Orthodontist in Littleton, CO
What Does an Orthodontist in Littleton Do?
An orthodontist in Littleton is a dental specialist who corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and retainers. At Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Matthew Goergen and the team treat kids, teens, and adults, addressing crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites to build healthier smiles.
While a general dentist focuses on regular exams, cleanings, and fillings, an orthodontist completes additional years of specialty training focused on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw development. Dr. Matt is a board-certified orthodontist and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, which means your care is guided by advanced training and current clinical standards.
Every smile is different, so your treatment options can look different too. Our Littleton team offers:
- Modern metal braces for reliable, precise tooth movement
- Clear braces with tooth-colored brackets for a more subtle look
- Clear aligners (Invisalign, 3M Clarity, and ULab) for a nearly invisible option
Whether your child needs an early evaluation or you're an adult ready for straighter teeth, our team helps you find the right fit for your smile and your daily routine.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment With an Orthodontist in Littleton
Straightening your teeth does more than improve your smile in photos. It supports the long-term health of your teeth, gums, and jaw, and often boosts how confident you feel every day.
Here's what a well-aligned smile can do for you:
- Boost confidence. A straight, balanced smile can change how teens and adults feel in school, at work, and in social settings.
- Improve bite function. Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites reduces jaw strain, uneven wear on enamel, and TMJ-related discomfort.
- Make hygiene easier. Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Support better chewing and speech. Proper alignment helps you chew comfortably and can improve certain speech patterns.
- Protect your smile long-term. Aligned teeth wear more evenly and are less likely to develop future problems.
Modern orthodontics also gives you flexibility. If you want a discreet option, clear aligners let you straighten your teeth without changing your appearance. If you need more involved correction, metal or clear braces offer reliable results you can count on over time. Either way, Dr. Matt and the team build your treatment around your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Process Step by Step
Your orthodontic treatment at Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics follows five clear steps: a free ortho consult, digital scans and personalized treatment planning, fitting braces or clear aligners, regular check-in visits every 4-8 weeks, and retainers to protect your outcome. Most cases take 12-24 months, depending on complexity.
Here's what to expect at each stage:
Step 1: Free Ortho Consult
You'll meet Dr. Matt for a full exam and conversation about your goals. We'll answer your questions, review smile options, and talk through cost and insurance. Virtual consultations are also available if that's easier for your schedule.
Step 2: Digital Scans and Personalized Treatment
No messy impressions. We use digital scanning to map your teeth and design a treatment built around your bite, your timeline, and your lifestyle.
Step 3: Fitting Braces or Receiving Clear Aligners
For braces, we bond brackets to your teeth in a single visit. For clear aligners, you'll pick up your first set of trays and get instructions on wear time and care.
Step 4: Regular Check-In Visits
Every 4-8 weeks, you'll come in for adjustments or to receive your next aligner sets. These visits are quick and help us keep your progress on track.
Step 5: Retainers
Once your teeth are in their new positions, you'll wear a custom retainer to keep them there. Retainers are a lifetime part of protecting your smile.
Are You a Candidate for Braces or Clear Aligners?
Wondering if you or your child is a good fit? The honest answer is that most people are. Orthodontics has come a long way, and today's options work for kids, teens, and adults alike.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it gives Dr. Matt a chance to spot developing issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth concerns before they become bigger problems.
Signs you or your child may benefit from a free ortho consult:
- Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth
- Noticeable gaps or spacing
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing
- Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking habits in kids
Braces vs. Clear Aligners at a Glance
| Feature | Metal & Clear Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Complex bite and alignment cases | Mild-to-moderate cases |
| Visibility | Visible (clear braces are subtle) | Nearly invisible |
| Removable | No | Yes, for meals and brushing |
| Visit frequency | Every 4-8 weeks | Every 6-10 weeks |
| Food restrictions | Yes | No |
It's never too late for a great smile. Adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients, and clear aligners have made treatment easier to fit into a busy life.
Why Choose Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Families in Littleton have trusted Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for years of caring, connected treatment. Our team offers full-spectrum care for every age, all under one roof, so your family doesn't need to bounce between offices for pediatric, general, orthodontic, or surgical needs.
Here's what sets our Littleton dental home apart:
- Board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Matt Goergen leads our orthodontic care and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.
- Trusted providers under one roof. Dr. Scott Pankratz handles pediatric care, Dr. Chad Belongea leads general dentistry, and Dr. Matt guides orthodontics. Our fellowship-trained clinicians bring advanced experience to every stage of your family's care.
- Recognized care. Our team holds American Dental Association memberships and stays current with today's clinical standards.
- Free ortho consults. In-office and virtual options make it easy to get started.
- Family-centered approach. We help every patient feel safe, seen, and supported, whether it's a first tooth or a final retainer.
Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is your neighborhood dental home in Littleton, where smiles grow up. We take the time to know each family by name, and we treat your smile like it matters, because it does.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Littleton
How much do braces or clear aligners cost in Littleton?
Cost depends on the complexity of your case, the treatment option you choose, and your insurance coverage. During your free ortho consult, we'll walk you through pricing, payment options, and what your insurance may cover so there are no surprises.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most orthodontic treatments take 12-24 months, though shorter and longer timelines happen depending on your case. Dr. Matt will give you a personalized estimate at your free consult based on your specific bite and alignment needs.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Many dental insurance plans include partial orthodontic coverage, especially for kids and teens. Our team will review your benefits with you and help you understand what's covered before you commit.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early treatment isn't always needed, but early evaluation lets us guide jaw growth, make room for adult teeth, and prevent more complex issues later.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For mild-to-moderate cases, yes. Clear aligners like Invisalign, 3M Clarity, and ULab can produce excellent outcomes when worn as directed. More complex bite issues may still be better treated with braces, and Dr. Matt will recommend the option that fits your smile goals best.
Is the orthodontic consultation really free?
Yes. Your free ortho consult includes an exam, a conversation about your goals, and a review of your smile options with no obligation. We also offer virtual consults if that's more convenient for you.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation Today
Ready to get started? Book a free in-office or virtual ortho consult with Dr. Matt Goergen and the team at Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. We serve Littleton and surrounding Colorado communities with smile options for kids, teens, and adults.
Call (303) 978-1104 or request your visit online. Our Littleton office at 6931 South Pierce Street is ready to welcome you and help start your smile, your way.