Glendale Orthodontics | 303 Smiles – Braces & Invisalign
What Is Orthodontic Care & Why Choose a Glendale Orthodontist?
Orthodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry focused on aligning teeth, correcting bite issues, and improving long-term oral health. It involves precise tooth movement and jaw positioning to create a smile that functions as well as it looks. Straight teeth change more than your appearance. They change how you eat, how you clean, and how you feel about yourself. If you're searching for a Glendale orthodontist, 303 Smiles in Greenwood Village offers expert care designed around your unique smile goals. 303 Smiles is located in Greenwood Village, just minutes from Glendale, CO. Unlike general dentists who handle a broad range of dental needs, orthodontists complete additional years of specialized training dedicated solely to tooth movement and jaw alignment.
Dr. Derek Straffon, recognized as a Top Orthodontist by Denver's 5280 Magazine since 2009, brings unparalleled expertise to every person who walks through our doors. Our Greenwood Village practice proudly serves Glendale families with orthodontic solutions including Invisalign clear aligners, self-ligating metal braces, our 303 Signature Smile hybrid program, and palatal expanders for younger patients. Whether you're dealing with crowding, gaps, or bite issues, our team creates a hand-crafted 303 Smile Design that fits your life.
What sets an orthodontist apart? Years of residency training beyond dental school. This specialized education means your orthodontist understands the mechanics of tooth movement at a deeper level. When you choose 303 Smiles for your Glendale orthodontics needs, you're choosing a practice built entirely around creating beautiful, healthy smiles.
Benefits of Professional Orthodontic Care in Glendale
Professional care at 303 Smiles in Greenwood Village delivers lasting oral health, aesthetic, and bite-alignment benefits for Glendale-area kids, teens, and adults. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, which means fewer cavities and a lower risk of gum disease over your lifetime. When your teeth line up properly, you can clean every surface effectively.
The confidence boost is real, too, and it shows up differently at every age. Teens feel better smiling in photos. Adults present themselves with more assurance in professional settings. These aesthetic benefits last a lifetime, and our Raving Fans tell us all the time how much their new smile changed their daily confidence.
Bite alignment matters just as much as appearance. When your upper and lower teeth meet correctly, you reduce strain on your jaw joints. This can ease headaches, jaw discomfort, and the uneven tooth wear that comes from a misaligned bite.
Modern options make care more comfortable than ever:
- Invisalign clear aligners let you straighten teeth without anyone noticing
- Self-ligating metal braces move teeth efficiently with less discomfort
| Feature | Invisalign | Self-Ligating Metal Braces | 303 Signature Smile (Hybrid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Visible | Combination |
| Comfort | Smooth, removable trays | Low-profile brackets | Combines aligner flexibility with bracket precision |
| Typical Treatment Time | 12 to 24 months | 12 to 24 months | Varies by case |
| Best For | Mild to moderate cases | Moderate to complex cases | Cases needing precision + aesthetics |
We don't do assembly-line care. Dr. Straffon listens to your needs, understands your goals, and designs a 303 Smile Design that matches your lifestyle. That's the smile promise we make to every Glendale family who walks through our doors.
What Is the Treatment Process at 303 Smiles?
At 303 Smiles in Greenwood Village, we've developed a one-of-a-kind proven process that puts you at the center of every decision. Here's what to expect when you start your smile care with us:
Step 1: Free Consultation
Your first visit costs nothing, and it's the part we enjoy most. We take digital scans and X-rays to get a complete picture of your teeth and jaw. Dr. Straffon personally reviews everything and walks you through what he sees, pointing out areas of concern and highlighting what's already working well. There's no pressure, no obligation. Just honest information about your options. You'll leave with a clear picture of your smile goals and the possible paths to get there.
Step 2: Your 303 Smile Design
Based on your assessment, the 303 Smiles team recommends the best approach for your situation. You might be a great candidate for Invisalign, or perhaps our 303 Signature Smile hybrid program would give you the ideal life-changing results. We explain the timeline, the proven process, and the investment so you can make an informed choice. Every recommendation is built around your specific goals, not a template.
Step 3: Active Treatment
Once you begin, we monitor your progress with regular check-ins. Our advanced technology allows precise adjustments that keep your care on track. Appointments typically happen every four to eight weeks, depending on your specific 303 Smile Design. Dr. Straffon and our team review your progress at each visit, making sure everything is moving exactly as planned.
Step 4: Retention
When your teeth reach their final positions, custom retainers hold everything in place while your bone and tissues stabilize. Follow-up appointments keep your new smile exactly where it should be. This phase is just as important as active treatment, because retention protects the results you worked hard to achieve.
