Here’s something that might surprise you: while national headlines talk about declining birth rates, Colorado’s telling a completely different story. If you’re running an orthodontic practice in the Centennial State, you’re sitting on what could be the most profitable shift in patient demographics in decades. But here’s the kicker – most orthodontists are completely missing it.
I’ve been working with healthcare practices across Colorado for years, and Ican tell you firsthand that the smart orthodontists are already getting ready for what’s coming. The ones who aren’t? Well, they’re going to wonder where all their patients went in about two years.
The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They’re Complicated)
Now, before you think I’m just blowing sunshine, let me get real with you about what’s actually happening in Colorado. Yes, the state has seen some population changes recently. Colorado’s population of children aged 0-17 declined by approximately 7,394 individuals between 2022 and 2023, and projections suggest this could accelerate with an expected loss of about 15,035 children by 2030.
But here’s what those statistics don’t tell you – and what most practice owners are missing completely.
While the overall youth population might be shifting, Colorado’s economic boom is bringing in lots of well-off families who are moving here specifically for the lifestyle and opportunities. These aren’t your average families scraping by. These are dual-income households where getting orthodontic treatment isn’t a luxury – it’s just what’s expected.
I’ve seen this pattern play out with the practices Iwork with through Casey’s SEO. The orthodontists who understand this change are booking out months in advance, while their competitors are scratching their heads wondering why their phones aren’t ringing.
Why This Population Shift is Pure Gold for Your Practice
Let me tell you what’s really happening with Colorado’s teen population. Sure, K-12 enrollment has been declining – we saw decreases of 3,253 students in 2022, 1,800 in 2023, and 399 in 2024. But that’s actually creating a situation where smart orthodontists are really making the most of it.
Think about it this way: fewer teens overall, but a higher concentration of families who can actually afford full orthodontic treatment. It’s like having a smaller pie, but your slice just got way more valuable.
Here’s what I’m seeing in the practices that are absolutely crushing it right now:
- Average treatment values that are 40-60% higher than the national average
- Quicker decisions because these families have already decided they want treatment
- Higher completion rates and better patient cooperation
- More referrals because these families tend to hang out in similar social circles
The families moving to Colorado aren’t just bringing their kids – they’re bringing their expectations for really good healthcare services. And orthodontics sits right at the top of that list.
The Digital Marketing Wake-Up Call
Here’s where most Colorado orthodontists are really messing up. Parents are doing Google searches like “orthodontist near me” or “best braces for teens,” but the majority of practices are nowhere to be found when it really counts.
Ican’t tell you how many times I’ve had orthodontists come to me frustrated because their referral network isn’t producing like it used to. The truth is that even when families get a referral from their dentist, they’re still going online to check out their options.
If you’re not showing up in local search results, you’re basically invisible to these families who are ready to invest. And trust me, your competitors who are putting effort into their online presence are eating your lunch.
This is exactly why we focus on building a complete local search presence at Casey’s SEO. We don’t just work on one piece – we help practices get found easily in both regular search results and on Google Maps because that’s where these families are making their decisions.
The Insurance and Rules That Are Working in Your Favor
Here’s something that most practice owners aren’t even thinking about: Colorado’s rules are actually becoming more helpful for orthodontic practices, especially when it comes to treatment options and how you care for patients.
The Colorado Dental Board has been making it simpler to offer teleorthodontics and remote monitoring. This means you can give busy Colorado families the more convenient care options they really want. Just remember, you need to follow HIPAA rules when you use these digital tools – that’s becoming super important as patient data protection laws get stricter.
On the insurance side, many of the employers attracting talent to Colorado are offering really good dental benefits that include a lot of orthodontic coverage. These aren’t your typical $1,000 lifetime maximum plans. We’re talking about benefits that actually make getting a full course of treatment affordable for middle and upper-middle class families.
Five Smart Moves to Get These Patients
Alright, let’s get practical. Here’s exactly what you need to do to get your practice ready for this opportunity:
1. Own Local Search Like Your Practice Depends on It
Because honestly, it does. You need to be showing up when parents search for orthodontists in your area. This means getting your Google My Business profile in shape, getting lots of consistent reviews, and making sure your website actually turns visitors into people who book consultations.
Start by claiming and fixing up your Google My Business listing. Upload great photos of your office, your team, and happy patients (with permission, of course). Respond to every review – good and bad. And make sure your practice information is the same everywhere online.
