Braces vs Invisalign for Teens in Broward County
Your teen's smile matters, and you've got a decision to make.
Metal braces or clear aligners?
Visible or invisible?
Fast treatment or flexible schedules?
If you're a parent in Broward County wrestling with which option fits your kid's life, you're not alone.
Families across Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale face the same crossroads every single day.
Here's what I've seen work best: the right choice depends on three things: what your teen's bite actually needs, how responsible they are with daily maintenance, and what fits their life without turning orthodontics into a battle.
Let me break down what you need to know.
Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think
Orthodontic treatment isn't just about straight teeth.
It's about confidence walking into school, sleeping better because their airway opens up, and setting them up for healthier teeth their whole life.
But here's the catch: the wrong choice can drag out treatment, cost more money, or worse, leave you frustrated because your teen won't cooperate.
That's why understanding braces vs Invisalign for your specific situation beats just picking whatever your neighbor's kid got.
Metal and Ceramic Braces: The Reliable Heavy Hitter
Metal braces have been the standard for decades, and frankly, they still win for certain situations.
Think of them as the dependable tool that doesn't require your teen to remember anything.
Once they're on, they're working 24/7.
No compliance issues.
No lost aligners.
No "oops, I forgot to wear them."
Here's where braces shine for Broward teens:
- Complex bite problems like severe crowding or overbite need constant pressure, and braces deliver that better than anything else.
- Your teen plays contact sports or wrestling?
Braces handle rough play without breaking like aligners can. - Adjustments happen in the office, so there's no guesswork on whether they're doing it right at home.
- Treatment time typically runs 18 to 24 months, depending on complexity.
- Cost in Broward ranges from $4,500 to $7,500, competitive with other options.
Ceramic braces exist too if your teen cares about looks.
They blend with teeth better than metal, though they're slightly less durable and cost a bit more.
Either way, once you commit to braces, your kid gets results without the mental load of remembering to wear something.
Want to explore whether braces are right for your teen's case?
That's step one.
Invisalign Teen: The Invisible Option That Requires Buy-In
Clear aligners changed the game for teenagers who actually care about how they look.
Invisalign Teen lets your kid avoid the whole "metal mouth" experience, which matters when you're 15 and worried about school dances and social media.
The aligners are nearly invisible, so nobody has to know your teen's doing orthodontics unless they tell them.
But here's the truth nobody sugarcoats enough: Invisalign Teen demands discipline.
Your teen has to remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.
They have to remove them to eat and drink (except water).
They have to clean them.
They have to keep track of them.
If your kid regularly loses their phone or forgets homework, Invisalign might stress you both out.
That said, Invisalign Teen works beautifully when it works:
- Perfect for mild to moderate cases that don't need heavy lifting.
- Treatment usually takes 12 to 20 months, slightly faster than braces.
- Removable aligners mean eating pizza at lunch without worrying about food stuck in brackets.
- Built-in compliance indicators let you see if your teen's actually wearing them (yes, you can track this).
- Cost ranges from $4,000 to $6,500 in Broward, usually a bit less than braces.
- Brushing teeth is easier without brackets and wires.
The trade-off is real though: your teen has to want this to work.
If they're the type who loses things, forgets commitments, or gets stubborn about responsibility, aligners become a source of family conflict instead of a solution.
Check out Invisalign options for teens and clear aligner benefits to see if it fits your situation.
Head-to-Head Comparison: What Actually Matters
| Factor | Metal or Ceramic Braces | Invisalign Teen |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Complex bites, low compliance teens | Mild-moderate cases, responsible kids |
| Aesthetics | Visible (ceramic less obvious) | Nearly invisible |
| Treatment Time | 18-24 months | 12-20 months |
| Cost in Broward | $4,500-$7,500 | $4,000-$6,500 |
| Maintenance | Office adjustments every 4-6 weeks | At-home aligner changes every 1-2 weeks |
| Sports Compatibility | Works with mouthguards, durable | Must remove for contact sports |
| Compliance Burden | Low, works automatically | High, teen must remember daily |
Real Talk: Questions Parents Actually Ask
Will braces hurt?
Not exactly, but expect mild soreness the first week and after adjustments.
Your teen can manage it with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods.
Can my teen eat normally with aligners?
Yes, they remove them to eat, which is actually convenient.
The downside is remembering to remove and reinsert them constantly.
What if my teen loses their aligners?
Replacements cost money, and treatment gets delayed.
