aligned. airway orthodontist in Denver.
Airway-focused orthodontics, board-certified, on South Pearl in Platt Park.
Meet aligned. Orthodontics
As a mom of three, I value only the best healthcare providers for my family. Therefore, I created an orthodontic practice in Denver, CO offering the most progressive technology and approach where beautiful smiles, healthy airways, healthy bites, and a convenient and comforting experience are aligned.
Utilizing the latest digital technology, including 3D x-rays and teeth scanning, we deliver top-notch orthodontics in a comfortable manner. If you’re looking for the most modern and personalized orthodontic care in Denver for yourself or your child, we would love to meet you.
The Three A’s of Holistic Orthodontic Care
We bring you more than just a glowing smile. Your individualized treatment is designed by the doctor focusing on your airway, tooth alignment, and aesthetic goals – the three essential elements for achieving ideal oral health and function.
Airway
The way you breathe creates the foundation of a balanced face and better health.
Alignment
Correct your bite and straighten your smile to look (and feel) like your best self.
Aesthetics
A beautiful smile is the heart of your self-confidence and the key to a look you love.
Aligning Care and Comfort
From our space to our holistic approach to treatment, everything at aligned. Orthodontics is designed with you and your family in mind. We want you to feel at home as we work together to create your dream smile so that each visit leaves you refreshed and inspired.
From booking your appointment online to developing your orthodontic care plan, you’re sure to enjoy a simple and stress-free experience from start to finish. We even offer a Comfort Menu to help you sit back and relax during your appointment – complete with Netflix and a complimentary beverage bar!
Never Underestimate
the Power of a Smile
5 Star Reviews from Hundreds of Denver Patients
TESTIMONIALS
Questions we hear often
Airway orthodontics, MARPE, Invisalign, and the small but important details of caring for your smile in Platt Park.
What is airway-focused orthodontics?
Airway-focused orthodontics treats your bite and your breathing together. Traditional orthodontics moves teeth. Airway orthodontics looks at how the jaws, palate, and tongue affect the airway, then builds a plan that improves alignment and breathing at the same time. It is especially relevant for patients with narrow palates, crowded teeth, mouth breathing, or disrupted sleep.
How can orthodontics improve breathing and sleep?
A narrow upper jaw, a recessed lower jaw, or a low tongue posture can all restrict the airway. Expanding the palate, guiding jaw development, and retraining tongue posture can open the airway and improve nasal breathing. At aligned. Orthodontics, Dr. Vanderstelt factors airway into how she looks at every case rather than treating it as an afterthought.
What is MARPE and who is a candidate?
MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. It is a non-surgical way to widen the upper jaw in teens and adults whose palates have already fused. MARPE can relieve crowding, open the nasal airway, and prevent the need for jaw surgery in many cases. Candidacy is confirmed with 3D iCat imaging.
When should my child first see an orthodontist in Denver?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age seven, and in our office we usually start seeing kids at age six and up. Early evaluation matters most when there are airway concerns, mouth breathing, crowded teeth, or crossbites. Most children will not need treatment yet, but seeing them early gives us the option of guiding growth rather than correcting it later.
Am I too old for Invisalign or braces?
No. A large share of aligned.'s patients are adults, including Dr. Vanderstelt herself. Invisalign, Damon braces, and MARPE all work for adult patients. Bone remodeling slows with age but does not stop, and modern appliances are designed to fit adult lifestyles.
Which is right for me: Invisalign, Damon, or traditional braces?
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners and is nearly invisible. Damon braces are a self-ligating system that applies gentler forces and often shortens treatment time. Traditional braces remain the most versatile for complex cases. Dr. Vanderstelt recommends the option that fits your biology, lifestyle, and goals, not a house preference.
Where is aligned. Orthodontics located?
aligned. Orthodontics is on South Pearl Street in Platt Park, just south of Washington Park in Denver. We see patients from Platt Park, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, University, Congress Park, Central Park, and across South Denver.
What happens at my first visit, and what does it cost?
Your first orthodontic consultation for braces or Invisalign is complimentary. Dr. Vanderstelt reviews your bite with you in real time using an iTero digital scan, and you leave with a clear plan and a cost breakdown for your case.
Costs vary quite a bit from person to person. As a general range, braces run about $5,500 to $8,000 and Invisalign or clear aligners run about $4,000 to $10,000, with the final number depending on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes. aligned. accepts most major insurance plans, files claims on your behalf, and offers in-house interest-free payment plans along with HSA and FSA.
Airway consultations are a separate, more in-depth service. They are complimentary for children 13 and under, with a fee for ages 14 and up.