Orthodontist in Littleton: Expert Braces & Clear Aligners for Every Smile
An orthodontist in Littleton is a dental specialist who completes two to three years of advanced training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on tooth movement and jaw alignment. At Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Matt Goergen treats crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites for kids, teens, and adults across the south metro area.
What Does an Orthodontist in Littleton Do?
While a general dentist focuses on overall oral health, an orthodontist brings specialized expertise to straightening teeth and correcting bite problems. Our team offers metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners to fit every smile and lifestyle. Dr. Matt Goergen, our orthodontist and American Association of Orthodontists member, creates custom treatments for families at every stage of life. If your child needs early intervention or you're an adult ready to finally straighten your smile, we're here to help.
Why Choose an Orthodontist in Littleton?
At Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know straighter teeth do more than look good. They're easier to brush and floss, which means less plaque buildup and a lower risk of cavities and gum disease. When your teeth line up properly, you're also protecting your enamel from uneven wear that happens when your bite is off. Bite correction can also support healthier chewing, clearer speech, and reduced strain on jaw muscles.
Why orthodontic treatment matters:
- Better oral hygiene – Aligned teeth have fewer hard-to-reach spots where bacteria hide, making daily brushing and flossing far more effective
- Reduced jaw pain – Correcting bite problems can relieve tension headaches and TMJ discomfort
- Confidence boost – A balanced smile makes a real difference in photos, job interviews, and everyday life
- Long-term savings – Preventing decay and damage now means fewer dental issues later
- Healthier chewing and speech – Properly aligned jaws and teeth help your kids eat comfortably and speak clearly
- Specialist-level care – An orthodontist's focused training goes well beyond what general dentists offer
Choosing a local orthodontist in Littleton means shorter drives and easier scheduling for regular visits. We make it simple to fit treatment into your family's routine. Our office on South Pierce Street keeps you close to home while getting the specialized care your smile deserves.
What to Expect from Our Littleton Orthodontist
Getting braces or aligners is easier than you might think. Here's how we guide you from your first visit to your final retainer.
Step 1: Free Orthodontic Consultation
Your treatment starts with a free consult. We offer both in-office and virtual options, so you can choose what works best for your schedule. During this visit, Dr. Matt examines your teeth, discusses your concerns, and answers your questions.
Step 2: Digital Records and Imaging
We use digital X-rays and 3D scans to capture detailed images of your teeth and jaw. This technology helps us see exactly what's happening beneath the surface and plan precise tooth movements.
Step 3: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on your records, we build a treatment made for you. You'll know your timeline, your options, including metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners, and your investment before we begin.
Step 4: Appliance Placement
When placement day arrives, we fit your braces or provide your first set of aligners. Our team walks you through care instructions and what to expect in the first few days.
Step 5: Regular Adjustments
Every four to eight weeks, we'll see you for a quick adjustment visit. These short check-ins keep your treatment on track and give us a chance to monitor your progress.
Step 6: Retention Phase
Once your teeth are in their new positions, we fit you with custom retainers. Wearing them as directed keeps your outcomes lasting for years to come.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Anyone age seven or older with healthy teeth and gums is a candidate for orthodontic care. Age isn't a barrier. We treat families from age seven through adulthood at Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Children (Age 7+)
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), kids should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, enough permanent teeth have emerged for an orthodontist to spot developing issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth problems. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it gives us the chance to monitor growth and step in at the right time. You can learn more about care by age on our orthodontics for all ages page.
Teens
The teen years are often ideal for braces or aligners. Most permanent teeth are in place, and natural growth can help treatment move efficiently. Many teens appreciate clear aligner options that let them remove trays for sports, band, or special occasions.
Adults
It's never too late for a great smile. More families than ever are choosing adult orthodontic treatment. If you skipped braces as a teen or your teeth have shifted over time, we have options that fit your lifestyle.
| Age Group | Common Issues | Best Options |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Early crowding, crossbite, jaw growth | Early intervention, metal braces |
| Teens | Spacing, overbite, underbite | Metal braces, clear braces, clear aligners |
| Adults | Shifting, crowding, bite problems | Clear aligners, clear braces |
Before starting treatment, we make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. If you need any dental work, our full-spectrum care approach means we can coordinate everything under one roof through our dental services, adult dentistry, and pediatric dentistry teams.
Why Littleton Families Trust Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
For decades, families throughout Littleton have counted on us for pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in one location. That means fewer visits at different offices and more convenience for busy families.
What sets us apart:
- Orthodontic care – Dr. Matt Goergen brings specialized training and AAO membership to every treatment
- Modern technology – Digital scanning and low-radiation imaging make treatment more comfortable and precise
- All ages welcome – From first tooth to final retainer, we're here for your whole family
- Flexible payment options – We work with most insurance plans and offer financing to make care accessible
- Emergency care – Broken bracket? Loose wire? We're here when you need us
Dr. Scott Pankratz leads our pediatric dentistry team, while Dr. Chad Belongea provides general dentistry for adults. Together with our orthodontist Dr. Matt Goergen, our team delivers full-spectrum care that keeps your family's smiles healthy at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Littleton
How much do braces cost in Littleton?
Orthodontic costs vary based on the type of treatment, complexity of your case, and treatment length. In the Littleton and greater Colorado area, full orthodontic treatment typically falls within a broad range depending on these factors. During your free consult, we provide a detailed breakdown of your investment and discuss payment options. Many families find that flexible financing makes treatment more affordable than they expected.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatments range from 12 to 24 months, though some cases are shorter and others take longer. Your timeline depends on what we're correcting and how your teeth respond to treatment. Dr. Matt gives you a realistic estimate at your free consult.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many families, yes. Clear aligners can treat crowding, spacing, and many bite issues effectively. Some complex cases still benefit from metal braces. We'll recommend the option that gives you the best outcomes based on your specific needs.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The AAO recommends an evaluation by age seven. This doesn't mean your child will get braces right away. Early visits let us monitor jaw growth and tooth development, so we can time treatment for the best possible outcome.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, often covering a portion of treatment costs. Our team helps you understand your coverage and make the most of your benefits. We also work with flexible spending and health savings accounts.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes. We think every family deserves access to quality orthodontic care. Our office offers flexible payment plans and works with financing options to fit treatment into your budget.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation in Littleton Today
Ready to get started? Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers free in-office and virtual consults for new orthodontic families. During your visit, you'll meet Dr. Matt, learn about your options, and get answers to your questions.
What to bring to your first visit:
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- List of questions or concerns
- Previous dental X-rays (if available)
Same-week visits are often available. Call (303) 978-1104 or request your visit online.