Lingual Braces Lakewood, CO
The Ultimate Guide to Hidden Lingual Braces in Lakewood, CO
At Belmar Orthodontics in Lakewood, Colorado, we understand that your smile is more than just aesthetics—it’s about confidence, self-expression, and overall well-being. Many adults and teenagers hesitate to get the orthodontic treatment they need because they don’t want visible metal braces affecting their appearance. That’s why Dr. Timothy Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall are proud to offer state-of-the-art lingual braces—a discreet orthodontic solution that delivers powerful results while remaining completely hidden from view.
Lingual braces provide the same effective teeth-straightening results as traditional braces, but with a key difference: they’re attached to the back (tongue-side) of your teeth, making them virtually invisible when you smile, talk, or laugh. This innovative approach lets you maintain your professional appearance and social confidence throughout your treatment journey, all while working toward the perfectly aligned smile you deserve.
Located in the heart of Lakewood at 311 S Teller St, Belmar Orthodontics specializes in customized lingual braces solutions that fit your lifestyle, budget, and orthodontic needs. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care in a comfortable, welcoming environment using the latest technology in hidden orthodontic treatment.
What Are Lingual Braces and How Do They Work?
The Technology Behind Hidden Braces
Lingual braces are a specialized orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made brackets and wires attached to the inner surface of your teeth (facing your tongue). Unlike traditional braces that are visible on the front of your teeth, lingual braces work their magic completely out of sight, making them the perfect solution for image-conscious teens and adults.
Each set of lingual braces at Belmar Orthodontics is custom-designed using advanced 3D scanning technology to create a digital replica of your teeth. Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will then virtually reposition your teeth to map out your ideal smile. Based on this digital model, specialized brackets and wires are crafted to fit the unique contours of the inside surfaces of your teeth, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.
The customized brackets are smaller and flatter than traditional braces, allowing them to fit comfortably against the back of your teeth while applying gentle, consistent pressure to move your teeth into proper alignment. This personalized approach means faster results with less discomfort compared to one-size-fits-all solutions.
Benefits of Choosing Lingual Braces in Lakewood
The Invisible Advantage: Aesthetics Without Compromise
The most obvious benefit of lingual braces from Belmar Orthodontics is their invisibility. For professionals, public speakers, performers, or anyone concerned about their appearance during orthodontic treatment, lingual braces offer an unparalleled aesthetic advantage:
- 100% invisible when you smile, talk, or laugh
- No metal showing in photos or video calls
- Professional appearance maintained throughout treatment
- Confidence boost knowing your orthodontic treatment is your secret
Unlike removable clear aligners that require disciplined wear (typically 22+ hours daily), lingual braces work around the clock without any action required on your part. This “always on, always working” approach means consistent progress toward your smile goals without the temptation to remove your orthodontic appliance.
Beyond Invisibility: Practical Benefits for Lakewood Residents
Lingual braces offer numerous advantages beyond their hidden appearance that make them particularly well-suited for active Lakewood residents:
- Perfect for athletes: No risk of brackets causing lip or cheek injuries during sports
- Ideal for musicians: Wind instrument players experience less interference compared to traditional braces
- No removable parts: Unlike clear aligners, there’s nothing to lose, forget, or misplace
- Effective for complex cases: Can treat orthodontic issues that might not be suitable for aligner therapy
- Personalized treatment: Custom-made specifically for your unique tooth structure and treatment needs
For many of our Lakewood patients who lead active lifestyles, participate in contact sports, or play musical instruments, lingual braces provide the perfect balance of effective treatment and lifestyle compatibility.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for Lingual Braces in Lakewood?
Lingual braces can be an excellent choice for many patients, but they’re particularly well-suited for:
- Image-conscious adults: Professionals, public speakers, or anyone concerned about maintaining their appearance during treatment
- Teenagers who are worried about social perceptions of traditional braces
- Athletes participating in contact sports who want to avoid potential injuries from front-facing brackets
- Musicians who play wind instruments where traditional braces might interfere with performance
- Patients with metal allergies who might react to traditional braces on the front of their teeth
- Anyone seeking effective orthodontic treatment without visible appliances
During your consultation at our Lakewood office, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will evaluate your specific orthodontic needs to determine if lingual braces are the right solution for your unique situation.
