About Us

Welcome to Klein Orthodontics
At Klein Orthodontics, you’re not just a patient — you’re a part of our family!

A beautiful and healthy smile creates heightened self-esteem and confidence. This is one of the most satisfying aspects of an orthodontist’s career. At Klein Orthodontics, this is the very reason we opened our doors. We strive every day to be your trusted Mt. Vernon and Salem, IL choice for a beautiful, healthy smile.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Christopher K. Klein and Dr. Brian M. Klein, along with our caring staff, have built a reputation for using only the newest technology and creating lasting, excellent results. Our state-of-the-art treatment options include Damon® Smile self-ligating braces, Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® clear aligners, and SureSmile®!


We pride ourselves on being able to offer various flexible financing options while maintaining the highest level of professional care. Our efficient financial and insurance coordinators will bill your insurance in-house, so you can spend less time dealing with insurance companies and more time doing all the things that make you smile.

We invite you to contact Klein Orthodontics at one of our convenient office locations in Mt. Vernon and Salem, IL. During your complimentary consultation, you’ll learn about the many orthodontic options available, and which will be right for your specific needs. Call today!

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Klein is a graduate of Marion High School in Marion, Illinois. He accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. While serving for five years as an officer in the United States Navy, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University. He then attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois. After graduation, he completed a two-year residency at St. Louis University Department of Orthodontics where he earned his specialty degree in Orthodontics. Dr. Klein remains current in all facets of the orthodontic field by taking over 50 hours of continuing education each year.

Dr. Klein is on the faculty at St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education where he received the "Outstanding Instructor of the Year" award in 2002. He has been in the exclusive practice of orthodontics in Southern Illinois since 1985.

Professional Affiliations

American Dental Association
Illinois State Dental Society
Wabash River Dental Society
Jefferson County Dental Society, Past President
American College of Denists
American Association of Orthodontists
Illinois State Society of Orthodontists
Orthodontic Education & Research Foundation, President
Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics

Dr. Klein resides in Mount Vernon with his wife, Dianne. They enjoy many family activities with their son Brian and daughter-in-law Jane, including golf, boating, and travel.

Dr. Klein supports many local youth groups and Christian organizations including the YMCA, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the United Way of Mount Vernon and Marion, Angels on Assignment, and the United Methodist Children's Home.

"It's so rewarding to be able to help people feel better about themselves. A new smile can be life changing."

Dr. "Brian" Klein attended Indiana University where he majored in Nutrition Science and minored in Biology. Following in his father, Dr. Christopher Klein’s, footsteps, he continued on to Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, graduating with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine with honors. Dr. Klein then earned his Master of Science degree in Orthodontics from St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education.

Committed to continuing his education, Dr. Brian earns over 50 continuing education credits annually by attending conferences and workshops including the Damon® Forum, the Invisalign® Summit, and the AAO Conference.

Professional Affiliations

American Association of Orthodontists
Orthodontic Education and Research Foundation
American Dental Association
Illinois State Dental Society
Wabash River Dental Society
Jefferson County Dental Society
Greater St. Louis Dental Society
Outside the Office

Dr. Brian recently moved back to his hometown of Mt. Vernon, IL after living in St. Louis for five years while completing dental school and his orthodontic residency. He and his wife are expecting their first child in February of 2014.

Fun Facts:

Most favorite book ever: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
TV Character that I simply adore: Ron Swanson (Parks & Rec) …close 2nd is Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)
Kind of music I like: I actively listen to all types, but I’m currently on a James Taylor kick
Favorite genre of movies: James Bond movies and sports movies (Bull Durham and Hoosiers in particular)
Best vacation I ever had: St. Thomas 2010…proposed to my wife in front of the whole family! Awesome!
My idea of fun: Staying in watching movies or playing board games with family and friends
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Buffalo chicken wings
Best part of my job: Working with my dad, a great team, and all these beautiful, healthy smiles.

Meet Our Staff

Shelley: Treatment Coordinator

Most favorite book ever: To Kill a Mockingbird
TV Character that I simply adore: Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead
Kind of music I like: Rock & Alternative
Favorite genre of movies: Comedy or Action
Best vacation I ever had: Honeymoon in Cabo
My idea of fun: Family Road Trip!
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: My mom’s apple crisp- yum!
Best part of my job: Smiles – All day long : )

Kristi Lynn: Clinical Assistant

Most favorite book ever: Purpose Driven Life
Kind of music I like: Christian & Country
Favorite genre of movies: Romance/Comedy
Best vacation I ever had: Every vacation I’ve ever had!
My idea of fun: Anything with friends and family
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Pizza
Best part of my job: Working for the best orthodontic practice in America!- And getting to know the patients one on one.

