Orthodontic care can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile and gain the confidence to show it off!If youre self-conscious about your teeth, correcting your concerns with braces or Invisalign clear aligners cangreatly improve the way you look and feel.
By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position. You can choose between clear ceramic brackets or more traditional metal braces with color.Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort.
2) It reduces overall treatment time because brackets can be placed more accurately. More precise measurements can be made on a cast than in the back of the mouth, so there is less wire bending or repositioning of brackets needed to finish your treatment.
Because we see so many pediatric patients in our practice, we take hand/wrist radiographs to evaluate adolescent growth and determine the optimal time to start treatment. Evaluating growth plates in your hand gives us more detailed information than other methods, so we are better able to predict when to start in order to be in treatment the least amount of time.
A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help ensure a quicker treatment time.
Phase 1 orthodontics is the treatment of children aged 5 -12. Phase 1 is early intervention to reduce both the treatment time and cost of orthodontics. 80% of phase 1 treatment is completed before adult teeth are present, using natural growth to prevent crowding.
The success of Phase 1 treatment depends upon the cooperation of your child, with younger children often being more willing to wear appliances. Early orthodontic treatment creates beautiful smiles and healthy jaws, prevents snoring and speech problems, and removes the need for future extractions of permanent teeth.
Conventional wisdom argues that orthodontic treatment shouldnt start until all the adult teeth have grown in, but some issues with bite, alignment, and facial development can show up long before those teeth do.
Thats where interceptive or Phase 1 orthodontics comes in. An orthodontist can help your childs jawbones grow properly to have more room for the adult teeth and provide the structure for a healthier bite. Correcting problems like malocclusions (bad bites) as they appear makes future orthodontic treatment much faster and easier and, in some cases, unnecessary!
Interceptive orthodontics seeks to correct problems with jaw growth and damage from harmful habits such as thumb sucking, nail-biting, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing. Each of these habits contributes to bite problems such as a narrow upper arch, an underdeveloped lower jaw, a deep bite, and an open bite, as well as dental crowding, which in turn can make it difficult to chew and swallow effectively and speak clearly.
One of the most noticeable differences between Phase 1 and Phase 2 orthodontics is that Phase 1 is less focused on actual braces. Those typically come later, if they are still needed. Some of the treatments commonly used in Phase 1 include:
Phase 2 Orthodontics is the treatment of adults and children 12 and older. Phase 2 straightens teeth using orthodontic braces or clear aligners. This process is most successful when it immediately follows phase 1, and generally takes 1 to 2 years. Here at Iritani Orthodontics, we a wide array of orthodontic treatments to our phase 2 patients.
If youre out of your teens, you might think you missed your chance for straight teeth, but thats not true! Modern orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, is for adults as well as teens. And even if you had braces before, your teeth might still shift over time, which is another reason to consider treatment as an adult.
So whats actually happening on the cellular level during orthodontic treatment? Specialized cells called osteoclasts and osteoblasts respond to the pressure around the periodontal membrane (the pocket of gum tissue connecting the tooths root to the jaw bone). Osteoclasts break down the bone tissue so that the tooth can move, while osteoblasts gradually form new bone tissue behind it. So its not just your teeth moving into position; your jawbones are reshaping themselves too!
Your teeth still remember where they used to be for a while after the braces come off, which is why its so important for you to remember to wear your retainers as directed. Retainers will help your teeth get used to their new position, and theyll prevent unrelated shifting that happens to most people naturally over the course of time.
It is a surreal experience for us to be able to practice together as a family, and that family atmosphere is fundamental to who we are (but we promise not all our dinnertime conversations are about teeth). We are not a big corporate dental chain that tries to get you in and outthe door. We are a family-owned practice of four dental specialists whohave lived in the neighborhood for more than30 years.
Dr. Patra Watana and Dr. Mark Iritani met in dentalresidency at Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York when Dr. Watana was studying pediatric dentistry and Dr. Iritani was studying orthodontics. They had the opportunity treat cases together, which they continue to do 30 years later. The husband and wife team moved back to Colorado after graduation to be closer to Dr. Iritani's parents and have been practicing in Greenwood Village since August 1992.
It seems like a foregone conclusion that their son,Dr. Matt,would follow his parents into dentistry.In kindergarten,he used crayons to draw a picture of himself working with his parents. He is now practicing orthodontics alongside his dad. Their daughter, Dr. Megan, will be practicing pediatric dentistry with their mom.Dr. Matt and Dr. Megan grew up in the area attendingCottonwood Creek Elementary School, Campus Middle School, and Cherry Creek High School. Both Dr. Matt and Dr. Megan stayed in state for college to attendthe University of Denver, and went to dental school at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
We still live in the area, so you might see us at the grocery store or working out at the gym, cheering on patients at a softball game or volunteering at local fundraiser. We enjoy being a part of this community and want to thank our many patients and friends for their continued support over the many years.
Both Dr. Iritani and Dr. Matt teach in the orthodontic residency program at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Together we have 30+ years of experience and are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
We take hand/wrist radiographs to evaluate adolescent growth to determine the optimal time to treat. Evaluating growth plates in your hand gives us more detailed information than other methods, so we are better able to predict when to start in order to be in treatment the least amount of time.
At the end of treatment, we can 3D print a set of your digital models. If in the future you misplace your retainers or they wear out, you can bring in your 3D printed models and we can make new retainers for a small copay.