Lingual Braces Before and After Pictures/Video
The Lingual Braces Process at Belmar Orthodontics
Your Journey to a Hidden Smile Transformation
At Belmar Orthodontics in Lakewood, we’ve refined our lingual braces process to ensure comfortable, efficient treatment with outstanding results. Here’s what you can expect when choosing lingual braces with our team:
- Initial Consultation: Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw structure, including 3D imaging to assess your specific orthodontic needs.
- Digital Impressions: We’ll take precise digital impressions of your teeth using our advanced intraoral scanner—no more messy putty impressions!
- Customized Treatment Planning: Our team will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific orthodontic needs and smile goals.
- Custom Bracket Fabrication: Your digital impressions will be sent to a specialized laboratory where your custom lingual brackets and wires will be fabricated to fit the unique contours of your teeth.
- Bracket Placement: During a single appointment, your custom brackets will be precisely bonded to the back surfaces of your teeth, and the initial archwire will be placed.
- Periodic Adjustments: You’ll visit our Lakewood office approximately every 6-8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks.
Throughout your treatment journey, our Belmar Orthodontics team will be available to answer questions, address concerns, and ensure your comfort every step of the way.
Living with Lingual Braces: What Lakewood Patients Should Know
While lingual braces offer remarkable aesthetic advantages, they do require a brief adjustment period as your tongue gets used to the presence of brackets on the inner surfaces of your teeth. Here’s what our Lakewood patients typically experience:
- Initial adaptation period: Most patients adjust to lingual braces within 1-2 weeks
- Speech adjustments: Some patients experience minor speech changes that typically resolve within a week
- Oral care routine: We’ll provide specialized cleaning tools and techniques to maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Dietary considerations: Similar to traditional braces, you’ll want to avoid extremely sticky or hard foods that could damage brackets
Our Belmar Orthodontics team is committed to making your experience with lingual braces as comfortable as possible. We provide comprehensive instructions, support, and tips to help you quickly adapt to your new braces and maintain them properly throughout your treatment.
Why Choose Belmar Orthodontics for Lingual Braces in Lakewood
Lingual braces require specialized training and expertise that not all orthodontists possess. At Belmar Orthodontics, our doctors have undergone extensive additional training specifically in lingual braces to ensure optimal results for our Lakewood patients.
Dr. Timothy Hardy, as a board-certified orthodontist and active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, brings award-winning expertise to every lingual braces case. Similarly, Dr. Cierra Randall’s specialized training and commitment to continuing education in innovative orthodontic techniques ensure you’re receiving the highest standard of care available in Lakewood.
Our state-of-the-art facility at 311 S Teller St features the latest digital scanning technology, custom bracket design systems, and treatment planning software to create your perfect hidden braces experience. We’ve successfully treated hundreds of Lakewood residents with lingual braces, helping them achieve beautiful smiles without compromising their appearance during treatment.
Comparing Lingual Braces to Other Orthodontic Options
Lingual Braces vs. Traditional Braces: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lingual Braces | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Completely hidden | Visible on the front of teeth |
| Effectiveness for complex cases | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comfort | Initial adjustment period, then comfortable | Initial adjustment period, then comfortable |
| Treatment time | Comparable to traditional braces | 12–36 months, depending on the case |
| Office visits | Every 6–8 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Speech impact | Temporary adjustment period | Minimal impact |
| Cleaning difficulty | Requires specialized techniques | Moderate difficulty |
| Cost | Higher due to customization | Lower cost option |
| Ideal for | Image-conscious adults and teens, performers, and public speakers | Patients seeking effective treatment at a lower cost |
Both treatment options effectively address a wide range of orthodontic issues, but lingual braces offer the clear advantage of being completely invisible—a crucial benefit for many of our Lakewood patients.