If you want to see how this looks when done right, check out our Colorado Springs local SEO strategies that have helped practices double their consultation bookings.
2. Create Content That Actually Helps Parents Make Decisions
Stop creating content just about yourself and start creating content that answers the questions these parents are actually asking. Things like “How do Iknow if my teen needs braces?” or “What’s the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces for teenagers?”
The families moving to Colorado are researchers. They want to understand their options before they ever walk into your office. Give them that information, and they’ll see you as the expert before they even meet you.
3. Make Your Consultation Process Super Easy for Busy Families
These Colorado families are busy. Both parents are likely working, kids have activities, and everyone’s schedule is packed. If your consultation process requires multiple visits or tricky scheduling, you’re going to lose them to a competitor who makes it simpler.
Offer flexible scheduling options, including early morning or evening appointments. Consider virtual consultations for initial assessments. And make sure you can provide treatment plans and pricing information quickly and clearly.
4. Build Relationships with the Right People Who Send Referrals
While online marketing is super important, don’t ignore the power of smart referral relationships. But instead of just focusing on general dentists, think about where these well-off families are spending their time and money.
Build relationships with pediatric dentists in well-to-do areas, but also think about connecting with private schools, youth sports organizations, and even businesses that employ a lot of families with teens.
5. Show Yourself as the Best Option (Because You Should Be)
Stop trying to be the cheapest and start showing your true worth. These families aren’t looking for the cheapest orthodontist – they’re looking for the best results with the most convenient experience.
Invest in your office environment, train your staff to provide amazing customer service, and don’t be afraid to charge accordingly. When you present yourself as a top-quality practice, you attract top-quality patients.
Common Mistakes That’ll Kill Your Growth
I’ve seen too many orthodontists make these mistakes, and they’re absolutely practice killers in today’s market:
Ignoring Online Reviews
If you’re not actively keeping an eye on your online reputation, you’re basically handing patients to your competitors. One bad review that goes unanswered can cost you dozens of potential patients. These Colorado families are doing their homework online, and they’re making decisions based on what they find.
Underestimating the Power of Google Maps
Most orthodontists think having a website is enough. Wrong. Your Google Maps listing is often the first impression families have of your practice. If it’s incomplete, out of date, or doesn’t have recent reviews, you’re losing patients before they even consider calling you.
This is where our Google Maps help really makes a difference for Colorado practices. When your listing is completely set up, you’re not just showing up – you’re standing out.
Sticking with Old-School Marketing
Yellow Pages ads and newspaper listings aren’t going to cut it anymore. These families grew up with the internet, and they expect to find and interact with your practice online. If your marketing looks like it’s from 2010, your results are going to reflect that.
The Tech Stuff You Can’t Ignore
Here’s something that’s becoming really important for Colorado practices: these families expect technology to be part of their whole orthodontic experience. We’re talking about digital impressions, apps to keep track of treatment, and easy ways to communicate with your practice.
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about having the latest gadgets. It’s about using technology to make the patient experience better. The practices that are winning right now are the ones that use technology to make treatment more convenient, more predictable, and more interesting for both teens and their parents.
Making It Happen in 2025
Look, I’m going to be straight with you. The orthodontists who really take advantage of this chance in 2025 are the ones who start getting ready right now. This isn’t something you can put off until next quarter or next year.
The population changes, the economic stuff, and the digital world are all coming together to create this opportunity. But opportunities don’t last forever, and they definitely don’t wait for practices that are slow to change.
Start with your online presence because that’s where these families are making their first decisions. Make sure you’re showing up in local search results, your Google Maps listing is all set, and your website actually turns visitors into patients.
Then focus on creating simple ways of doing things that serve these busy, well-off families the way they want to be served. That means convenience, clear information, and great results.
If you’re ready to stop watching other practices grow while yours stays flat, it’s time to get serious about getting your practice ready for Colorado’s changing population. The practices that act now are going to be the ones really doing well in their markets in 2025 and beyond.
Want to see exactly how this works? You can find us at 8110 Portsmouth Ct in Colorado Springs, or give us a call at 719-639-8238. We’re helping orthodontic practices across Colorado build the kind of online presence that turns this population shift into real growth.
The opportunity is there. The question is: are you going to take it?
