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Straight Teeth, Gleaming Grins

Quality Orthodontic Corrections With State-Of-The-Art Techniques In Friendly Environment

Article by Julie Brown Patton

Photography by Carol Green The Graceful Lens

Originally published in Clayton City Lifestyle

"A nice smile is one thing that interests everyone," says Dr. Richard Nissen, DDS, MS, at Orthodontic Consultants of Saint Louis. 

Few orthodontic groups are staffed by a doctor with such diverse qualifications and professional involvement as Dr. Nissen, who recalls setting his career sights on the dental field when he was in high school. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, he received his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He completed his orthodontic residency at Washington University School of Dental Medicine and received his master’s degree in orthodontics in 1985. Every Friday, he volunteers his skills at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, as well as Mercy Hospital, typically for treating patients with cleft lips or palates and those craniofacially compromised who live throughout Missouri and Illinois. 

At his private practice, Dr. Nissen treats a variety of patients, with about half being teenagers, one-quarter being youths 7 to 12 years old, and the remaining quarter being adults. He says the most common orthodontic treatment is for malaligned, crowded teeth. However, orthodontists also regularly treat asymmetries between the jaws of the face, as well as bite abnormalities including cross-bites, underbites or excessively protruding front teeth. 

Treatment options at his office include traditional stainless steel metal braces, gold and “clear” or ceramic brackets. Varied growth appliances and removable aligner trays, such as Invisalign, also are common treatment modalities.

Located in The Boulevard Complex across the street from the St. Louis Galleria Mall, the office offers computerized patient check-in, digital X-rays and imaging, and an in-house laboratory. Danielle Kinsella, practice administrator, says they routinely update their clinical approaches to offer patients the most comprehensive and timely treatments available. 

Regarding main questions from young potential patients, Dr. Nissen says they ask if procedures will hurt, how long they will have to wear braces or devices; and what can't they eat. He says parents of patients want to know what office hours they offer, so students won't always have to be taken out of school days for regular monthly adjustments. "That's why we start early at 7:45 in the morning and have Saturday hours, too. Many teen patients are in and out in less than 30 minutes, ready to get to practices, sports, music, extracurricular activities or school clubs," he adds. 

Dr. Nissen maintains a staff appointment as assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Plastic Surgery, as well as Saint Louis University School of Graduate Orthodontics. He's a consultant at St. Louis Children’s Hospital Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Institute. He's also on staff at Mercy Hospital St. Louis where he directs orthodontic care for patients of the Cranio-Facial team.

As an active member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and the American Association of Orthodontists, he speaks at conferences and study groups for orthodontic professionals. This Clayton resident co-authored numerous scientific journal articles on orthodontic therapies in the treatment of cleft palate and craniofacial patients, and wrote a chapter on orthodontics in Pediatric Otolaryngology:  Principles and Practice Pathways, too.

Members of this clinical team are certified orthodontic assistants through the Dental Assisting National Board, and most have Missouri Dental Board "Expanded Functions" certifications. They participate in continuing education courses annually.

Orthodontic Consultants staffers indicate they frequently get new patients through personal referrals, neighbors (especially Clayton/Brentwood/Ladue/Richmond Heights residents), area schools and local dentists; online reviews from existing patients spotlight reassuring descriptions, such as "kind, helpful, diligent, wonderful, efficient and effective operation."

New, potential patients receive a complimentary consultation. Dr. Nissen says at those consultations, they may take X-rays and conduct a video scan of teeth that enables them to view future outcomes three-dimensionally. "We discuss treatment options, let them know we'll correspond with their dentist, and review insurance and billing procedures," he says. 

31 The Boulevard St. Louis
info@orthostlouis.com
314.727.6162
OrthoStLouis.com

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