This happens more often than practices want to admit.
Do aligners work for severe crowding?
Sometimes, but not always.
Complex cases need braces to move teeth with the force required.
Which one finishes faster?
Invisalign usually edges ahead by a few months, but only if your teen wears them consistently.
Why Location and Specialist Care Actually Change the Outcome
Here's something most parents don't realize: where you get treatment matters just as much as which treatment you choose.
A general dentist offering Invisalign isn't the same as an orthodontist with AI-powered planning and in-house aligner production.
The difference shows up in results, time spent in the chair, and whether your teen ends up with a smile they love or a smile that's "good enough."
In Broward County, you've got options scattered everywhere, but few practices understand what teens actually need.
Most places push whatever makes the fastest sale.
Some practices schedule appointments without caring about your kid's school schedule.
Others use outdated technology that means more visits and longer treatment.
A board-certified orthodontist who specializes in teen cases changes that equation entirely.
You get someone who knows how teenagers actually behave, plans treatment with advanced diagnostics, and doesn't waste your time.
What Smart Broward Families Choose
Families across Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale have figured out that the closest or cheapest option isn't always the best option.
They're choosing SMILE-FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar because the outcome matters more than convenience.
Dr. Tracy M. Liang is a board-certified specialist who customizes plans based on what your teen actually needs, not what fits a template.
AI-powered planning means your kid gets a realistic timeline, not a guess.
In-house 3D production means you're not waiting weeks for outsourced aligners.
What separates this approach from high-volume practices?
- 40% fewer office visits through remote monitoring, because your teen's time matters.
- Free 3D scans and retainers with aligner treatment, no surprise add-ons later.
- VIP Tech that speeds up results without cutting corners.
- Pediatric-friendly scheduling that fits school, sports, and actual teenage life.
- Transparent pricing so you know exactly what you're paying.
Drive time from Pembroke Pines?
10 minutes.
From Hollywood?
15 minutes.
From Weston?
12 minutes.
Worth it for someone who actually knows what they're doing.
The Real Cost of Getting This Wrong
Choosing the wrong treatment option doesn't just waste money.
It wastes time your teen could've been building confidence.
It creates frustration that turns into family conflict.
It delays their smile when they could already be showing it off.
Pick an orthodontist who doesn't have experience with teens, and you get teeth that moved but a bite that's still off.
Pick a treatment your teen won't commit to, and you get abandoned aligners halfway through.
Pick the right specialist using the right technology?
Your teen gets results in the promised timeframe, fewer appointments, and a smile they're actually proud of.
See how this approach differs from what most places do.
What Your Teen Wants (Even If They Don't Say It)
Your kid probably cares about three things: will it hurt, will anyone see it, and how long will it take?
Invisalign answers two of those perfectly.
Braces answer the last one.
But honestly?
What they care about most is whether you listen to their concerns instead of making the call without them.
The best choice comes from sitting down and asking what matters to them, then getting a professional opinion on whether it's realistic.
That's where a free consultation actually helps.
Not the kind where someone's trying to sell you.
The kind where an expert explains what your teen actually needs, what works with their personality, and what gets results.
Next Steps: How to Move Forward
You've got the information now.
The next move is getting a real assessment from someone who specializes in this and doesn't have hidden agendas.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here.
No pressure, no sales pitch, just answers.
Bring your teen if they want.
Let them see the 3D scan of their teeth.
Let them understand what treatment actually looks like.
Or if you want to start even simpler, take the Smile Quiz to get personalized guidance based on your teen's specific situation.
You're not overthinking this by asking questions.
You're being a good parent by making sure the choice works for your kid's actual life, not just in theory.
That's what separates mediocre results from transformations.
Your teen's confidence is worth getting this right.
Braces vs Invisalign for teens in Broward comes down to one thing: what works for your kid's unique situation, and who's going to guide you there honestly.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Really Cost for Teens and Adults in Broward County
You're thinking about getting your teen braces or clear aligners, and the first question that hits you is how much this costs.
Nobody wants to get blindsided by a bill you weren't ready for.
I get it.
Orthodontic treatment feels expensive when you're looking at the sticker price, but the real cost picture is way different once you understand what's actually included.
Let me break down what you're actually paying for and where your money goes when you choose between braces, Invisalign, and clear aligners in Broward.
Understanding Orthodontic Treatment Costs for Different Ages
Most parents think orthodontics is just for teens, but that's not the whole story.