Worried about cost? We offer flexible financing with monthly payments starting at $99. Our team also coordinates with your insurance to maximize your benefits. Everyone deserves access to quality orthodontic care.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontics? Kids, Teens & Adults Welcome
Orthodontic care works for people at virtually every stage of life. 303 Smiles welcomes kids, teens, and adults to our Glendale orthodontics practice in Greenwood Village.
Kids (Age 7+)
Parents, this one's for you. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your kiddo have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
At 303 Smiles, Dr. Straffon can spot developing issues before they become complex. Early intervention with Invisalign First or palatal expanders can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. Often, that means shorter, simpler care later on, which is a win for your child and your schedule.
Teens
The teenage years are still the most popular time for braces and aligners, and for good reason. Growth is on your side. Invisalign for Teens and self-ligating metal braces effectively address crowding, spacing, and bite concerns. We work with busy schedules to make appointments as convenient as possible around school, sports, and social life.
Adults
Think you missed your window? You didn't. More adults are choosing orthodontic care now than at any point in the past two decades. Invisalign fits right into professional lifestyles since the aligners are virtually invisible. We also offer limited-arch options for adults who want to address specific concerns without full treatment. No one at your next meeting needs to know.
Common conditions we treat include:
- Overbite and underbite
- Crossbite and open bite
- Crowding and spacing
- Gaps between teeth
Not sure which category you fall into? A free consultation at 303 Smiles determines the ideal care level for your unique situation.
Why Glendale Families Trust 303 Smiles for Orthodontic Care
Dr. Derek Straffon has been recognized as a Top Orthodontist by Denver's 5280 Magazine since 2009 and a Top Dentist by USA Top Dentists since 2009. These aren't one-time honors. They reflect consistent excellence year after year. BusinessRate also named him a Top 5 Orthodontist in Arapahoe County in February 2025.
Beyond credentials, our technology makes a real difference. Digital scanning eliminates messy impressions. 3D treatment planning shows you exactly how your smile will look before care begins. These tools create efficient workflows that respect your time.
Our Raving Fans speak for themselves. Families appreciate the personal attention they receive at every visit. We treat people like people, not case files. That philosophy shows in our reviews and in the families who refer their friends and neighbors to our Greenwood Village practice.
We offer several treatment tiers to match your needs:
- Social Touch Up, for minor cosmetic alignment adjustments
- Single Arch Treatment, for upper or lower arch correction
- Full Two Arch Treatment, for complete smile work
- 303 Signature Smile hybrid program, combining the best of Invisalign and self-ligating metal braces
Free consultations remove the guesswork. Flexible financing removes the financial barriers. And family-friendly scheduling means parents and kids can often book appointments together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Glendale
How long does orthodontic care take?
Orthodontic care typically takes 12 to 24 months, depending on case complexity. Some cases finish faster, and more involved situations may take longer. During your free consultation, Dr. Straffon provides a realistic timeline based on your individual assessment.
How much does orthodontic care cost in Glendale?
The cost of orthodontic care in Glendale varies by type and complexity. Monthly payment plans at 303 Smiles start at $99, with total cost depending on your specific 303 Smile Design. We work with most insurance providers and help you understand your coverage before you commit.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
For nearly all cases, yes. Dr. Straffon and the 303 Smiles team use Invisalign to treat the same conditions as traditional braces, including crowding, gaps, and bite issues. Some complex cases still benefit from braces or our hybrid approach, and Dr. Straffon evaluates your specific situation to recommend the option that delivers your best possible outcome.
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age seven. At this age, enough permanent teeth have emerged to identify potential issues. Early assessment doesn't always mean early treatment. Sometimes we simply monitor growth and step in only when necessary.
Does 303 Smiles offer free consultations?
Yes. Your free consultation includes digital scans, X-rays, and a personalized assessment from Dr. Straffon. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your options and what care would involve. There's no obligation to proceed.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation at 303 Smiles Today
Your free consultation at 303 Smiles includes digital scans, a thorough evaluation, and a custom treatment recommendation. Zero commitment. Book your complimentary visit and find out what orthodontic care can do for your smile.
Dr. Straffon and our team serve families throughout the Glendale area from our Greenwood Village office. We also welcome families from:
- Littleton
- Denver
- Cherry Hills
- Greenwood Village and surrounding communities
Call us at (303) 758-3414 or visit our Greenwood Village office at 8745 E Orchard Rd., Ste. 513, Greenwood Village, CO.
What Do You Have to Lose? Get in touch and let us treat you to the smile you've always wanted.