Our highly trained dental team strives to provide friendly service to all our patients and their families. Dr. Iritani jokes that our office is like an episode of Cheers, where everyone knows your name. We are not a corporate dental practice that tries to get you in and out of the door. Relationships matter to us.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 256 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestsusan carley
a year ago
We highly recommend Dr. Watana for pediatric dentistry and Dr Matt Iritani for Orthodontist! My son has seen Dr Watana for several years and she is kind, caring and experienced. When it was time for my son to get braces I researched many orthodontists in the area (well recommended). We ultimately decided to go with Dr Matt. He is very knowledgeable and was thorough and patient in answering my questions. Their office staff is wonderful and accommodating when making appointments. Also their new office is so spacious, welcoming and clean. Good location, near the Tech center area (across from cherry creek high school campus)
Girija Sankar
a year ago
Very efficient with time and job well done.
Daniel Cote'
a year ago
I don't believe I've met another dentistry more attentive than this one. Professional, clean and very friendly. Thank you so much for showing the care that you do. Truly appreciate it!
Carolina Parada
a year ago
Love the professional, kind, compassionate interactions with everyone in this office!
Justin Allen
a year ago
My daughter has a couple teeth that began causing her a lot of pain over the weekend. I took her to a family dentist this morning and was referred to this office. They weren't taking patients today but knew my daughter was in pain and quickly made time to get us in. Everyone I met here was awesome. They were so friendly and very fast getting us in and out and even though my daughter was terrified when we got there, she somehow left confident, happy and excited to go back next week. By far my best experience at any dentist office, it's just too bad they don't accept adults!! 100% recommend this office for anyone with kids!!
William Wu
a year ago
My son has been with Dr. Watana for years. Their family story is a wonderful American dream coming true. Dr. Matt is a strong role model for my little youth. My little one is very happy to see young doctor Matt each time. This is really a caring office from everyone at the practice. I can not wait for them to add more practices there such as for parents. My son has another visit at the office today. As a young teen, he biked in and warm welcomed by the front desk. He really feels somewhere he belongs to at this point. Although he has a difficult time of chewing after treatment, he doesn't feel afraid to come in as he knows the benefits and he feels he is well treated.
Susan Hogarth
a year ago
Dr. Patra Watana has been my special needs son's dentist for his 17 years of life. She is compassionate, gentle and creative with tools and skills to ensure my son has a pleasant and successful dental experience. My son enjoys going to the dentist and asks for Dr. Watana during the cleaning and appointment, as he is very comfortable with her care. She cares about her patients 24/7 and responds to questions/concerns quickly. Thank you Dr. Patra Watana
Anna Fedoseyenko
a year ago
Dr Watana is amazing! Dream dentist!
Paula Moore
2 years ago
We have been bringing our two sons to Drs. Watana and Iritani since our children were very small. We have used both dental and orthodontia services. Drs. Watana and Iritani are outstanding in their service. They are thorough, professional and personal. I am grateful that my children had such amazing dental care through their childhood.
Brittany Larrimore - James (Nailflaunt)
2 years ago
My girls have been coming to dr. Wantana for a little over a year and had a good amount of work done and we just absolutely love them! Their staff is always super friendly, accommodating and make my kiddos feel right at home.
Karla Barrett
2 years ago
We have been going to this practice for years. This week was a miscommunication (my part) and I showed up without an appointment. They knew this was a complete accident and they didn't have patients, so the whole team worked to get my girls cleaning completed. The team is always so welcoming, speak to the children so they understand, and are helpful to the parents.
Mary Johnston
2 years ago
Friendly staff, quick efficient process, made effective accommodations for my handicapped son.
Haroon Zaheer
2 years ago
Dr Megan and Dr Watana along with their dental assistant were absolutely wonderful. They were very friendly, professional and cared about my sentiments as a mother. They truly cared my daughter as a patient and were very helpful in making sure all my questions and concerns were answered.
CY Huang
2 years ago
Great and professional service. My kids love the new office and always have very positive experiences from the treatment!!
Jody Wait
2 years ago
My children have been visiting Dr. Watana for over 10 years! We love the entire staff...always efficient, on time and kind.
Vadim Reznik
2 years ago
I feel like a family member, when I bring my son to those beautiful people and highly professional doctors! Can't be happier for choosing them as a dental caregivers for my son! Highly recommended!
Ramandeep Singh
2 years ago
Amazing facility, amazing staff and amazing doctor. We have tried atleast 10 different facilities and they were nothing but business minded talking thousands of dollars just for extraction of our 3 year old. Dr. Watana and her staff turned to be a lifesaver. They took care of extraction and denture implant for our daughter and charged almost nothing compared to quotes we got just for extractions from other facilities . Let me repeat it again, staff is super friendly and caring. Sincere thanks to this facility and I am so glad that they are coming up with dental facility for adults as well.
Mia Hope
2 years ago
I am one of those people that actually did not ming going to the dentist office growing up. I was certainly used to being in the dentist office a lot since my brother needed them. He got them done by Iritani and now his teeth are literally perfect. It so happens to be my turn now to get them and I've never felt more informed. Matt is genuinely one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He went so above and beyond that he informed me of something they caught on my X-rays that had to do with an enlarged gland. They are readily available and always make sure to explore every single option! They were so nice, engaging, funny, and very thorough. As of right now, they are the only people I trust with my teeth and my health. I also do not write reviews, so take this pretty seriously. 10 OUT OF 10!
Isabella Rivera
2 years ago
Amazing experience!!! my daughter hates the dentist and they did an amazing job of calming her down and getting everything they needed done I definitely recommend this spot!!!
Belle Duggan
2 years ago
I can't believe how amazing this place is!! Everyone there made my 1 & 3-year-olds feel right at home. In a situation that can be VERY scary, they were laughing and opening their mouths happily. Amazing place, amazing dentist, amazing staff and amazing service. Can't say enough.
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