Stark Smiles

Stark Smiles is a prominent orthodontic clinic located in Ames, Iowa, with an additional office in Boone. The practice is led by the experienced father-son team of Dr. Tom Stark and Dr. Michael Stark, who combine decades of expertise with modern orthodontic techniques. Their shared mission is to create beautiful, healthy smiles and build lasting relationships with their patients. Dr. Tom Stark, with over three decades of experience, has helped over 10,000 individuals transform their smiles, driven by his personal journey with orthodontics as a shy teenager. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University, his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Science in Dentistry from Baylor University. Dr. Michael Stark, following in his father's footsteps, brings fresh ideas and innovations to the practice. He holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of St. Thomas, a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, and a Master of Science in Oral Biology from Texas A&M University. Both doctors are members of professional associations such as the American Association of Orthodontics. Stark Smiles offers a full range of orthodontic services for all ages: Children: They create a welcoming environment for young patients, focusing on early intervention to guide smile development and address potential issues like misalignment and overcrowding, minimizing risks of decay, gum disease, and jaw joint problems. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a child's first orthodontic visit by age 7. Teenagers: For adolescents, they provide various treatment options, including traditional braces with customizable bands and discreet solutions like Invisalign®, catering to individual preferences and lifestyles. Adults: Recognizing that many adults seek to improve their smiles, Stark Smiles offers tailored solutions, with Invisalign® being a popular choice for its clear and convenient nature, often requiring fewer office visits. The clinic prides itself on a "people-first" approach, ensuring a comfortable, effective, and enjoyable orthodontic journey for every patient. They offer free initial consultations to assess needs and answer questions, followed by customized treatment plans that include affordable payment options. Patients consistently praise the friendly, professional, and caring staff, as well as the doctors' attentive and personable demeanor. Stark Smiles emphasizes clear communication, explaining every procedure, and providing a supportive environment where patients feel like family. Their commitment extends to making patients feel confident and proud of their new smiles, fostering self-esteem and overall well-being.