Kids, teens, and adults all need straightening.
The costs aren't identical because the complexity changes with age.
Kids ages 7 to 12:
Early interceptive treatment runs between $2,000 and $4,500.
This catches problems before permanent teeth come in, which can actually save you money long term.
Your kid might not need full braces later if you address it early.
Teens ages 13 to 17:
Full treatment typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,500 depending on what needs fixing.
This is the sweet spot where most families start because permanent teeth are in and treatment is straightforward.
Adults:
Adult orthodontics costs about the same as teens, usually $4,500 to $8,000.
Your mouth doesn't care how old you are, just what needs moving.
The difference is you're more likely to stick with treatment because you chose it for yourself.
What changes the price isn't your age though.
It's how complex your bite actually is.
What's Included in the Price You're Quoted
Here's where most orthodontists get sneaky.
They quote you a number, but you don't know what that actually covers.
Some practices nickel and dime you for things that should be included.
Others bundle everything upfront and you know exactly what you're getting.
A real orthodontic treatment cost should include:
- Initial consultation and X-rays to see what you're working with.
- All office visits for the entire treatment duration, whether that's 12 months or 30 months.
- Adjustments and wire changes if you're getting braces.
- New aligner trays if you're choosing clear aligners or Invisalign.
- Retainers at the end so your teeth don't shift back to where they started.
- Emergency visits if something breaks or hurts.
Some practices throw in 3D scans and treatment planning for free.
Others charge $500 to $1,500 just for that upfront.
Some make you pay for retainers separately, which can add another $500 to $1,000 to your final bill.
When you're comparing prices between orthodontists, ask exactly what's included and what costs extra.
A lower quoted price means nothing if you're paying for everything line by line.
Breaking Down Costs by Treatment Type
Metal braces in Broward:
Average cost is $4,500 to $7,500 for full treatment.
You're paying for the brackets, wires, office visits every four to six weeks, and adjustments.
Metal braces last the whole treatment without getting lost or damaged, which keeps costs predictable.
Ceramic braces:
These run $5,000 to $8,000 because they're more expensive to manufacture and slightly trickier to adjust.
They break a little easier than metal, so you might pay for repairs.
But they blend with your teeth better, which matters if you care about looks during treatment.
Clear aligners and Invisalign:
Most clear aligner treatment costs $4,000 to $6,500 in Broward County.
This includes the initial scans, all your trays for the full treatment, and regular check-ins.
The wild card is replacement trays.
If your teen loses them, that's extra money out of pocket.
Clear aligners are usually the cheapest option upfront, but they can become the most expensive if your kid goes through replacement trays like they're going out of style.
Payment Plans That Actually Make Sense
The sticker price matters less than how you actually pay it.
Most orthodontists offer payment plans because they know families can't just drop $6,000 cash on a Tuesday.
Common payment options:
- Pay in full upfront and get a discount, usually 5 to 10 percent off.
- Split payments into months with no interest, typically 12 to 24 months.
- Finance through a third party like CareCredit, which charges interest if you don't pay it off in time.
- Insurance coverage for a portion, if your plan includes orthodontics.
Insurance usually covers 50 percent of orthodontic treatment up to a maximum, often $2,000 per year.
That sounds good until you realize treatment lasts two years and your coverage ends, so you're eating the rest out of pocket.
What matters is finding a practice that lets you spread payments in a way that doesn't stress your budget.
If an orthodontist won't work with you on payments, that's a red flag about how they run their business.
Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Beyond the quoted treatment price, there are things that surprise families when they're already halfway through:
Emergency visits:
A broken wire or popped bracket outside normal business hours costs $75 to $300.
Some practices include this in your plan, others charge every time.
Replacement aligners:
If your kid loses or damages clear aligners, each new set is $50 to $150.
If this happens three times, that's another $300 to $450 on top of your original quote.
Extractions:
Sometimes teeth need to come out to make room.
Extractions done by your dentist or a specialist are separate from orthodontic costs and run $150 to $500 per tooth.
Refinement trays:
After your initial treatment, you might need a few more trays to fine-tune the result.
This costs extra at most practices.
Retainers:
Some practices include retainers in the treatment cost.
Others charge $200 to $500 for them after you're done.
Ask about these things when you get your quote.
Get it in writing so there's no mystery billing later.
Is Cheaper Always Better
You'll find orthodontists in Broward charging $3,000 for braces and others asking $9,000.
