Comprehensive Guide to Braces in Lakewood, Denver CO
Transform Your Smile with Expert Orthodontic Care in Lakewood
Are you looking for high-quality braces in Lakewood, Denver, Colorado? Dr. Hardy provides cutting-edge orthodontic solutions tailored to your unique needs. Our expert team, led by Dr. Timothy Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall, specializes in transforming smiles for children, teenagers, and adults throughout the Lakewood area.
Located in the heart of Lakewood at 311 S Teller St, our office has served over 6,000 patients since 2016. We combine state-of-the-art technology with personalized care to create beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
As active members of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists, our team is committed to providing you with the highest standard of orthodontic treatment in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Exploring Braces Options in Lakewood, Denver CO
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most reliable and cost-effective orthodontic treatments available in Lakewood. These braces use a system of metal wires and brackets bonded to your teeth to gradually shift them into proper alignment.
While traditional braces are visible when you smile, they offer exceptional results for patients with severe orthodontic issues. Many Lakewood residents choose this option because of its reliability and effectiveness in treating complex alignment problems.
Our Lakewood orthodontists use the latest techniques to ensure your traditional braces treatment is as comfortable and efficient as possible, reducing treatment time while maximizing results.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Want the effectiveness of traditional braces with a more discreet appearance? Clear ceramic braces are an excellent option for Lakewood patients seeking a less noticeable treatment. These braces function similarly to metal brackets but are made from tooth-colored ceramic material that blends naturally with your teeth.
The ceramic brackets are custom-colored to match your natural tooth shade, providing a significant cosmetic advantage during treatment. Additionally, our ceramic brackets are engineered to resist staining, keeping your smile looking its best throughout your orthodontic journey.
Many Lakewood professionals and teenagers prefer clear braces as they offer an ideal balance between treatment effectiveness and aesthetic appeal for those concerned about appearance during treatment.
Invisalign® and ClearCorrect™ Clear Aligners
For Lakewood residents seeking a virtually invisible orthodontic solution, Invisalign® and ClearCorrect™ clear aligners offer the perfect balance of effectiveness and discretion. These transparent, removable aligners straighten your teeth without brackets or wires.
Using a series of custom-fitted clear trays that progressively shift your teeth, Invisalign® and ClearCorrect™ allow you to eat, drink, and maintain oral hygiene with ease. Simply remove the aligners during meals and cleaning, then replace them afterward.
Most Lakewood patients who commit to wearing their aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours daily achieve their desired results within 12 months. During your consultation at our Lakewood office, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will determine if clear aligners are the right choice for your specific orthodontic needs.
Short-Term Braces for Quick Results
Many Lakewood patients primarily want to enhance their smile by aligning the front six teeth—those most visible when smiling. For these cases, we offer short-term braces that focus specifically on cosmetic alignment without adjusting your bite (occlusion).
This targeted approach allows for significantly reduced treatment time compared to comprehensive orthodontics. Short-term braces are ideal for Lakewood adults and teens seeking quick cosmetic improvements with minimal treatment time.
Our experienced Lakewood orthodontists will evaluate your smile and bite to determine if short-term braces will meet your goals. This option has become increasingly popular among busy Lakewood professionals looking for efficient smile enhancements.
Lingual Braces: The Hidden Solution
Lingual braces are gaining popularity among Lakewood professionals and adults seeking truly invisible orthodontic treatment. Unlike traditional braces that attach to the front of your teeth, lingual braces are bonded to the back (tongue-side) of your teeth, making them completely hidden when you smile or speak.
These specialized braces can achieve the same effective results as traditional orthodontics while remaining virtually undetectable throughout your treatment. This makes them an excellent choice for Lakewood athletes, musicians who play wind instruments, media professionals, and adults who want effective treatment without the visible appearance of braces.
For Lakewood patients who aren’t candidates for Invisalign® but still desire discreet treatment, lingual braces offer the perfect solution. We proudly offer an advanced lingual braces system that uses Smartwire technology for comfortable, efficient tooth movement.
Golden Braces
At Belmar Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic treatment is as much about personal style as it is about achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. That’s why we’re proud to offer golden braces as a distinctive alternative to traditional metal or clear brackets.
Our golden braces feature American Orthodontics Champagne Brackets, which provide a sophisticated, elegant aesthetic that appeals to patients seeking something beyond conventional options. Unlike bright yellow gold, these champagne-colored brackets offer a refined, classy appearance that complements various skin tones and personal styles.
As part of our comprehensive orthodontic treatment options, golden braces provide the same reliable tooth movement and effective results as traditional metal braces while offering enhanced aesthetic appeal. This treatment option is particularly valued by patients who want their orthodontic appliances to reflect their personal style preferences. Dr. Hardy uses golden braces to address the same range of orthodontic issues as conventional braces, including crowded teeth, spacing problems, and bite irregularities, ensuring you receive excellent clinical outcomes with a distinctive look.
Advanced Orthodontic Technology in Lakewood
Custom Digital Treatment Planning
At Belmar Orthodontics in Lakewood, we use cutting-edge 3D scanning technology to create precise digital models of your teeth. This allows us to design highly customized treatment plans and visualize your results before treatment even begins.
Our digital workflow ensures more accurate bracket placement, more predictable outcomes, and often shorter treatment times for Lakewood patients. The precision of our digital planning minimizes adjustments and makes your orthodontic visits more efficient.
