Our Relaxed Atmosphere for kids’ orthodontics is Something to smile about
Our Relaxed Atmosphere is Something to Smile About
An active member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. T.C. Hardy is a Fort Collins orthodontist that works together with a team of dental professionals to create a comfortable and personalized experience for each of our patients. Dr. Hardy encourages both adult and young patients to ask questions and express any concerns they might have. This helps patients to know what to expect throughout their treatment – from start to finish. Our orthodontic team offers many treatment options for children and adults to allow for the most enjoyable experience possible.
Dr. Hardy is proud to be elected by his dental peers as 1 of the best orthodontists in the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado area since 2016. Schedule an appointment with us today. See Areas We Serve
Our other locations: Belmar Orthodontics | Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Erie | Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Lakewood | Greeley | Longmont, CO | Loveland | Denver
Fort Collins Location
1015 S Taft Hill Rd Unit K, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Longmont Location
1515 Main St #3, Longmont, CO 80501
Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Greeley Location
2124 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634
Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Loveland Location
1586 Taurus Ct #150, Loveland, CO 80537
Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Your Trusted Orthodontist in Northern Colorado
Our Relaxed Atmosphere is Something to Smile About
Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Addie Peterson provide exceptional orthodontic care in a relaxed, patient-focused environment. Located in the heart of Northern Colorado, our practice specializes in creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages using the latest orthodontic technologies and techniques.
Dr. Hardy has been voted by his dental peers as one of the best orthodontists in Northern Colorado since 2016. Our team is dedicated to making your orthodontic journey comfortable, transparent, and successful from start to finish.
Our Relaxed Atmosphere is Something to Smile About
Treatment Options
Child Orthodontics
Child Orthodontics
We provide careful and gentle care for our young patients in Fort Collins in an effort to ensure positive visits to the orthodontist. With open communication, we work with kids and their parents to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. In many cases, early treatment may not be necessary, and patients can wait until their early teens for treatment. Our highly skilled team of professionals can help your child to achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile!
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Adult Orthodontics
Adult Orthodontics
You can achieve straight teeth at any age! In addition to traditional methods, we also offer discreet treatment options, helping you to address orthodontic issues in a way that is most convenient for you and your lifestyle. Our talented Fort Collins orthodontist, Dr. T.C. Hardy can help you find the treatment option that best meets your needs.
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Invisalign®
Invisalign®
As an alternative to traditional metal braces, we offer Invisalign® and other clear aligners at our Fort Collins location to help many patients straighten and align teeth discreetly, conveniently, and more comfortably. The clear, removable aligners allow our patients to eat, drink, brush, and floss without their treatment getting in the way.
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Teen Invisalign®
Teen Invisalign®
For teenagers who need to straighten their teeth but do not want to worry about metal braces getting in the way of sports or affecting their appearance, Invisalign Teen® may be an appropriate solution. Invisalign Teen® also offers the added benefit of fewer & shorter appointment times, a convenience that many parents enjoy. Call our office to learn more!
Read MoreCommunity Involvement and Events
Dr. Hardy, Dr. Peterson, and the entire team are deeply committed to the Northern Colorado community. We regularly participate in local events and support community initiatives as a way of giving back to the area we love to serve.
We welcome our patients to join us in these community activities. If you have suggestions for community projects or events we could support, please let us know! Call us at (970) 980-2145 to share your ideas.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign® treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. As a certified Invisalign® provider, Dr. Hardy has helped hundreds of Northern Colorado patients achieve beautiful smiles discreetly. Benefits include:
- Nearly invisible treatment
- Removable for eating, brushing, and special occasions
- No food restrictions
- Fewer office visits required
- Comfortable, smooth plastic with no sharp edges
Hidden Lingual Braces – The Truly Invisible Option
Dr. Hardy is proud to offer lingual braces, the revolutionary hidden orthodontic system that works behind your teeth. Using smart wire technology, we provide:
- 100% invisible treatment (brackets and wires are behind your teeth)
- Gentle, continuous tooth movement with proprietary Gentleforce® technology
- Computer-programmed smartwires customized to your specific smile
- Ability to brush, floss, and eat normally
- Fewer office visits with self-adjusting technology
- Shorter treatment times than traditional methods
The process begins with detailed 3D scans of your teeth. We then virtually reposition them to create your ideal smile. From these digital models, a customized smartwire is programmed specifically for your teeth. The wire is attached to brackets on the back surfaces of your teeth, working discreetly to bring them into perfect alignment.
