Orthodontic Treatments in Lakewood, CO

Expert Orthodontic Care for Patients of All Ages

Dr. Timothy Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall provide specialized orthodontic treatments designed to create beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages. With extensive training beyond dental school, our orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct misaligned teeth, adjust occlusion (how teeth fit together), and treat jaw disorders using the latest orthodontic technologies and techniques.

Located in the heart of the Belmar shopping district at the southwest corner of S. Teller St and W. Alameda Ave, our practice has proudly served over 6,000 patients in the Lakewood area since 2016. As active members of the American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists, our team is committed to creating a relaxed, personalized experience while delivering exceptional orthodontic care.

We believe educated patients achieve better outcomes, which is why we encourage all our patients to actively participate in their care by asking questions and expressing concerns during treatment. With flexible treatment options and payment plans, we make quality orthodontic care accessible to everyone in our community.

Why Choose Dr. Hardy in Lakewood?

Board-Certified Expertise You Can Trust

Dr. Hardy is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and brings award-winning expertise to every patient. As the recipient of The Everett Shapiro Award in Orthodontics and the Dr. Harold Berk Endowed Prize Fund for Excellence in Research, he has published and presented research both nationally and internationally. His extensive experience with various bracket systems allows him to recommend the best treatment option based on your specific needs and goals.

Dr. Randall complements our practice with her comprehensive philosophy that improves esthetics, function, jaw relationships, airway health, and stability. She’s committed to continuing education on innovative orthodontic techniques and provides outstanding patient care with a digital workflow that efficiently meets treatment goals.

Our entire team of orthodontic professionals works together to create a comfortable, personalized experience that addresses your primary concerns while considering all components of a healthy smile.

State-of-the-Art Technology and Treatment Options

We utilize the latest orthodontic technology to provide precise, effective treatment with maximum comfort. Our digital workflow includes 3D scanning that creates virtual replicas of your teeth, allowing us to plan your treatment with exceptional accuracy.

We offer a wide range of treatment options to fit every lifestyle and preference, from traditional metal braces to virtually invisible alternatives. Our customized treatment plans consider your specific dental needs, timeline goals, and cosmetic preferences to deliver optimal results.

Most importantly, we believe modern orthodontics should offer options everyone can be comfortable with, both physically and aesthetically. That’s why we provide multiple solutions that balance effectiveness with your personal comfort and appearance preferences.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment Options

Child Orthodontics: The Right Care at the Right Time

We recommend children have their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7-8 to ensure proper dental development and identify potential issues early. Unlike practices that routinely start treatment before all adult teeth emerge, Dr. Hardy takes a more conservative approach, beginning treatment only when necessary to avoid prolonged braces wear or unnecessary two-phase treatments.

Our child orthodontic evaluations focus on:

• Monitoring jaw growth and development
• Tracking the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth
• Identifying harmful habits that might affect dental development
• Guiding proper tooth eruption and alignment
• Preventing more serious problems from developing

Early intervention, when truly needed, can simplify and shorten later treatment while potentially reducing the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery. Our thoughtful approach saves parents both time and money while ensuring the best long-term results for their children.

Adult Orthodontics: It’s Never Too Late for a Beautiful Smile

Did you know 25% of the 4.5 million Americans wearing braces are adults? More people are seeking orthodontic treatment later in life thanks to discreet options that fit adult lifestyles and professional needs. We help adult patients achieve straighter teeth regardless of age.

Adult orthodontic treatment can correct:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, and crossbite issues
• Jaw alignment problems
• Previous dental work that has shifted over time

Beyond cosmetic improvements, properly aligned teeth contribute to better oral health by making brushing and flossing more effective, reducing wear on tooth surfaces, and decreasing stress on supporting bone and jaw joints. Many of our adult patients report improved confidence and oral function following treatment.

Our flexible scheduling accommodates busy adult lifestyles, and our range of discreet treatment options ensures minimal impact on your professional appearance during the treatment process.

Invisalign®: Clear Aligners for Discreet Treatment

Invisalign® offers a modern alternative to traditional braces using a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into proper position. This popular option provides several advantages:

The Invisalign® process begins with digital scanning to create a 3D model of your teeth. We then develop a customized treatment plan that shows the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Most patients change aligners every 1-2 weeks, with check-ups approximately every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress.

As a certified Invisalign® provider, our orthodontists have the specialized training and experience to treat even complex cases with this innovative system, delivering beautiful results with maximum convenience.

Invisalign Teen®: Clear Aligners Designed for Young Patients

Invisalign Teen® offers the same benefits as traditional Invisalign® with additional features specifically designed for teenage patients:

• Blue compliance indicators that fade with wear, helping parents and orthodontists confirm aligners are being worn as directed
• Eruption tabs that accommodate growing teeth
• Replacement aligners included in case of loss or damage
• Compatible with sports and musical instruments without modification

Teens particularly appreciate the freedom to continue their normal activities without the restrictions or appearance of traditional braces. The removable nature of aligners allows for easy brushing and flossing, promoting better oral hygiene during treatment.

