Braces vs Invisalign for Teens in Broward
Your teen just got told they need orthodontic treatment, and now you're staring at two very different options sitting across from each other on the treatment plan.
Braces or Invisalign?
If you're a parent in Broward County, you know this decision hits different because your kid's life is already packed with school, sports, social events, and everything in between.
The truth is, there's no universal "best" answer.
What works for your neighbor's kid might be completely wrong for yours.
The real question is which option fits your teen's actual life, not the other way around.
At SMILE-FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar, we've worked with thousands of teens in Broward and their parents through this exact decision.
And I'm going to break down what actually matters so you can pick the right path for your family.
What's Actually Different Between These Two Options
Let's cut through the noise.
Traditional braces are metal or ceramic brackets bonded to each tooth with a wire running through them.
The wire gets tightened every few weeks, creating constant pressure that gradually moves teeth into place.
Think of them like a construction project that's always running.
Your teen can't turn it off.
No matter what they're doing, those braces are working.
That's actually the power of braces.
Invisalign clear aligners work completely differently.
They're custom-molded plastic trays that fit over your teen's teeth.
Each set of aligners is slightly different, and your teen switches to a new set every one to two weeks.
The kicker?
They can take them out whenever they want.
That freedom is what draws most teens and parents, but it's also where things get tricky.
The Real Talk About Complexity and Case Severity
Here's where a lot of parents get confused.
Not every orthodontic problem can be fixed with Invisalign.
If your teen has severe crowding, significant bite issues, or teeth that need major rotation, traditional braces are often the better choice.
They give your orthodontist more control and can handle the tough cases that clear aligners can't.
South Florida teens with crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, or complex spacing issues often need braces to get real results.
Invisalign works best when the orthodontic issues are mild to moderate.
If your teen has a pretty straight bite with just some minor crowding or spacing, clear aligners can absolutely get the job done.
And here's the thing most dentists won't tell you straight up: the right tool depends on the specific problem, not on what's trendy.
Lifestyle Matters More Than You Think
Your teen plays three sports?
Plays an instrument?
Works in food service?
These details change everything.
With braces, there's no removal needed, so they stay in place during practice, games, and performances.
Brackets can take a hit during sports, but they're designed for it.
The downside is they're visible, and for some teens, that's a real mental block.
With Invisalign, your teen can remove the aligners for sports, performances, meals, and school photos.
They're nearly invisible, which means way less social anxiety.
But here's the catch: they need to wear them 20 to 22 hours daily for results.
If your teen is the type who forgets their phone, they'll probably forget to put aligners back in after lunch.
That lack of discipline turns a six-month treatment into a two-year nightmare.
How Our Technology Actually Changes the Game
When you come to SMILE-FX for a consultation, we don't just guess.
We use cutting-edge technology to show your teen exactly what they'll look like after treatment.
We take 3D scans and run AI-powered planning that predicts outcomes with crazy accuracy.
This isn't some old school plaster model situation.
Your teen sees their smile before we even start moving teeth.
For braces in Broward, this technology means we can be super precise about bracket placement and wire sequencing, which actually reduces appointments by 40% compared to traditional methods.
Your teen gets results faster and spends less time in the chair.
For Invisalign, the same tech shows exactly how many aligners they'll need and how long treatment will take.
No surprises, no moving goalposts.
We can also monitor progress remotely, so your teen doesn't have to drive to Miramar every month.
It's a game changer for busy families.
The Cost Reality in South Florida
Let's talk money because it's a real factor.
Traditional braces for teens in Broward typically run between $4,000 and $7,500 depending on complexity.
Invisalign for teens usually lands between $3,500 and $6,500.
The difference isn't massive, but it exists.
Here's what matters: most insurance plans cover both options.
At SMILE-FX, we max out your insurance benefits and offer 0% financing, so cost doesn't have to be the deciding factor.
You get your consultation with full 3D scans completely free.
No hidden fees, no pressure to decide on the spot.
You see the actual cost and your payment options before committing to anything.
Treatment Timeline: What's Actually Realistic
Teen braces typically take 12 to 24 months.
With our precision technology, most cases land on the shorter end of that range.
Invisalign for mild to moderate cases usually takes 12 to 18 months, but only if your teen is actually wearing those aligners.
If they're skipping them, all bets are off.
