Where Healthy Smiles Begin
Our outstanding team is here to help you achieve your smile goals. Contact us today.
Orthodontist O'Fallon MO
At Mooney Orthodontics, our goal is to deliver personalized, confidence-building orthodontic care in a supportive environment that puts patients of all ages at ease. Dr. Thomas F Mooney D.D.S., M.D.S., takes the time to understand each patient's goals, explain every step of the process, and create a treatment experience that's as comfortable as it is effective.
As trusted orthodontists in O'Fallon MO, we go beyond straightening teeth—we focus on long-term oral health and jaw function. During each visit, we closely monitor alignment, bite development, and overall progress to ensure your treatment is moving in the right direction. Using the latest in digital imaging, 3D scanning, and proven orthodontic techniques, our team delivers care that's modern, precise, and tailored to you.
Mooney Orthodontics
We're committed to building lasting relationships with families while delivering exceptional orthodontic care in a friendly, supportive environment. Our mission is to help every patient, from growing kids to busy adults, feel confident, informed, and cared for throughout their orthodontic journey.
Our skilled team doesn't just straighten teeth—we closely monitor bite alignment, jaw development, and overall smile progression at every stage of life. Using advanced tools like digital imaging and 3D scanning, we create personalized, gentle treatment plans designed for optimal comfort and lasting results.
Patient education is at the heart of everything we do. Dr. Thomas F Mooney D.D.S., M.D.S., takes time to explain your or your child's orthodontic needs in detail, guiding you through every option with clarity. Depending on age and goals, treatment may include early interceptive care, space maintainers, braces, or clear aligners.
We're proud to provide a positive orthodontic experience that empowers both kids and adults to achieve confident, healthy smiles for life. Contact our O'Fallon MO office today to schedule your consultation—we'd love to be part of your smile story.
You deserve a beautiful smile
Every smile deserves to shine—whether it's a child's first orthodontic visit or an adult finally ready to make a change. At Mooney Orthodontics, we provide personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages, combining precision, comfort, and a supportive experience from start to finish.
From guiding early jaw development in kids to fine-tuning alignment and bite in adults, our team uses advanced, age-appropriate techniques to deliver healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking early intervention, teen braces, or adult clear aligners, we're here to support your smile at every stage.
Your Smile, Your Timeline, Your Treatment
At Mooney Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile, no matter your age or background. We're here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you choose the right path forward.
Ready to get started? Contact our O'Fallon MO office today to schedule a consultation. Let's talk about your goals and explore how orthodontics can make a real difference in your life.
The History of Orthodontics
Orthodontics may feel like a modern solution, but the desire for straight teeth has been around for centuries—literally. Believe it or not, early forms of braces date all the way back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where archeologists have found mummies with metal bands around their teeth and writings describing methods to align teeth using crude wires.
Fast forward to the 18th century, and the field began to take shape. French dentist Pierre Fauchard, often called the father of modern dentistry, designed a device called the “Bandeau”—a horseshoe-shaped piece of metal used to expand dental arches. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but it was revolutionary at the time.
In the 19th century, American orthodontist Edward Angle took things a step further by developing a classification system for malocclusion (how teeth fit together), which we still use today. He also founded the first school of orthodontics and began to define the specialty as separate from general dentistry.
By the early 1900s, braces as we know them started to emerge, with metal bands, wires, and rubber elastics making their debut. And while the appliances back then were bulky and uncomfortable, they paved the way for the sleek, high-tech orthodontic systems we use today.
Thanks to innovations like stainless steel wires, clear aligners, digital scanners, and 3D imaging, modern orthodontics is more precise, efficient, and comfortable than ever. What was once considered a cosmetic luxury is now a mainstream, science-backed treatment that improves both function and confidence.
So when you walk into our office, know that you're stepping into a field backed by thousands of years of evolution and expertise—and we're proud to be part of your smile journey.
What Kind of Training Does an Orthodontist Have?
Ever wonder what sets an orthodontist apart from a general dentist? It all comes down to years of advanced training and specialization. After completing dental school (which takes about four years), an orthodontist must be accepted into a highly competitive orthodontic residency program—usually another two to three years of full-time, hands-on education focused solely on tooth movement, jaw alignment, and facial development.
During this intensive program, we dive deep into the science of biomechanics, craniofacial growth, and diagnostic imaging. We learn how to treat everything from simple crowding to complex bite issues—and how to tailor every plan to each patient.
Some orthodontists also choose to become board-certified, which involves additional exams, case reviews, and ongoing continuing education. It's our way of staying sharp and up to date with the latest tools, technologies, and techniques in the field.
So while your general dentist takes care of cleanings, cavities, and checkups, an orthodontist is the specialist trained to design and manage long-term treatment plans for healthy, beautiful alignment.
In short? If it involves straightening teeth or correcting your bite, we've spent years mastering it, so you can trust you're in expert hands.
"Nobody knows more about orthodontics than Dr. Mooney. Not only was he my favorite instructor when I was in a US Navy postgraduate residency, but his commitment to his patients is second to none. Choose Dr. Mooney — you won’t be disappointed!"
Ben C.
"... I can not recommend Dr. Mooney enough. If you are in need of an Orthodontist and are in the St. Charles County area, go see Dr. Mooney! Also, Dr. Mooney is a veteran! If we lived in the area Dr. Mooney would be our orthodontist!"
Matt S.