About US
SMILES MADE HERE — PASSIONATE, PERSONALIZED ORTHODONTICS IN METAIRIE, LA
At the office of Dr. Simons and Dr. O’Friel, we believe that orthodontic care should be personal and confidence boosting. That is why we combine the latest in cutting-edge orthodontic technology with the kind of heartfelt, one-on-one care that makes you feel truly seen and supported.
Our mission is to help people smile bigger, brighter, and with total confidence. We take a personalized, hands-on, boutique-style approach to ensure every appointment feels efficient, productive, and tailored to your needs.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you will feel the difference. We are not just focused on straightening teeth—we are here to make your experience comfortable, easy, and completely catered to you. Whether you are exploring braces, clear aligners, or just wondering where to start, we will guide you step by step, making sure you feel informed and motivated every step of the way.
We also understand that walking into a dental or orthodontic office can be a little nerve-wracking. That is why we have created a space that is warm, welcoming, and 100% judgment-free. Our team is here to listen, answer any and all questions (yes, even the “silly” ones), and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, your goals, and your smile. We provide transparent recommendations and will even inform you if orthodontic treatment is not advised.
Because your orthodontic journey should be as unique and joyful as you are.
Let’s create a smile you’ll love for life—together.
Give us a call at (504) 887-8480 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our smile family!
Meet Dr. Shannon Simons
Dr. Shannon Simons has been practicing orthodontics since 1995. She received her undergraduate degree from Tulane University and her dental degree from Louisiana State University. At LSU, Dr. Simons completed a one-year advanced education program in general dentistry followed by a two-year orthodontic residency program, earning a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. In 1995, she joined the private practice of Dr. Terence Walsh in Metairie, Louisiana.
From 1996-1998, Dr. Simons traveled to the Roth Williams Center for Functional Occlusion in California and completed a comprehensive two-year clinical continuing education program in Occlusion and Orthodontics. Dr. Simons practiced with Dr. Walsh until his retirement in 2000.
Dr. Simons has always loved the dental profession. Throughout high school and college, she enjoyed working in her father’s pediatric dental office. During her third year in dental school, while rotating through all of the different dental specialties, she realized her love for the field of orthodontics. Dr. Simons was amazed to see how smiles transformed with treatment and loved the opportunity to really get to know her patients over time.
Dr. Simons is a member of the F. Harold Wirth Study Club, the New Orleans Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Association of Orthodontics, and the American Association of Orthodontics. She is a parishioner of St. Clement of Rome in Metairie, Louisiana. where she is actively involved in the Women of Faith ministry.
Dr. Simons serves on the board of ACCESS, Catholic Charities Pro Life and Adoption Service Outreach. She and her husband, Rodney, have three children, Claire, Christian, and Caleb and two fur babies – CoCo and Chloe.
Meet Dr. Katie O’Friel
Dr. Katie graduated with a Neuroscience degree from Tulane University before attending LSU School of Dentistry. Dr. Katie excelled in dental school, earning honors such as memberships in the C. Edmunds Kells and Omicron Kappa Upsilon societies. Her dedication to enhancing smiles flourished in dental school, and led her to a specialty in orthodontics. Achieving top honors in her class, she continued her training with a rigorous two-year residency at LSU, earning a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Dr. Katie is deeply committed to delivering exceptional orthodontic care and ensuring patients are delighted with their smiles. She is an active member of the F. Harold Wirth Study Club, the American Association of Orthodontics, the Southern Association of Orthodontics, the Louisiana Association of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, and the Louisiana Dental Association.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Katie enjoys time with her husband, Dr. Jonathan Waters, and their two dogs, Momo and Popeye. She enjoys being active outdoors and can often be found at various New Orleans festivals and cheering on the Saints, the Tigers, and the Green Wave.