Rhonda: Scheduling Coordinator

Most favorite book ever: Bible
Kind of music I like: Soft Rock
Best vacation I ever had: Disneyworld with our grandkids
My idea of fun: Going to an auction for the day!
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Rolos
Best part of my job: Seeing the patients’ great smiles when their braces come off!

Christy: Lab Coordinator

TV Character that I simply adore: Robert Irvine from Restaurant Impossible- he’s buff AND can cook!
Kind of music I like: All- from Rock to Country, Christian to Polkas
Favorite genre of movies: Scary/Horror
My idea of fun: Getting together with friends and family
Best part of my job: All of the staff, and I still enjoy doing what I do at work!

Patty: Treatment Coordinator

Most favorite book ever: The Bible – it’s different every time I read it.
TV Character that I simply adore: Matt Dillion – the old marshal from Gunsmoke
Kind of music I like: Blues, Rock, Christian
Favorite genre of movies: True stories, documentaries, history
Best vacation I ever had: We went to Branson, MO when our kids were teenagers – it was a blast!
My idea of fun: Playing guitar, biking, being with family, relaxing in my hot tub (not all at the same time!)
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Seafood from Red Lobster
Best part of my job: Meeting different people every day! I love it!

Janalynn: Clinical Assistant

Kind of music I like: Country
Favorite genre of movies: Cartoon
Best vacation I ever had: CMA Fest 2013 – it was my honeymoon!
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Double stuffed Oreo’s & milk
Best part of my job: Seeing the transformation of confidence in patients from before treatment to after

Diana: Clinical Coordinator

Most favorite book ever: To Kill a Mockingbird
TV Character that I simply adore: “Lucy” Lucille Ball
Kind of music I like: All kinds
Favorite genre of movies: Comedies
My idea of fun: Spending time with family & friends
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Italian food
Best part of my job: I enjoy the interaction with the patients & helping create their beautiful smiles

Mandy: Clinical Coordinator

TV Character that I simply adore: I like Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama
Kind of music I like: Country and Classic Rock
Favorite genre of movies: Action
Best vacation I ever had: Family vacation to Jamaica
My idea of fun: Hanging out with friends and family
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Lasagna
Best part of my job: My co-workers, and seeing the end results of wearing braces.

Taylor: Clinical Assistant

Most favorite book ever: Bible
TV Character that I simply adore: Jennifer Aniston in any movie or TV show
Kind of music I like: Christian and Country
Favorite genre of movies: Romance
Best vacation I ever had: National Finals Rodeo in Wyoming
My idea of fun: Rodeo, and spending time with family and friends
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: My momma’s tacos
Best part of my job: Seeing the change patients go through and helping them achieve a beautiful smile

Jessica: Clinical Assistant

Most favorite book ever: Pete the Cat
TV Character that I simply adore: Jimmy Fallon
Kind of music I like: Punk Rock
Favorite genre of movies: Pixar/Cartoon
Best vacation I ever had: Clearwater Beach Florida
My idea of fun: Spending time with my family
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Pizza Lunchables
Best part of my job: Seeing patients satisfaction of their new improved beautiful smiles

Debbie: Financial Coordinator

TV Character that I simply adore: I love to watch HGTV, so I guess the hosts of those shows
Kind of music I like: Country & Blues
Favorite genre of movies: Action
Best vacation I ever had: Florida with family & friends
My idea of fun: Being outdoors, and just hanging out with family & friends
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Pizza & pasta
Best part of my job: Working in a “family type” office with great doctors and co-workers

Gina: Scheduling Coordinator

Most favorite book ever: Old McDonald (I still live on a farm!)
TV Character that I simply adore: Charlie & Lola (Disney)
Kind of music I like: Country, Jazz, Contemporary Christian
Favorite genre of movies: Comedy
Best vacation I ever had: Austin, TX- at my cousin Steve’s
My idea of fun: I love sporting events & shopping
If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would be: Vanilla Tootsie Rolls
Best part of my job: The “crew” I work with!