Kid’s Orthodontics – Setting the Foundation for Healthy Smiles
Our kid-friendly orthodontic services are designed to make treatment fun and stress-free. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Peterson specialize in early intervention orthodontics that can:
- Prevent more serious problems from developing
- Guide jaw growth properly
- Create space for emerging permanent teeth
- Reduce the need for tooth extraction
- Decrease the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Simplify and shorten future orthodontic treatment
We recommend the American Association of Orthodontists’ guideline that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This allows us to identify potential issues early when they’re easier to correct.
Teen Orthodontic Solutions
The teenage years are often the ideal time to address orthodontic issues. We offer teens in Northern Colorado several treatment options:
- Traditional metal braces (now smaller and more comfortable than ever)
- Clear ceramic braces for a more subtle appearance
- Invisalign® Teen clear aligners for nearly invisible treatment
- KLOwen braces system for faster, more comfortable treatment
Our office atmosphere is designed to make teens feel comfortable and confident. We understand the social aspects of orthodontic treatment during these important years and offer solutions that work with teens’ active lifestyles.
Adult Orthodontics – It’s Never Too Late for a Great Smile
More adults than ever are seeking orthodontic treatment, and we welcome patients of all ages. Adult orthodontic care offers benefits beyond aesthetics:
- Improved dental health and function
- Prevention of bone loss and gum disease
- Correction of bite issues that cause jaw pain or headaches
- Boosted self-confidence in professional and social settings
For our adult patients in Northern Colorado, we offer discreet treatment options including Invisalign®, clear ceramic braces, and hidden lingual braces that are completely invisible from the outside.
Why Choose Dr. Hardy for Your Family’s Smile?
We believe that a great smile is more than just straight teeth—it’s about confidence, health, and quality of life. Here’s why patients throughout Northern Colorado choose us for their orthodontic care:
| What Sets Us Apart | How You Benefit |
|---|---|
| Board-certified orthodontist specialists | Receive expert care from doctors with the highest credentials |
| Personalized treatment plans | Get solutions tailored specifically to your unique needs |
| State-of-the-art technology | Experience faster, more comfortable treatment with digital scanning and 3D printing |
| Multiple treatment options | Choose from traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign®, or hidden lingual braces |
| Flexible scheduling | Fit appointments into your busy life with ease |
| Affordable payment options | Access quality care with no-interest payment plans |
| Direct insurance billing | Maximize your benefits with minimal paperwork |
Cutting-Edge Orthodontic Technology in Northern Colorado
Hidden Lingual Braces – The Truly Invisible Option
Dr. Hardy is proud to offer lingual braces, the revolutionary hidden orthodontic system that works behind your teeth. Using smart wire technology, we provide:
- 100% invisible treatment (brackets and wires are behind your teeth)
- Gentle, continuous tooth movement with proprietary Gentleforce® technology
- Computer-programmed smartwires customized to your specific smile
- Ability to brush, floss, and eat normally
- Fewer office visits with self-adjusting technology
- Shorter treatment times than traditional methods
The process begins with detailed 3D scans of your teeth. We then virtually reposition them to create your ideal smile. From these digital models, a customized smartwire is programmed specifically for your teeth. The wire is attached to brackets on the back surfaces of your teeth, working discreetly to bring them into perfect alignment.
KLOwen Braces System
KLOwen is a breakthrough in orthodontic treatment that combines digital technology with prefabricated, modular brackets for:
- Faster treatment times
- Fewer office visits
- More comfortable experience
- Highly precise results
This 100% custom system uses advanced software and 3D printed trays to place brackets with unprecedented accuracy, resulting in more efficient tooth movement.