The difference isn't just greed.
It's what you get for the money.
A cheaper practice might have:
- Less experience with complex cases.
- Longer wait times between appointments.
- Older technology that means more visits and longer treatment.
- Hidden costs that pop up as "additional fees."
- Rushed treatment plans that don't fit your life.
An expensive practice isn't automatically better either.
Some charge more because they have nice buildings and marketing budgets, not because their results are actually superior.
What matters is value.
A board-certified orthodontist with cutting-edge technology might cost more upfront, but if they get you done in 14 months instead of 24, and you need fewer office visits because of remote monitoring, you actually save money.
Plus your teen gets their smile back faster.
Cost Comparison: Braces vs Clear Aligners vs Invisalign
| Treatment Type | Average Cost | Includes What | Hidden Costs to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | $4,500-$7,500 | Brackets, wires, adjustments, all visits | Emergency repairs, extractions |
| Ceramic Braces | $5,000-$8,000 | Brackets, wires, adjustments, all visits | Bracket breakage, staining, extractions |
| Clear Aligners | $4,000-$6,500 | Scans, all trays, check-ins | Lost trays, refinements, retainers |
| Invisalign Teen | $4,200-$6,800 | Scans, all trays, compliance monitoring | Replacement trays, refinements, retainers |
Insurance and Discount Programs That Actually Help
Your dental insurance might cover orthodontics, but only if your employer's plan includes it.
About 40 percent of dental plans cover braces or aligners at some level.
Check your coverage by:
- Calling your insurance company and asking about orthodontic coverage limits and yearly maximums.
- Asking your orthodontist's office if they're in-network, which means better rates for you.
- Understanding your waiting period, which is often 6 to 12 months before coverage kicks in.
Discount programs like Smile Savers, GlideWare SmilePlus, or your local dental society membership can knock 10 to 15 percent off treatment at participating practices.
They're not much, but they help.
Some employers offer flexible spending accounts where you can set aside pre-tax money for orthodontics.
If your employer offers this, use it.
You save 25 to 35 percent in taxes on money you were going to spend anyway.
What You Actually Get When You Choose the Right Practice
At SMILE-FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar, the pricing is transparent and you know what you're getting.
You're not paying for a fancy waiting room or slick marketing.
You're paying for results.
Here's what's included in the cost:
- 3D scans and digital treatment planning at no extra charge.
- Free retainers with aligner treatment because your teeth aren't done when treatment finishes.
- VIP Tech that speeds up results without charging you more for the speed.
- 40 percent fewer office visits through remote monitoring, because your teen's time matters.
- Flexible scheduling that fits around school and sports, not the other way around.
When you compare apples to apples, practices that charge more but deliver faster results and fewer appointments often cost less in total time and frustration.
Real Questions About Treatment Costs
Can I start treatment and pay later:
Most practices want a deposit upfront before starting, usually 25 to 50 percent of the total cost.
Full financing without upfront payment is rare.
If a practice offers this, ask why, because they're taking on all the risk.
What if I move before treatment finishes:
Your new orthodontist can usually pick up where the other one left off, but they'll charge a transfer fee, usually $200 to $500.
This is why it matters to pick a practice you trust upfront.
What if my kid needs extractions:
This is typically separate from orthodontic costs.
Your dentist or an oral surgeon handles this and bills separately.
Plan on $150 to $500 per tooth if it happens.
Do I need to buy special toothbrushes and floss:
Orthodontic specialty products exist, but regular toothbrushes and floss work fine.
Don't let anyone pressure you into buying $500 worth of special equipment.
Will insurance cover everything:
Almost never.
Insurance usually caps orthodontic coverage at $1,500 to $2,000 per lifetime.
Anything over that you're paying out of pocket.
Making the Investment Work for Your Family
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your teen's confidence, their bite health, and their long-term dental future.
It's not cheap, but it's also not a decision you make purely on cost.
A teen with a straight smile walks taller.
They take better care of their teeth because they're proud of them.
They avoid jaw problems later that would cost thousands to fix.
They don't need cosmetic dentistry at 35 because their bite was never corrected.
The real question isn't whether you can afford treatment.
It's whether you can afford not to do it right.
Picking the cheapest orthodontist in town might save you $2,000 upfront, but if treatment takes 30 months instead of 15, and you're dealing with worse results, you've wasted money and time.
