Orthodontic Treatment Options in Denver
At aligned. Orthodontics on South Pearl Street in Denver, Dr. Vanderstelt treats more than crooked teeth. A narrow or recessed jaw can crowd both the teeth and the airway, so every plan looks at your bite, your jaw growth, and how you breathe.
Below are the orthodontic treatment options we offer for kids, teens, and adults, from braces and clear aligners to expansion and jaw surgery. At your consultation, she will tell you straight which one fits, or whether you need treatment at all.
Clear & metal braces
At aligned., we use Damon braces, which are often better than traditional braces because they use a unique sliding mechanism that allows teeth to move more easily and quickly. This can lead to shorter treatment times and fewer adjustments. Additionally, clear Damon braces are less noticeable, making them a more discreet option for those who want a more subtle look while straightening their teeth.
InBrace (lingual braces)
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are an excellent choice for all ages, including the youngest kids in our practice, with options for nighttime wear! They’re easy to remove for regular cleaning, let you eat almost anything, and have no poking appliances. Plus, they require fewer and less painful visits than braces, making them a convenient option for everyone. Dr. Vanderstelt is an expert in using aligners, even for the most challenging cases.
Expanders
Expanders are used for children to widen the upper jaw, creating more space in the nasal passage and dental arches. This can be part of Phase One Orthodontic treatment that helps teeth come in better aligned and improves nasal breathing.
MARPE (miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expansion)
Jaw surgery
Jaw surgery addresses idealizing the jaw structure so that the airway, face, bite, and smile are all in alignment with their ideal and healthiest position. It usually requires about 12 months of orthodontics prior to the surgery and another 9-12 months of orthodontics after surgery.
Sleep apnea/airway
From a young age, poor jaw development, such as narrow or recessed upper and lower jaws, can negatively affect the airway, resulting in sleep issues and long-term health problems. We provide solutions for children as young as five and adults up to their seventies to address and improve these root causes of airway problems.
Which treatment fits you
A quick look at who each option is for and what it changes. Dr. Vanderstelt confirms the right fit at your consultation.
| Treatment | Who it is for | What it fixes | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braces (Damon, metal or clear) | Kids, teens, and adults | Crowding, spacing, and bite | Self-ligating brackets; the clear version is less noticeable |
| InBrace (lingual braces) | Teens and adults | Crowding, spacing, and bite | Hidden behind the teeth, and you can still floss normally |
| Clear aligners | All ages, including young kids | Tooth alignment, even in complex cases | Removable, with nighttime-wear options |
| Expanders | Children | A narrow upper jaw | Makes room for adult teeth and can improve nasal breathing |
| MARPE | Teens and adults | A narrow upper jaw | Widens the jaw without surgery, anchored with small bone screws |
| Jaw surgery with orthodontics | Adults with a jaw position problem | Jaw position, bite, and airway | About 12 months of orthodontics before surgery and 9 to 12 months after |
| Airway-focused treatment | Ages five through the seventies | Jaw structure behind breathing and sleep problems | Treats the root cause rather than only the teeth |
Problems we treat in Denver
Start with what you are noticing. Each page covers the causes, when to act, and how we treat it.
Here for your child? Start with braces for kids in Denver or phase one treatment.
Smile gallery
We love helping people live better through a brighter, aligned smile. Meet some of our friends who have taken the alignment journey with Denver orthodontist Dr. Vanderstelt!
Frequently asked ortho questions
We’ve collected some of the most common orthodontic questions (and their answers) here. If you’re wondering when to see an orthodontist (or whether you’re too old for braces), we cover these important alignment questions and more! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Don’t worry, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
Why should I choose a board-certified orthodontic specialist?
Your teeth, entire facial structures, and airway can be impacted by orthodontic treatment. Choosing to go to an Orthodontic Specialist who is Board Certified means that they went to four years of undergrad, four years of dental school, two to three years of an accredited orthodontic residency, and then went through the American Board of Orthodontics’ credentialing process that requires the completion of peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examination. A Board Certified Orthodontist has reached the highest level of achievement by pursuing additional voluntary education and ongoing self-assessment.
When should I schedule an orthodontic evaluation for my child?
At our practice, we like to see children at five because we want to catch any airway and jaw structure problems early. If no orthodontics is needed, we will continue to see your child back once a year to observe their growth.
Am I too old for braces?
For those who can benefit from orthodontics, it’s never too late for orthodontic treatment. An increasing number of adults are taking advantage of the lifelong benefits of orthodontic care, choosing to spend the rest of their lives with an attractive, healthy smile and the confidence that it brings. At aligned. Orthodontics, we are experts in adult aesthetic options, from Invisalign to clear and lingual braces. You are never too old to enhance your bite and smile.
How do teeth move?
Light pressure is applied to the teeth over time by using a variety of orthodontic appliances, causing movement. The most common hardware are braces, or brackets, attached to the teeth and connected by an archwire, which is periodically changed to apply different amounts of pressure to teeth. Younger patients may wear headgear, elastics, a positioner, or a retainer during their orthodontic journey.
If I have braces, do I still need regular dental checkups?
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important for orthodontic patients to visit their dentist. With braces, food can be caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to build up, leading to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.
Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food caught between your braces. You should also floss daily to get between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach.
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