Advanced Digital Orthodontic Technology
iTero Digital Scanning
Say goodbye to uncomfortable, goopy impressions! Our iTero intraoral scanner creates precise 3D digital models of your teeth in minutes. These colorized images allow us to:
- Show you exactly what’s happening with your dental health
- Provide simulated outcomes of your treatment
- Create more accurate aligners and appliances
- Track your progress throughout treatment
Digital X-Rays and 3D Printing
Our digital x-ray technology uses significantly less radiation than traditional x-rays while producing higher-quality images. Combined with our in-house 3D printing capabilities using the SprintRay Pro 95 system, we can create custom appliances quickly and precisely, often eliminating the wait for outside labs.
Meet Our Expert Northern Colorado Orthodontists
Dr. T.C. Hardy – Board-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Hardy brings exceptional credentials to his orthodontic practice in Northern Colorado:
- Board Certification by the American Board of Orthodontics
- BS in Engineering from Tufts University
- Dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry from Lutheran Medical Center
- Certificate of Orthodontics from Tufts University
- Recipient of The Everett Shapiro Award in Orthodontics
- Dr. Harold Berk Endowed Prize Fund for Excellence in Research
- Published researcher with international presentations
- Active member of numerous professional organizations
Dr. Addie Peterson – Northern Colorado Orthodontist
Dr. Peterson joined our practice after completing her master’s degree in orthodontics at the University of Iowa in 2022. Her background includes:
- BS in Biology and Mathematics from St. Lawrence University
- Dental training at the University of Minnesota
- Active membership in professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists
- Passion for patient-centered care and community involvement
Choosing the Right Orthodontist in Northern Colorado
Selecting the right orthodontist is a crucial decision that affects not just your smile but your overall experience during treatment. We believe in:
- Clear communication about all treatment options
- Honest recommendations based on your unique needs
- Patient education that empowers you to make informed decisions
- Creating a comfortable, positive environment for patients of all ages
- Delivering excellent results using the latest techniques and technologies
We understand that every patient has different goals, concerns, and lifestyles. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Peterson work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs while fitting into their life.
Convenient Orthodontic Care Throughout Northern Colorado
While our main office is located at 1015 S. Taft Hill Rd., Suite K, Northern Colorado 80521, we also serve patients throughout Northern Colorado with locations in:
- Greeley
- Longmont
- Loveland
- Denver
- Erie (Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics)
- Lakewood (Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics)
- Belmar Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, we can identify potential issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth while they’re easier to correct. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean treatment will begin right away—Dr. Hardy or Dr. Peterson may simply monitor your child’s growth and development until the optimal time for treatment. Early screening allows us to achieve the best possible results with the least amount of time and expense.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
Treatment time varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the type of treatment, and how well you follow our recommendations. On average, comprehensive orthodontic treatment takes about 18-24 months. However, some patients may need only 6-12 months, while others with more complex issues might require 30+ months. During your consultation, we’ll provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation and chosen treatment method.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
Modern orthodontic techniques have made treatment much more comfortable than in the past. You may experience some temporary discomfort when braces are first placed or after adjustments, but this typically lasts only a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our advanced technologies, like digitally customized treatment plans, help minimize discomfort throughout the process. Our team will provide detailed instructions on managing any discomfort and maintaining your orthodontic appliances.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Northern Colorado?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment you choose. We’re committed to making quality orthodontic care affordable. We offer flexible payment plans with no interest, and we accept direct payment from most insurance plans. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of costs and payment options. We believe financial considerations shouldn’t stand between you and a healthy, beautiful smile.
What’s the difference between Invisalign® and traditional braces?
Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth with wires that guide teeth into position. They’re highly effective for all types of orthodontic issues, from mild to complex. Invisalign® uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. While Invisalign® offers aesthetic advantages and fewer lifestyle restrictions, it may not be suitable for all orthodontic issues. Both treatments are effective when prescribed and monitored by an experienced orthodontist. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Peterson will recommend the best option based on your specific needs, lifestyle preferences, and treatment goals during your consultation at our Northern Colorado office.
Start Your Smile Journey Today
Ready to discover how Dr. Hardy can transform your smile? We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hardy or Dr. Peterson.
📍 Visit Us: Dr. Hardy, 1015 S. Taft Hill Rd., Suite K, Northern Colorado 80521
📞 Call: (970) 980-2145
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
📧 Email Us: info@tafthillortho.com
Your beautiful, healthy smile begins with a single step—contact us today!