Picking a specialist with real expertise costs a bit more sometimes, but you get predictable results and fewer surprises.
How to Get Your Real Cost Estimate
Stop guessing about what your teen's treatment will cost.
Get an actual consultation where they scan your teeth and map out exactly what needs to happen.
A real estimate includes:
- What treatment type is recommended and why.
- How long treatment will take, based on your specific situation.
- The exact total cost with nothing hidden.
- What's included and what costs extra.
- Payment plan options that work for your budget.
- Insurance coverage if applicable.
Don't get quotes from three different practices and pick the lowest number.
Get quotes from three practices you actually trust and pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation and get a real picture of what orthodontic treatment actually costs for your teen or adult family member.
No pressure, no hidden fees, just honest numbers.
You'll walk out knowing exactly what to expect and what your money covers.
That alone takes the stress out of making this decision.
The Bottom Line on Orthodontic Costs
Braces and clear aligners in Broward typically cost between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on the treatment type and complexity.
The cheapest option isn't always the best option when you factor in time, results, and hidden costs.
The best option is a specialist who charges fairly, includes what matters in the price, and delivers results you can see.
Your teen's smile is worth getting this right, and it starts with honest pricing and real expertise.
What Happens During Your Orthodontic Treatment Journey at a Board Certified Orthodontist in South Florida
You've decided to get braces or clear aligners.
Maybe your teen finally agreed.
Maybe you're an adult tired of hiding your smile.
Either way, you're probably wondering what actually happens when you walk through that door.
Here's the thing nobody explains well: the first appointment isn't when treatment starts.
It's when you get real answers about what your mouth needs and why.
Let me walk you through what an actual orthodontic journey looks like when you work with a board certified orthodontist who knows their stuff.
Your First Visit: The Reality Check
You show up.
You're probably nervous.
Your teen might be thinking about literally anything else.
A board certified specialist in South Florida doesn't rush this.
They're not trying to sell you something in 15 minutes.
First, they take 3D scans of your teeth.
This isn't some blurry X-ray from 1995.
This is actual digital imaging that shows every angle, every tooth, every bone structure underneath.
You can see it yourself on a screen.
Your kid can see it.
Suddenly it's not abstract anymore.
That scan becomes your blueprint for everything that follows.
Next, they actually talk to you.
Not at you.
To you.
They ask questions like:
- What bothers you most about your smile?
- Do you have jaw pain or headaches?
- What's your schedule like?
(Because they actually care if you can make appointments.) - Are you a responsible person who'll remember to wear clear aligners, or do you need something that works automatically?
This conversation matters more than people realize.
A good orthodontist isn't picking the treatment that makes them the most money.
They're picking the treatment that actually fits your life.
The Treatment Plan You Actually Understand
Once they know your situation, they build your plan.
A real plan includes:
- Exactly what moves in which order.
- How long it takes, in months, not guesses.
- What the cost is with nothing hidden.
- What you need to do to make it work.
At a practice using cutting edge technology, you'll see your teeth projected forward 15 months.
You'll see what you're getting.
Not promised results.
Not maybe results.
Actual projected results based on science, not hope.
Your teen sees this too.
Suddenly they're not just hearing you tell them they need braces.
They're seeing their own smile in the future.
That changes buy-in completely.
Starting Your Treatment: What Day One Actually Feels Like
If you're getting traditional braces, they start by cleaning your teeth.
Then they prep each tooth with a bonding agent.
Then they glue brackets on one by one.
It doesn't hurt.
It feels weird and takes maybe an hour.
Then they run the wire through and you're done.
Your mouth will feel sore for three to five days.
Not painful.
Just uncomfortable, like someone's pushing on your teeth.
Over-the-counter ibuprofen handles it fine.
Soft foods for a few days helps too.
If you're getting clear aligners, day one is you walking out with your first set of trays.
They go in your mouth and start moving teeth immediately.
Again, not painful, just feels like pressure.
You change them every one to two weeks depending on your plan.
No office visits for adjustments.
Just you at home switching to the next tray.
The In-Between: Life With Active Treatment
Here's what most people want to know: can I eat?
Can I play sports?
Will anyone see this thing?
With braces, yes to eating, yes to sports with a mouthguard, and yes everyone sees it.
With clear aligners, yes to eating, you have to take them out for sports, and almost nobody sees it.
During treatment you'll have office appointments every four to six weeks if you're in braces.
They change your wire, tighten things, make adjustments.
