Your Trusted Littleton Orthodontist, 303 Smiles
Finding the right orthodontist for your family is a big decision. Dr. Derek Straffon and the 303 Smiles team make that choice easy. Based in Greenwood Village, just minutes from Littleton, our practice has been a trusted name for orthodontic care in the south Denver metro area. The practice states it has been serving Littleton families for over two decades. Maybe you're thinking about braces for your child. Maybe Invisalign caught your eye. Or maybe you just want to know what's out there. Whatever brought you here, we're ready to help, from your first visit to your last retainer check.
What Does a Littleton Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. This requires two to three years of advanced residency training beyond dental school, focused specifically on how teeth move and how the jaw develops over time. That extra education is what sets orthodontists apart from general dentists and equips them to treat complex bite issues while creating lasting, functional smiles.
Why does that matter for you? Because orthodontic treatment involves more than just straightening teeth. It requires understanding how your bite, jaw, and facial structure all work together. Conditions like crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites each call for a different clinical approach, and an orthodontist's specialized training makes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible.
Dr. Straffon and the 303 Smiles team serve the Littleton community with orthodontic care designed around your unique needs. He takes time to understand your goals, whether that's fixing crowding, closing gaps, or correcting an overbite that's been bothering you for years.
Our practice offers several treatment options to fit your life. Self-ligating metal braces deliver reliable results that last, with less discomfort than traditional brackets. Invisalign clear aligners work beautifully for those who prefer a more discreet approach. And the 303 Signature Smile hybrid treatment combines the best of both worlds for optimal outcomes.
We treat people of all ages here. Kids as young as seven come in for early evaluations. Teens get the smile they've always wanted before heading off to college. Adults finally address issues they've put off for decades. Everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile, and our team is here to make that happen.
Benefits of Choosing 303 Smiles as Your Littleton Orthodontist
Choosing 303 Smiles means choosing more than straight teeth. Littleton families get hand-crafted treatment, multiple orthodontic options, free consultations, and a welcoming, modern office designed around your comfort. Here's what sets us apart.
Care Built Around You
We don't do generic treatment plans. Dr. Straffon designs each 303 Signature Smile based on your specific anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. Your smile is as unique as you are, and your treatment should reflect that. That's the 303 Smile Difference.
Treatment Options for Every Need
Littleton-area Raving Fans have access to:
- Self-ligating metal braces that move teeth more comfortably and efficiently
- Invisalign clear aligners for adults and teens who want a nearly invisible option
- Invisalign First for kids who need early intervention
- Hybrid plans combining braces and Invisalign for optimal results you'll love
- Invisalign Refresh and Social Touch Up options for adults with minor concerns
A Space That Feels Like Home
Walking into our modern office should feel comfortable, not clinical. We've created a space where families feel at home. Dr. Straffon and our team get to know you by name, remember your kids' activities, and genuinely celebrate your progress. People Love to Be at 303, and you'll feel that from your first visit.
Free Consultations That Remove Barriers
Starting orthodontic treatment shouldn't require a financial leap of faith. That's why we offer a free consultation to every new orthodontic family. You'll get a thorough exam, discuss your options, and receive honest recommendations without any obligation.
Convenient Location
Our Greenwood Village office is just a short drive from Littleton, roughly 10 minutes, making regular appointments simple to fit into your busy schedule. Families searching for an orthodontist near me or a pediatric dentist near me often find us through word of mouth from other Raving Fans in the area.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works at 303 Smiles
Knowing what to expect makes the whole experience less stressful. Here's a quick overview of the five stages:
- Free consultation
- Custom 303 Signature Smile design
- Treatment start
- Regular progress check-ins
- Retention
Most treatments take 12 to 24 months. Let's break each step down.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Your first visit to 303 Smiles is all about getting to know you. Dr. Straffon will perform a thorough exam, take digital images of your teeth and jaw, and listen to your concerns and goals. This isn't a rushed appointment. We want to understand what matters most to you.
Your Hand-Crafted 303 Signature Smile Plan
Based on your exam, Dr. Straffon will create a hand-crafted treatment plan designed specifically for you. He'll walk through your options, from self-ligating metal braces to Invisalign to a hybrid approach. You'll understand exactly what's involved, how long treatment will take, and what results to expect.
Getting Started
Ready to go? For braces, that means bonding brackets and placing your first archwire at our office near Littleton. For Invisalign, we'll take precise scans to create your custom aligners.
Regular Progress Check-Ins
Throughout your treatment, you'll visit 303 Smiles for periodic adjustments and progress monitoring. These appointments are typically quick but important. They keep your teeth moving according to plan and give Dr. Straffon opportunities to make any needed refinements along the way.
Completing Your Smile at 303 Smiles
When your teeth reach their final positions, we'll remove your braces or finish your last set of aligners. Retainers are essential for keeping your new smile in place. We'll fit you with custom retainers and give you clear guidance on how to maintain your results for good.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
The short answer? Almost everyone in the Littleton area. Children as young as seven, teens, and adults with crowding, spacing, or bite issues are all good candidates for treatment at 303 Smiles.