This is where compliance becomes the real timeline factor.
A disciplined teen in Invisalign might finish in a year.
A teen who forgets their aligners half the time might still be treating after two years.
Why Your Teen's Motivation Matters More Than the Equipment
I've seen teens with braces absolutely rock their treatment because they don't have to think about it.
I've also seen teens with Invisalign who refused to wear them and wasted everyone's time and money.
The best orthodontic treatment is the one your teen will actually stick with.
If your kid is motivated and disciplined, Invisalign gives them freedom and confidence.
If your kid is going to slack on responsibility, braces remove the daily decision-making and just get the job done.
Be honest about your teen here.
Don't pick based on what sounds good.
Pick based on what your teen will actually do.
Why Families Across Broward Trust SMILE-FX
Families from Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale drive to SMILE-FX for one reason: we have a board-certified specialist who actually knows what they're doing.
We're not a high-volume mill that cranks through patients.
We're not a general dentist trying to dabble in orthodontics.
We specialize in both braces and clear aligners with technology that actually works.
We schedule evenings and weekends because we know families are busy.
We offer bilingual service because Broward is diverse.
We handle insurance maximization so cost doesn't derail your treatment plan.
And we have patient reviews from local families who got real results.
Not fake testimonials, but actual people from your community who trusted us with their teens.
The Virtual Consult Option for Busy Families
Can't drive to Miramar right now?
No problem.
You can start with a virtual consultation and see if orthodontic treatment is even needed.
But I'll be real with you: the best evaluation includes 3D scans and an in-person exam.
That's how we actually figure out what your teen needs.
The virtual option is great for initial questions, but the real decision comes after you've seen us in person.
One Thing Most Parents Get Wrong
They think braces and Invisalign are interchangeable options that produce the same result.
They're not.
One might be clearly better for your teen's specific situation.
The other might actually fail.
That's why you need someone who's trained to see the difference and recommend the right path, not just sell you whatever you walked in asking for.
Your teen's orthodontic health is too important to guess on.
Your Next Move
Stop overthinking this and book a proper consultation with someone who can actually evaluate your teen's teeth.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation at SMILE-FX today.
We'll show you exactly what your teen needs, what both options would cost, and which one actually makes sense for their situation.
No pressure, no sales pitch, just straight answers.
That's how you make a decision you won't regret.
Your teen deserves a confident smile, and we know how to get them there.
What Happens After You Choose: The Real Orthodontic Journey for Teens in Broward
So you've picked braces or Invisalign for your teen.
Now what?
This is where most parents get blindsided because nobody talks about what actually happens during treatment.
You're about to spend 12 to 24 months managing something that affects your teen's daily life, so let's get real about what you're signing up for.
The First Month: What Your Teen Will Actually Feel
If you chose braces, your teen's mouth is going to feel weird.
The brackets catch their cheeks and lips.
The wire feels foreign.
There's pressure on the teeth that they've never felt before.
Some discomfort is normal for the first week or two.
We recommend soft foods, pain relievers if needed, and honestly, a little patience.
By week three, their mouth adapts and the sensation becomes background noise.
With Invisalign, the adjustment is different.
The aligners feel snug at first, almost like a perfect fit.
But that tightness is the whole point.
It means the plastic is doing its job of moving teeth.
Your teen might feel some pressure for a day or two after switching to a new set, then it settles.
The bigger adjustment isn't physical though.
It's remembering to take them in and out, clean them, and actually put them back in their mouth after eating.
Sounds simple until your teen comes home from school having forgotten them at lunch.
Hygiene Gets Complicated Fast
With braces, brushing and flossing become a whole thing.
Your teen can't just run a toothbrush across their teeth and call it good.
They need to brush around each bracket, between the wires, and under the arch.
If they don't, plaque builds up, gums get inflamed, and you're looking at cavity risk during treatment.
We recommend an electric toothbrush and water floss because traditional string floss is nearly impossible with braces.
Most teens resist this at first because it takes longer and feels tedious.
But after a month, it becomes routine.
The real issue comes when they slack off.
Bad hygiene with braces shows up as white spots on teeth after we remove them, and those spots don't go away.
With Invisalign, hygiene is actually easier because your teen can remove the aligners and brush normally.
No special tools needed, no contortionist moves required.
The catch?