Lingual Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Making the Right Choice
While both lingual braces and clear aligners offer aesthetic advantages over traditional braces, they work in fundamentally different ways:
- Treatment approach: Lingual braces are fixed appliances working 24/7, while aligners are removable and must be worn 20-22 hours daily
- Compliance requirements: Lingual braces require no patient compliance beyond oral hygiene, while aligners demand disciplined wear
- Case complexity: Lingual braces can address more complex orthodontic issues than aligners in many cases
- Convenience: Aligners require removal for eating and drinking, while lingual braces allow normal eating
- Loss potential: Aligners can be misplaced or damaged, while lingual braces are permanently attached during treatment
During your consultation at Belmar Orthodontics, we’ll help you weigh these factors based on your lifestyle, orthodontic needs, and personal preferences to determine the best treatment approach for your unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lingual Braces in Lakewood
Are lingual braces more painful than traditional braces?
Lingual braces cause discomfort similar to traditional braces, primarily during the first week after placement and following adjustment appointments. The main difference is that soreness tends to affect your tongue rather than your cheeks and lips. At Belmar Orthodontics, we use the most advanced custom-designed brackets that are specifically contoured to maximize comfort while minimizing tongue irritation. Most of our Lakewood patients report adapting to their lingual braces within 1-2 weeks, after which discomfort is minimal. We also provide dental wax and detailed instructions to help manage any irritation during the adjustment period.
How much do lingual braces cost in Lakewood, Colorado?
Lingual braces at Belmar Orthodontics typically range from $7,000-$10,000 for full treatment, depending on case complexity and specific needs. While this represents a premium over traditional braces, many of our Lakewood patients find the aesthetic advantage well worth the investment. We offer flexible payment plans starting at $199/month to make lingual braces more accessible. We also work with most PPO dental insurance plans and can help determine what portion of your treatment might be covered. During your consultation, our treatment coordinator will provide a detailed breakdown of costs specific to your case with no hidden fees.
How long does lingual braces treatment take at Belmar Orthodontics?
Most lingual braces treatments at our Lakewood office take between 12-24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Simple alignment issues might be completed in as little as 10 months, while more complex bite corrections could take up to 30 months. Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will provide you with a personalized timeline during your consultation based on your specific orthodontic needs and smile goals. We use advanced technology to create efficient treatment plans that minimize your time in braces while maximizing results.
Will lingual braces affect my speech?
Most patients experience some speech changes initially, particularly with sounds like “s,” “t,” and “d.” This occurs because your tongue makes contact with the back of your teeth when forming these sounds, and the presence of brackets alters that familiar pattern. The good news is that about 75% of our Lakewood patients adapt within a week, and nearly everyone adjusts within two weeks. Some find that reading aloud for 5-10 minutes daily speeds up the adaptation process. Our team provides specific exercises to help you adjust more quickly. For those with professional speaking obligations, we can schedule your initial placement to allow adjustment time before important events.
How do I clean lingual braces properly?
Maintaining good oral hygiene with lingual braces requires special attention, but our Belmar Orthodontics team will ensure you have all the tools and knowledge needed. We recommend:
- Using a water flosser daily to remove food particles between teeth and around brackets
- Investing in an electric toothbrush with orthodontic heads designed for braces
- Using interdental brushes to clean around brackets and under wires
- Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in hard-to-reach areas
- Scheduling regular professional cleanings every 3-4 months during treatment
We provide a comprehensive cleaning kit with specialized tools and detailed instructions at your bracket placement appointment, and our team is always available to demonstrate proper techniques during your regular visits.
Transform Your Smile Discreetly with Lingual Braces at Belmar Orthodontics
Don’t let concerns about appearance prevent you from achieving the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Lingual braces at Belmar Orthodontics provide a discreet, effective solution that allows you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Our expert orthodontists, Dr. Timothy Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall, combine advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional results for our Lakewood patients.
The journey to your perfect smile begins with a complimentary consultation at our welcoming Lakewood office. During this visit, we’ll discuss your smile goals, evaluate your orthodontic needs, and determine if lingual braces are the right solution for you.
📍 Visit Us: 311 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226
📞 Call: (720) 330-2673
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Belmar Orthodontics – Creating beautiful smiles in Lakewood with the latest in hidden braces technology.
$250 TO START
$125 / MONTH
36 MONTHS
Paying for braces shouldn’t be a frustrating or complicated thing. We don’t want your experience to be like that. We’ve worked really hard to make it as simple and straight forward as possible by providing clear, straightforward, and realistic financing terms.
