Hybrid Orthodontic Treatment in Colorado Springs

Braces + Aligners: The Best of Both Worlds

At Inner-Smiles Orthodontics, we believe that your treatment plan should work for you, not the other way around. That’s why we offer hybrid orthodontic treatment—a flexible and highly effective option that combines the power of traditional braces with the convenience and discretion of clear aligners.

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Whether you're looking for adult orthodontics, teen treatment, or just want to get your smile back on track, hybrid treatment might be the perfect solution.

What Is Hybrid Orthodontic Treatment?

Hybrid orthodontic treatment simply means using both braces and clear aligners at different points during your treatment. This might mean:

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• Starting with braces to tackle more complex crowding, rotations, or bite issues, then switching to clear aligners to finish

• Using braces on one arch (usually the lower teeth) and aligners on the other (usually the upper teeth)

• Switching temporarily to braces during a tough phase of aligner treatment

• Alternating tools to make your treatment faster, smoother, or more predictable

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Every smile is unique, and hybrid treatment allows us to customize your care to meet your goals in the most efficient, effective, and comfortable way possible.

Why Choose Hybrid Treatment?

Clear aligners are a great solution for many patients—but not every case is a perfect fit for aligners from start to finish. Hybrid orthodontics allows us to combine the strength of braces with the discreet flexibility of aligners, depending on what your smile needs.

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Benefits of Hybrid Orthodontic Treatment:

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• ​Faster results in moderate to complex cases

• Greater precision for tough movements (like rotated teeth or bite corrections)

• More comfort and convenience with fewer in-office visits during the aligner phase

• Custom-tailored treatment that adapts to your smile’s progress

• A discreet appearance when aligners are used on visible teeth

Is Hybrid Orthodontic Treatment Right for Me?

Hybrid treatment is a great option for:

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• Adults or teens who prefer aligners but have complex alignment or bite concerns

• Patients who’ve had relapse after previous braces

• Those needing pre-restorative orthodontics (before implants or major dental work)

• Anyone looking for a shorter treatment time with better overall control

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The best way to find out if hybrid care is right for you is to come in for a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Sheila. She’ll evaluate your bite, listen to your goals, and walk you through what a customized plan might look like—including options, timelines, and pricing.

What Does Hybrid Treatment Look Like?

Here are some examples of how hybrid treatment might be used:

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​Aligners Second

You begin treatment with braces for 4–6 months to handle difficult tooth movements or bite corrections. Once the heavy lifting is done, you switch to aligners to finish your smile discreetly.

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Top Aligners + Bottom Braces

We sometimes use clear aligners on the upper teeth (which are more visible when you smile) and braces on the lower teeth, where they’re less noticeable and provide better control.

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Aligner Assist

You may start with aligners and later switch to a short period of braces to get through a challenging movement—then return to aligners to finish.

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Every case is different, and we’ll walk you through your personalized options at your visit.