Kids (Age 7 and Up)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Why so early? At this age, Dr. Straffon at 303 Smiles can spot developing issues before they become bigger concerns. Early intervention can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and sometimes reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.
Teens
Permanent teeth are in, but the jaw is still growing. That combination makes the teenage years an ideal window for orthodontic treatment because teeth tend to move more efficiently. Your teen can choose between the reliability of self-ligating metal braces or the flexibility of Invisalign, whatever fits their lifestyle.
Adults
It's never too late for a great smile. More adults than ever are pursuing orthodontic treatment at 303 Smiles. Maybe you had braces as a kid and your teeth have shifted over the years. Or you never had the opportunity before. Our Invisalign Refresh and Social Touch Up options work well for adults with minor concerns who want subtle improvements.
Common Issues We Treat
Dr. Straffon has unparalleled expertise treating:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing issues
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Open bites
- Jaw alignment and TMJ-related issues
Not sure if you're a candidate? That's exactly what your free consultation is for. We'll assess your situation and give you honest guidance about whether treatment makes sense for you.
Why Littleton Families Trust 303 Smiles
Trust is earned, not given. Here's why families throughout Littleton and the surrounding areas choose Dr. Straffon for their orthodontic care.
Proven Expertise
Dr. Derek Straffon holds a DDS/DMD and completed his orthodontic residency and has spent his career creating beautiful smiles. As an Invisalign Practice Partner and orthodontic industry key opinion leader, he regularly trains on new techniques and speaks at orthodontic conferences. He's been recognized as a Top Orthodontist by 5280 Magazine since 2009 and named a Top Dentist by USA Top Dentists for the same period. Most recently, BusinessRate named him a Top 5 Orthodontist in Arapahoe County in February 2025.
Modern Technology
We invest in advanced technology because it leads to better outcomes. Digital scanning eliminates messy impressions. Precise treatment planning software helps Dr. Straffon visualize your results before treatment begins. Our self-ligating brackets apply gentler force and often reduce overall treatment time. The philosophy is simple: Innovate instead of imitate.
Focus on the Whole Person
Straight teeth matter, but so does how you feel during treatment. Orthodontic care affects your confidence, your daily routine, and your emotional well-being. Dr. Straffon and our team work hard to make every visit positive. We celebrate your progress and support you through any challenges. Our Passion? To Make Everyone Smile.
Community Reputation
Our Raving Fans speak for themselves. Families return to us generation after generation. Parents who wore braces in our office now bring their own children. That kind of loyalty reflects the relationships we build and the results we deliver. When Littleton families search for an orthodontist near me, the recommendations from our Raving Fans often lead them straight to 303 Smiles.
Comparing Orthodontists Near Littleton
When you search for orthodontic care in the Littleton area, you'll find several practices to consider. Some families look into options like Holt Orthodontics, Inspire Orthodontics, Ohmart Orthodontics, or Total Orthodontics. Each office has its own approach. What makes 303 Smiles different is our commitment to hand-crafted treatment plans, a single-provider model where Dr. Straffon personally oversees every case, and a proven process built around the 303 Signature Smile. We encourage you to visit multiple offices, ask questions, and choose the orthodontist who feels right for your family. We're confident that once you meet our team, you'll understand why so many Littleton families become Raving Fans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Littleton Orthodontic Practice
How much does an orthodontist cost in Littleton?
Orthodontic treatment costs in Littleton vary by case complexity and treatment type. At 303 Smiles, monthly payment plans start at $99 per month, and we customize payment options based on your down payment and insurance benefits. Your free consultation includes a detailed cost breakdown with no surprises.
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age seven. This early assessment allows Dr. Straffon to identify developing issues and determine whether early intervention would benefit your child. Many kids don't need treatment at this age, but the evaluation provides valuable information for planning ahead.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatments take between 12 and 24 months, though simpler cases can finish in as few as six months. The timeline depends on what needs to be corrected and which treatment method works best for your situation. Dr. Straffon will give you a realistic estimate during your free consultation.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
For most cases, yes. Invisalign has advanced significantly and can now treat many of the same issues as traditional braces. Some complex cases still benefit from self-ligating metal braces, and our hybrid approach combines both methods when that produces the best outcome. Dr. Straffon will recommend the right option for your specific needs at 303 Smiles.
Do you offer payment plans?
Absolutely. Cost shouldn't prevent anyone from getting the smile they deserve. We offer customized monthly payments and work with your insurance benefits to make treatment affordable. Our team will walk you through all your financing options during your free consultation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Littleton Orthodontist Today
Want to see what we can do for your smile? Book a free consultation at 303 Smiles and let's talk. Let Us Treat You to the Smile You've Always Wanted.
During this no-obligation visit, Dr. Straffon will evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and outline your treatment options. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your next steps and the confidence to make the right decision for your family.
Ready to get started? Call us at (303) 758-3414 or book online here. Our Greenwood Village office serves families throughout Littleton, Denver, Cherry Hills, and all of Arapahoe County.
What Do You Have to Lose? Get in Touch!