For teenagers who qualify, Invisalign Teen® provides an effective, comfortable alternative that fits seamlessly into their active lifestyles while delivering the same excellent results as conventional orthodontic methods.

Lingual Braces: Truly Hidden Orthodontic Treatment

For patients seeking the most discreet orthodontic option available, lingual braces offer a revolutionary solution. Unlike traditional braces mounted on the front of teeth, lingual braces are designed for the tongue-side (lingual surface) of teeth, making them completely invisible when you smile.

This innovative system offers several unique advantages:

• Completely invisible from the front
• Always working (no removable parts to keep track of)
• Gentle force technology for more comfortable tooth movement
• Less maintenance than removable aligners
• No speech impediment typically associated with lingual braces
• Custom-programmed movement for efficient treatment

This option is ideal for professionals, public speakers, performers, and anyone who wants effective orthodontic treatment without visible appliances. While offering similar cosmetic benefits to clear aligners, lingual braces eliminates the responsibility of removing and replacing aligners for eating and cleaning.

Customized Treatment Approach for Optimal Results

Digital Treatment Planning and Custom Appliances

We utilize advanced digital technology to create highly personalized treatment plans. Our process begins with comprehensive 3D scanning that captures every detail of your current dental structure.

Using this digital model, we can:

• Visualize the end result before treatment begins
• Create custom-designed appliances for precise tooth movement
• Reduce treatment time through optimized movement paths
• Minimize discomfort with appliances designed specifically for your mouth
• Track progress accurately throughout treatment

This technology-driven approach results in more efficient treatment, fewer appointments, and outstanding outcomes that are tailored to your specific dental anatomy and smile goals.

Flexible Payment Options to Fit Your Budget

We believe financial considerations shouldn’t prevent anyone from achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why we offer various payment options to make orthodontic treatment accessible:

• Flexible monthly payment plans
• Family discounts for multiple family members in treatment
• Acceptance of most PPO dental insurance plans
• Medicaid acceptance for qualifying patients
• Financing options with low or no interest
• Courtesy discount for payment in full

During your consultation, our treatment coordinator will review your insurance benefits and help create a financial plan that works with your budget. We’re committed to finding solutions that make quality orthodontic care affordable for Lakewood families.

FAQ About Orthodontic Treatment in Lakewood, CO

When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation at age seven. We follow this guideline because by this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing us to spot developing problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth. Early detection of certain issues doesn’t always mean immediate treatment—Dr. Hardy takes a conservative approach, beginning treatment only when necessary to avoid prolonged braces wear. This initial visit helps us monitor growth patterns and determine the optimal timing for any needed treatment.

How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?

Treatment duration varies significantly based on individual factors, including the complexity of your case, the type of treatment selected, and how your body responds to tooth movement. On average, comprehensive orthodontic treatment ranges from 18-24 months. Some minor corrections with Invisalign® might be completed in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases involving significant bite correction may take up to 30 months. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized estimate based on your specific situation and treatment goals.

What’s the difference between traditional braces and Invisalign®?

Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth with wires that apply constant pressure to move teeth into position. They’re fixed in place throughout treatment and require regular adjustments. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth. You’ll change aligners approximately every 1-2 weeks and can remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. While both methods effectively straighten teeth, Invisalign® offers more aesthetic appeal and convenience for many patients. However, complex cases sometimes respond better to traditional braces. During your consultation, Dr. Hardy will help you determine which option best suits your specific needs.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

Some temporary discomfort is normal during orthodontic treatment, particularly after initial placement or adjustments as teeth begin to move. This typically feels like pressure or soreness and usually subsides within a few days. We prioritize patient comfort by using modern techniques and materials that apply lighter, more consistent forces. For lingual braces, we use gentle force technology that positions teeth with less force than traditional methods. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage any discomfort, and orthodontic wax can be applied to brackets that may initially irritate cheeks or lips. Most patients adjust quickly to their appliances and find that any discomfort is minimal compared to the benefits of treatment.

Will orthodontic treatment affect my speech or daily activities?

Any orthodontic appliance may temporarily affect speech, particularly when first placed. Most patients adapt within a few days to a week, with any speech changes becoming minimal or unnoticeable. For active individuals, orthodontic treatment rarely limits participation in sports or playing musical instruments, though we recommend mouth guards for contact sports regardless of the treatment method chosen. Invisalign® offers particular advantages for musicians who play wind instruments since the aligners can be removed during practice or performances. Dr. Hardy works with patients to minimize any disruption to daily activities while ensuring effective treatment progress.

Experience Premium Orthodontic Care in Lakewood

Our team combines clinical excellence with a warm, patient-centered approach to create not just beautiful smiles, but positive, memorable experiences. From your first consultation through the completion of treatment, our team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your comfort and answering all your questions.

Dr. Hardy, Dr. Randall, and our entire team invite you to discover the Dr. Hardy difference. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your child, we offer the expertise, technology, and personalized care to achieve exceptional results.

📍 Visit Us: 311 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226
📞 Call: 303-233-2445
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today