her expander put in today and it was a positive experience. The staff is so friendly, and great at making nervous kids feel comfortable.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Kristi! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter had a positive experience with us. Our team is dedicated to making every visit comfortable and enjoyable for our young patients.

Liz H.

We love Otto! Friendly staff, modern office, flexible scheduling, and great incentive program for patients.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Liz! We're thrilled to hear you love our friendly staff and modern office. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care.

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!

Kaitlin T.

such a nice office! very modern boutique-style setup which made me feel super comfortable before my appointment. They also have really cute branding with their accent color being hot pink which I thought was so unique and fun. I came here to get Hawley retainers (my post-invisalign retainers are plastic and not working well for me) so I assumed I was going to have to do traditional mold impressions again 😣 but I ended up not having to! This office has an amazing scanner to digitally take impressions, so no gross putty or uncomfortable trays shoved in your mouth! 😭 🙌 it was such a pleasant surprise and made the appointment way less stressful. all of the staff I interacted with were friendly and helpful :) I’d definitely recommend Otto if you’re looking for an orthodontist! 🩷

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed our modern office and the digital impression process. Our team is dedicated to making your experience comfortable and enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation!

Jackie C.

5 star ⭐️ rating
Excellent first appointment with Dr. Otto and her staff. Looking forward to straightening my teeth out!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Jackie! We’re thrilled that your first appointment with Dr. Otto and our team went so well. Excited to help you achieve that perfect smile!

Gustavo Monroy de la F.

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

Anne M.

Our experience was excellent! My daughter is only 6 and they made her feel right at home!

Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!

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!

Christina G.

My daughters and step daughters go to Otto ortho for their ortho work! Such a pleaser to go into the office, my kids love it!! AJ helped me and was amazing regarding our account! I also work in a dental office and we ONLY refer to Otto orthodontics! Truly a one in a million experience!!! Everyone is always so nice and welcoming!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your daughters enjoy their visits and that AJ provided exceptional service. We appreciate your referrals and look forward to continuing to serve your family!

Dr. Kirsten Karkow

otto-matic confidence in every smile