Family Orthodontics in Greenwood Village
Serving Smiles to Children, Teens, & Adults
At 303 Smiles, we offer orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. That’s because we believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile — and our team is dedicated to helping you or your child get it!
Orthodontics for Kids
Turning Young Smiles into Healthy Grins
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Straffon recommend that Greenwood Village kids see an orthodontist for an evaluation by age seven. Don’t worry! That doesn’t mean your little one will walk out of our office with a mouth full of braces!
This first visit is just so our 303 Smiles team can examine your child’s teeth and jaw and ensure their growth and development are on track. In most cases, this will simply kick off an observational period.
Dr. Straffon will keep tabs on your kiddo over the years and let you know when the time is right to start treatment.
However, if certain red flags are spotted, early orthodontics while a child is still growing can allow us to guide jaw growth and prevent more complex issues from developing.
How Early Treatment Works
By age seven, your child’s mouth will start to show the early signs of jaw development and any emerging permanent teeth. Dr. Straffon will examine your child’s growth to start early orthodontic planning and set them up for a future of healthy smiles.
Early assessments during your child’s younger years can pinpoint developing issues and allow us to use simpler, more effective, and often cheaper treatments than if waiting to treat later.
Laying the Foundation
After your child’s first evaluation, Dr. Straffon may recommend starting early treatment, or Phase 1, to target any potential orthodontic problems.
Phase 1 usually lasts 8 to 12 months and uses personalized treatments to guide the development of your child’s face and jaw. This movement sets the groundwork for a well-balanced smile.
After Phase 1, your child will continue to come in for regular check-ups so we can keep an eye on new teeth eruptions and decide if further Phase 2 treatment is necessary.
Precision With Phase 2
Phase 2 treatment usually begins around the ages of 11 – 14, when most of your child’s adult teeth are in place.
If we notice that your child’s smile needs an extra hand, Dr. Straffon will craft another personalized treatment plan that puts the final touches on their smile.
Advantages of Early Treatment
What if Dr. Straffon does find that your child could benefit from early treatment? If you’re unsure about going ahead, we totally get it.
Early orthodontic treatment can sound a bit daunting! But rest assured, your child is in expert hands with the 303 Smiles team.
Our comfortable, fun, and family-friendly office in Greenwood Village will help you and your kids feel at home.
And since information always helps, we’ve collected the ins and outs of early orthodontic treatment in this post to help you familiarize yourself with the process.
Orthodontics for Teens
Guiding Your Teen to a Straighter Smile
Orthodontic treatment can significantly benefit your teen. A straighter smile not only enhances their appearance, but it can also improve speech, eating, breathing, and sleep. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which helps prevent dental issues.
The teenage years are ideal for orthodontic treatment. This is because their adult teeth are in, but their jaws are still growing. This makes it easier and quicker to adjust their teeth.
Your teen might be nervous about getting braces, wondering if they’ll hurt or how they’ll look. But our team will explain everything to them and support them through the process.
Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment for Teens
When it comes to getting braces, timing is everything. Many individuals undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth and correct their bites.
While braces or aligners can be worn at any age, there are advantages to getting braces as a teen compared to waiting until adulthood.
Let’s explore the advantages of getting braces as a teenager versus an adult.
Faster Results
Teenagers tend to experience faster results with orthodontic treatment due to their still-growing jawbones. The bones in the jaw are more malleable during adolescence, making it easier for orthodontic appliances to move teeth into their desired positions.
This means that the treatment time may be shorter for teenagers compared to adults, providing them with a quicker path to a straighter smile.
Peer Support
Teenagers are often surrounded by their peers, who may also be going through orthodontic treatment. This shared experience can provide emotional support and a sense of camaraderie.
When wearing braces or Invisalign aligners, teens can exchange tips, discuss their progress, and offer encouragement to one another.
This peer support can make the orthodontic journey more enjoyable and help teens feel less self-conscious about their appearance.
Cost Savings
Orthodontic treatment can be a significant financial investment, and the cost is often lower for teenagers. Some dental insurance plans provide more comprehensive benefits for orthodontic treatment during adolescence.
Additionally, parents may have the financial means to support their child’s orthodontic needs while they’re still minors. Waiting until adulthood may require individuals to bear the full financial burden themselves, which can be more challenging.
Preventive Care
Getting braces as a teenager can address orthodontic issues before they worsen. Dentists and orthodontists recommend early intervention for certain conditions, as it can prevent more severe problems in the future.
By addressing misaligned teeth or a problematic bite during adolescence, teenagers can enjoy a healthier and more functional smile as they transition into adulthood.
Enhanced Confidence
Teenagers often struggle with self-esteem and body image, and misaligned teeth can contribute to these insecurities. By getting braces during adolescence, teens have the opportunity to correct their smile and improve their self-confidence.
A straighter smile can positively impact their interactions and overall well-being, boosting their self-esteem during a crucial phase of their life.
Long-Term Benefits
Investing in braces as a teenager sets the foundation for a lifetime of oral health. Correcting dental misalignments and bite issues at a younger age can prevent future complications, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or jaw joint problems.
Orthodontics for Teens FAQs
Orthodontics for Adults
Never Too Late for a Beautiful, Confident Smile
At 303 Smiles, we understand that it’s never too late to get a straighter, healither smile, and we offer a variety of treatment options tailored specifically for adults.
Gone are the days when traditional metal braces were the only available option. At 303 Smiles, we provide a range of modern braces and clear aligners that are discreet, comfortable, and effective in aligning your teeth.
Let’s take a closer look at the different treatment options we offer:
Invisalign
This popular clear aligner system is virtually invisible, making it a preferred choice among adults. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners that gradually move your teeth into their desired positions.
These aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, providing you with the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods without any restrictions.
Self-Ligating Metal Braces
This innovative, modern metal brace option uses a slide mechanism rather than elastic bands to hold the archwire in place.
Self-ligating braces reduce friction and result in faster, more comfortable treatment.
Benefits of Adult Treatment
Orthodontic treatment has long been associated with teenagers and adolescents — but more and more adults are embracing the idea of orthodontic treatment to get a straighter smile.
Improved Confidence
One of the biggest benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults is the boost in self-confidence that comes with a straighter smile.
Crooked or misaligned teeth can make individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance and may even affect their willingness to smile or engage in social situations.
By straightening their teeth, adults can gain the confidence they need to tackle any situation.
Enhanced Oral Hygiene
Having misaligned teeth can make it difficult to effectively clean all areas of the mouth, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Orthodontic treatment can help adults get a healthier smile by aligning their teeth, making it easier to brush and floss properly.
Improved Bite Function
Misaligned teeth not only affect the appearance of your smile but also impact your bite function. This can lead to issues such as difficulties in chewing and speaking, as well as discomfort and jaw pain.
By getting braces as an adult, you can correct these bite problems and improve your overall oral function.
Correction & Prevention
Correcting misaligned teeth isn’t just about aesthetics — it also helps prevent future dental problems. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
Additionally, properly aligned teeth can prevent uneven wear and tear on the teeth and decrease the likelihood of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Long-Term Investment
Although orthodontic treatment can be a significant financial investment, it is a long-term investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
Having a straighter smile can potentially reduce the need for future dental work, such as veneers or crowns, saving you both time and money in the long run.