Dr. Waxler

 After many years of practicing his specialty, Dr. Waxler is still excited about giving his patients a great orthodontic experience. "I love how what we do makes such a positive lifelong effect on our patients, and how, the more challenging the case, the more fun it is to create the solutions that allow us to achieve a great result." 

Dr. Waxler, a native of Massachusetts, received his B.S. degree in Engineering from Tufts University . After getting his dental degree (D.M.D.) from Washington University School of Dental Medicine  he enrolled in the graduate orthodontic program at St. Louis University where he received a master’s degree in Orthodontics (M.S.).

Having spent 6 enjoyable years in Missouri he decided to stay and went into practice with Dr. Michael Matlof. For many years the two of them taught part time in the orthodontic program at Washington University Dental School. Dr. Waxler is a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, Greater St. Louis Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, and the Missouri Society of Orthodontists.

In 1992 Dr. Waxler and Dr. Matlof had the rare opportunity to take in as an associate Dr. Jeffrey Cavanaugh, who had been one of their patients years earlier. (We guess getting your teeth straightened at our office isn’t that traumatic after all!).  With three doctors (and not wanting to sound like a law firm!) the practice was renamed Century Orthodontics in honor of 100 years of continuous practice in St. Louis!

Dr. Waxler was one of the first doctors in the Country to adopt the Invisalign system of clear braces. With his experience with this technique, Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign, has asked him to give seminars on its use. He recently presented at the National Invisalign meeting in Las Vegas, the Invisalign manufacturing facility in Costa Rica and has given numerous continueing education courses on Invisalign to doctors throughout the region.

Dr. Waxler and Century Orthodontics have always tried to make sure that the benefits of orthodontic treatment can be provided to all children. Dr. Waxler was one of the founding St. Louis board members of Smiles Change Lives, an organization designed to provide orthodontic treatment to underprivileged children. He also serves on the Dental Advisory Board for the Missouri Medicaid program and is currently Orthodontic Director of the MoHealthNet program in Missouri

Dr. Waxler was selected again this year, by a vote of his fellow dentists, as one of St. Louis's topDentists®

Dr. Waxler and his wife Jill have three grown children, David, Daniel and Jenny. With their house now empty they replaced the kids with three dogs: Ooch, Yummi, and Chompers! In his spare time he likes to make "found object sculptures" which can be found at all three of the offices and at this LINK. Dr. Waxler also enjoys biking, skiing, reading, and gardening

Dr. Cavanaugh

Dr. Cavanaugh was born and raised in St. Louis growing up near the Manchester office.  His first orthodontic experience was as a patient of Dr. Matlof and Dr. Waxler.  "The doctors had such a positive impact on me and made my orthodontic experience very enjoyable.  They always were having such a good time interacting with the patients.   I hope to have that same type of impact on our current patients."  From this experience came his dream of pursuing a career as an orthodontist! 

Dr. Cavanaugh attended the Six year B.A./D.D.S. Program at the University of Missouri - Kansas City earning a degree in biology and his dental degree in 1994.  During summer breaks of dental school, Dr. Cavanaugh had the opportunity to work for Dr. Matlof and Dr. Waxler as an orthodontic assistant further reinforcing his desire to follow his career path.  He continued his training at UMKC finishing his orthodontic residency in 1996.  He then had the opportunity to join the practice that same year.  With his arrival and the 100th anniversary of the practice’s founding by Dr. Edward Angle, the practice name was changed to Century Orthodontics.

Outside of practice, Dr. Cavanaugh is very involved with organized dentistry.  He is currently a member of the board of the Delta Dental Health Theatre on Laclede’s Landing and served as president for two years.  The theatre provides dental education for children, especially those who have little access to dental care.  Additionally, he is on the board of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation and served as president from May 2007 to May 2008.  The purpose of the AAOF is to provide funding to aid orthodontic educators early in their careers.  He has also served on the American Association of Orthodontists New and Younger Member Advisory Committee and as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Missouri Society of Orthodontists.

Dr. Cavanaugh and his wife Linzi met in dental school.  Linzi practices general dentistry in Frontenac as an associate of Dr. Doxey Sheldon.  They have four children, Margaret, Katherine, Ryan, and Joseph. Dr. Cavanaugh spends all of his free time with his family helping to coach his children’s teams and attending their other activities and school events.  Dr. Cavanaugh has served as co-president of the PTO at Fairway Elementary when the school was first opened in 2004.

Back to Top ↑