This technology represents a significant advancement in orthodontic care for Lakewood residents, providing more comfortable treatment with better results.
Smartwire Technology for Gentle Movement
For our Lakewood patients choosing hidden lingual braces, we utilize innovative Smartwire technology that applies gentle forces to move teeth more comfortably than traditional methods. This programmed wire is customized specifically for your smile goals.
The Smartwire is attached to brackets on the back of your teeth, remaining completely hidden while working continuously to guide your teeth into their ideal positions. Many Lakewood patients report less discomfort with this gentle approach to tooth movement.
This technology is especially beneficial for Lakewood adults and professionals who want effective orthodontic treatment with minimal impact on their daily lives and appearance.
Orthodontic Care for All Ages in Lakewood
Children’s Orthodontics
Early orthodontic evaluation can prevent more serious problems from developing and may simplify treatment later on. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children in Lakewood have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7.
Our Lakewood orthodontists specialize in monitoring dental development and intercepting potential problems before they become more difficult to treat. Early intervention can guide jaw growth, create space for crowded teeth, and reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
With our child-friendly approach, young patients from Lakewood feel comfortable and excited about their orthodontic journey. We make each visit fun while teaching proper oral hygiene habits that will benefit them throughout treatment and beyond.
Teen Orthodontics
The teenage years are often the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, as most permanent teeth have erupted while growth is still occurring. We offer Lakewood teens several treatment options, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign Teen®.
Understanding the social concerns that come with adolescence, we provide Lakewood teenagers with choices that fit their lifestyle and preferences. Whether they’re involved in sports, play musical instruments, or are just conscious about their appearance, we have solutions.
Our team works closely with Lakewood teens and their parents to ensure compliance with treatment and develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Adult Orthodontics
It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! More Lakewood adults than ever are seeking orthodontic treatment, and at Belmar Orthodontics, we offer several discreet options designed with adult patients in mind.
Our adult patients from Lakewood appreciate our flexible scheduling, discreet treatment options, and personalized approach. We understand adults have different concerns than younger patients and tailor our approach accordingly.
Many Lakewood professionals choose our practice because we respect their time, preferences, and desire for minimal disruption to their professional and social lives during orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Lakewood, CO
How much do braces cost in Lakewood, CO?
The cost of braces in Lakewood varies depending on several factors, including the type of braces chosen, the complexity of your case, and the length of treatment. We offer traditional metal braces starting around $3,500-$6,000, while options like ceramic braces or Invisalign may range from $4,000-$7,000. We’re proud to make quality orthodontic care accessible to Lakewood families by accepting all PPO dental insurance plans and Medicaid. Additionally, we offer flexible monthly payment plans to help make your orthodontic investment more manageable. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of costs specific to your treatment needs.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically take in Lakewood?
Treatment duration varies significantly based on individual factors, but most Lakewood patients can expect to wear braces for 12-24 months. Simple alignment issues might require only 6-12 months, especially with short-term cosmetic options. More complex cases involving bite correction may need 24-30 months for optimal results. Each patient’s biology also affects treatment speed—teeth move at different rates for different people. Dr. Hardy uses advanced technology to optimize treatment efficiency, often reducing overall treatment time compared to traditional methods. Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will provide a personalized timeline estimate during your initial consultation.
Do braces hurt?
While braces don’t hurt during application, you may experience discomfort for 3-5 days after initial placement and following adjustment appointments. This temporary soreness indicates your teeth are responding to treatment and moving into their new positions. Most Lakewood patients describe it as a feeling of pressure rather than sharp pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any discomfort. Our Lakewood team provides soft wax to cover any brackets that might irritate your cheeks or lips as you adjust to your braces. Most patients find any initial discomfort diminishes significantly after the first week as they adapt to their new appliances.
Can I still play sports with braces in Lakewood?
Absolutely! Many Lakewood athletes continue their sports activities while wearing braces. However, we strongly recommend wearing a custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguard during any contact sport or activity where facial impact is possible. These specialized mouthguards provide more protection than standard athletic mouthguards because they’re designed to fit comfortably over braces. They protect both your orthodontic appliances and your teeth from potential damage. For Lakewood athletes concerned about braces affecting their performance, options like Invisalign or lingual braces might be worth considering as they eliminate concerns about lip injuries that can occur with traditional braces during sports activities.
How do I care for my braces while living in Lakewood?
Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces requires extra attention, but is manageable with the right approach. Lakewood patients should brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, taking care to clean around brackets and wires. Flossing daily is essential—we recommend using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to navigate around brackets and wires.
Water flossers like Waterpik are excellent supplemental tools that many Lakewood patients find helpful. Additionally, we recommend avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage your braces, including popcorn, caramel, hard candies, and whole raw vegetables or fruits (these should be cut into smaller pieces). Regular dental check-ups with your Lakewood dentist should continue throughout orthodontic treatment.
Experience Premier Orthodontic Care in Lakewood, CO
Dr. Hardy is committed to providing Lakewood residents with exceptional orthodontic care in a warm, welcoming environment. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Randall combine their expertise with state-of-the-art technology to create beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, we invite you to experience the Dr. Hardy difference. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.
Don’t wait to start your journey to a more confident smile! Contact Dr. Hardy today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Ready to Transform Your Smile with Braces in Lakewood?
📍 Visit Us: 311 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226
📞 Call: 303-233-2445
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
