About Orthodontics - Patra Watana Pediatric Dentistry & Iritani Orthodontics

Dr. Iritani and Dr. Matt

About Orthodontics at Iritani Orthodontics

Welcome to Iritani Orthodontics, your dedicated orthodontic care provider in Greenwood Village, CO. At our practice, we are committed to offering comprehensive orthodontic services to patients of all ages, using state-of-the-art technology and methods to ensure effective and comfortable treatment. Whether you are a child, a teenager, or an adult, our expert orthodontists, Dr. Mark Iritani and Dr. Matt Iritani, are here to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey.

Understanding Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on aligning teeth and jaws to improve oral health and the aesthetics of your smile. Through the use of braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances, we can correct malocclusions (improper bites), which may be due to tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both.

The Bone Remodeling Process

One of the fundamental aspects of orthodontics is the bone remodeling process. This natural process allows the teeth to move into their correct positions effectively. It involves the breakdown of bone tissue around the tooth that is moving (resorption) and the formation of new bone tissue (deposition) in the new position of the tooth. This cycle is carefully managed with the strategic application of pressure using orthodontic devices, ensuring that the teeth move safely and efficiently. This method is both a science and an art, requiring detailed planning and precise control to achieve the desired outcome.

Two-Phase Treatment

At Iritani Orthodontics, we often recommend a two-phase orthodontic treatment for children and young adolescents. This approach optimizes the timing of orthodontic care to ensure the best long-term results.

Phase One focuses on jaw development. By guiding the growth of the jaw in young children, we can help accommodate all the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. This phase often involves using dental appliances to create more space for developing teeth, correct crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or other formative issues that, if left untreated, could require more invasive treatments later.

Phase Two begins once all the permanent teeth have erupted, typically involving braces or aligners to position the teeth into their ideal locations within the jaw, refined from the groundwork laid in Phase One. This phase perfects the placement for a balanced, functional, and attractive smile.

Adult Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens; adults are also embracing the benefits of corrected smiles. Adult orthodontics at Iritani Orthodontics involves the same fundamental procedures as treatments used for younger patients, but care is tailored to cater to adult patients' specific needs and lifestyles.

For adults, we offer a range of discreet treatment options, including clear braces and Invisalign. These options allow for the correction of orthodontic issues without the aesthetic concerns of traditional braces. Adult treatment may take a bit longer due to the maturity of the bone structure; however, the results are just as effective, significantly improving oral health, functionality, and self-confidence.

The benefits of receiving orthodontic treatment in adulthood include not only cosmetic improvements but also functional ones, such as improved bite alignment, which can reduce wear and tear on teeth surfaces, decrease the risk of tooth decay, enhance chewing and speaking, and alleviate or prevent jaw pain.

Retention: Securing Your Smile for the Long Term

After the active phase of orthodontic treatment, retention is crucial to maintaining the results achieved through braces or Invisalign. This phase typically involves wearing retainers, which are custom-made devices designed to keep teeth in their new positions. At Iritani Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of this phase as teeth can shift back to their original positions if they are not held in place. We provide both fixed and removable retainers, depending on the specific needs and lifestyle of the patient. Wearing your retainer as instructed is essential for preserving the alignment of your smile and ensuring your investment in orthodontics provides benefits that last a lifetime.

Why Choose Iritani Orthodontics?

At Iritani Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile. Our practice is built on a foundation of compassion, expertise, and dedication to patient care. We use the latest in orthodontic technology and techniques to provide personalized treatment plans that meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient. Our skilled orthodontists, Drs. Mark and Matt Iritani, are committed to continuing education and are deeply knowledgeable about the latest advances in orthodontic care.

Choosing the right orthodontic provider is crucial, and at Iritani Orthodontics in Greenwood Village, we are proud to offer a welcoming, professional environment where you can feel confident in the quality and care of the treatment you receive. Whether you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to visit us to learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.