You're in and out in 30 minutes usually.
With clear aligners you need checkups too, but way less often.
Some practices do remote monitoring where you send photos of your teeth and they check your progress without you sitting in a chair.
SMILE-FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio does this, which means 40 percent fewer office visits for aligner patients.
That matters when your teen has school, sports, work, life happening.
During your treatment, you're going to have questions.
A wire gets loose.
A bracket breaks.
You're wondering if something's normal.
Good practices answer these without charging you for every little thing.
Bad practices make you feel like every question costs money.
Dealing With the Stuff Nobody Warned You About
Braces make your mouth bleed when you first brush.
This stops after a week or two once your gums adjust.
You'll get food stuck under the wire.
You'll use a toothpick or water flosser to get it out.
This is normal.
You might get a canker sore from a bracket rubbing your cheek.
Orthodontic wax fixes this instantly.
Clear aligners need cleaning or they get cloudy and gross.
You brush them with a soft toothbrush.
You might lose one.
This costs money to replace.
Plan for this when you budget.
Some teens go through five sets of aligners before they graduate high school.
Some lose zero.
It depends on your kid's responsibility level.
That's why this decision matters so much in the beginning.
The Uncomfortable Part Nobody Discusses
Teeth moving feels weird at first.
You get used to it.
After a few weeks, you don't think about it anymore.
But every time you get a new adjustment or a new aligner set, you get that pressure feeling again for a few days.
It's not painful.
It's just present.
Your bite feels different too.
Your back teeth might touch slightly different.
Your front teeth feel loose for a second.
This is literally teeth moving in their sockets.
It feels strange because it is strange.
Your mouth adjusts.
Keep going.
Progress Check-Ins and What They Mean
Every few months your orthodontist takes updated scans or photos.
They compare them to your starting point.
They show you exactly what's changed.
This is where you see that the treatment actually works.
It's subtle at first.
Then one day you look in the mirror and think "oh wow, my teeth are actually moving."
Your teen might not notice.
Your friends definitely will.
People start commenting before the teeth are even fully straight.
That confidence boost hits faster than most people expect.
Nearing the Finish Line: What Happens at the End
About 80 percent of the way through your treatment, your orthodontist starts fine-tuning.
Small tweaks.
Making sure the bite is perfect, not just the straight.
For braces, this might mean a different type of wire or extra time in certain brackets.
For aligners, this means a few refinement trays to dial things in.
Then comes the day you've been waiting for.
They take off the brackets or you put in your last aligner.
Your mouth feels incredibly smooth.
Eating feels weird because nothing's stopping your teeth.
You might feel a little numb in your roots for a few hours.
This passes.
After Treatment: The Retainer Part Nobody Gets Excited About But Actually Matters
Here's what happens next and it's crucial: your teeth will shift back if you don't wear a retainer.
Not always.
Not immediately.
But they will.
This is biology, not a scam.
Your teeth want to go back where they came from.
A retainer stops that.
Most practices give you a retainer at the end.
Some charge extra.
Some give you two or three.
A good orthodontist includes retainers in your treatment cost.
SMILE-FX includes free retainers with aligner treatment because they actually care about your results staying put.
You'll wear your retainer every night for the first six months after treatment ends.
Then you can back off to a few nights a week.
Honestly, most people just wear it every night forever because it becomes part of routine.
The cost of a retainer is nothing compared to re-doing orthodontics because you skipped this step.
Finding the Right Orthodontist for Your Journey
Your treatment experience depends heavily on who's running it.
A board certified orthodontist has extra training past dental school.
They specialize in this stuff.
They've seen every possible tooth situation.
A board certified specialist can handle complex cases that a general dentist offering "orthodontics" can't.
The difference in your results shows up.
The difference in your treatment time shows up.
The difference in your comfort level shows up.
It matters where you start.
You want someone in South Florida who actually knows what they're doing.
Someone who doesn't rush through treatment.
Someone who uses technology that makes the whole process smoother.
Someone who listens to you.
Making Your Next Move
You're thinking about braces near me or clear aligners near me.
You want the best orthodontist near me.
You want someone affordable.
You want it done right.
All of those things are possible.
Stop guessing about what your orthodontic journey will look like.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here.
You'll walk out knowing exactly what's going to happen, how long it takes, and what it costs.
Your orthodontic treatment journey starts with real answers.
Get them from a board certified orthodontist South Florida who actually cares how your teeth look when you're done.