They have to clean the aligners themselves.
If they're not rinsing them daily and soaking them regularly, bacteria builds up, the aligners smell, and they become uncomfortable to wear.
We've had teens stop wearing aligners because they got gross and smelly.
That's a discipline issue, not a product issue.
Food Restrictions Are Real with Braces
Braces mean certain foods are off limits.
Sticky stuff, hard stuff, crunchy stuff—all problematic.
Gum, caramel, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, corn on the cob, apples bitten whole, ribs with meat close to the bone.
Your teen can eat most normal foods, but they need to be smart about it.
Cut things up, eat carefully, don't use your teeth as tools.
I know this sounds like nagging, but a broken bracket or wire means an emergency visit and extends treatment time.
Your teen will learn this the hard way if they're not careful.
With Invisalign, food isn't restricted at all because the aligners come out.
Eat pizza, popcorn, whatever.
Just take the aligners out first.
This freedom appeals to a lot of teens, but it also creates a trap.
If they're eating and forgetting to put aligners back in regularly, treatment stalls.
When Things Go Wrong During Treatment
Broken brackets happen.
Wires poke out and hurt.
Aligners crack or get lost.
Your teen gets sick and can't wear aligners for a week.
These things are part of orthodontics, not a sign you picked wrong.
What matters is how quickly you can get help when something breaks.
At SMILE-FX, we prioritize same-day emergency fixes because we know broken brackets are stressful for families.
We have evening and weekend hours specifically for situations like this.
Some orthodontic offices make you wait two weeks for a repair appointment, and that's rough when your teen is in pain.
The best practice is one that takes care of problems quickly, not one that creates friction during the process.
Appointments Will Control Your Calendar
Braces require regular adjustments.
You're looking at appointments every 6 to 8 weeks for the entire treatment.
Each appointment takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
That's roughly 18 to 20 appointments over two years.
Invisalign appointments are less frequent initially, but you still need check-ins every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor progress and get new aligners.
The difference is Invisalign check-ins can sometimes be done virtually with our remote monitoring system.
Your teen doesn't have to physically come in as often.
For busy families in Broward, this is a real advantage.
But even with remote checks, you'll need in-person visits periodically.
Managing Pain and Discomfort Throughout Treatment
After the first month, most discomfort comes after adjustments.
Your orthodontist tightens the wire, and for 24 to 48 hours, your teen's teeth ache.
It's not unbearable, but it's noticeable.
Soft foods and ibuprofen help.
It's temporary and normal.
Some teens barely feel it.
Others are more sensitive.
There's no way to predict, but your teen will learn what helps them personally.
With Invisalign, this discomfort still happens when teeth are actively moving, but it's often less intense because the pressure is gentler and more constant rather than sudden tightening.
Your Teen's Confidence During Treatment
This is the part nobody quantifies, but it matters.
Braces are visible.
Your teen is walking around school with metal on their teeth.
Some kids don't care at all.
They own it.
Others struggle with social anxiety around it.
You can't predict which way your teen will go, but the visibility factor is real.
Invisalign removes that social pressure almost entirely.
Most classmates won't notice your teen is in orthodontic treatment.
This advantage matters more to some teens than to others.
If your teen is already dealing with social stress, removing the visibility factor takes one thing off their plate.
If they don't care about appearance, it's irrelevant.
How To Know If Treatment Is Actually Working
You're going to want proof that progress is happening, especially when you're paying for this and your teen is dealing with inconvenience.
Our treatment planning uses 3D imaging so you literally see the before and projected after on a computer screen.
During treatment, we compare progress photos and scans to that original plan.
If your teen is on track, you'll see visible changes every few months.
Teeth shifting, bite improving, spacing closing.
If progress stalls, we adjust the plan.
With braces, your orthodontist can tweak wire thickness, bracket position, and tightening force.
With Invisalign, if your teen isn't wearing aligners enough, teeth won't move, and we'll see it in the scan.
That's when the honest conversation happens about commitment.
The Cost of Changes and Complications
If your teen's treatment plan needs adjustment partway through, there's usually no additional cost at a quality practice.
That's part of what you're paying for upfront.
If your teen breaks brackets repeatedly through carelessness or treatment takes longer due to poor compliance, some practices charge extra.
At SMILE-FX, we build realistic timelines and don't penalize families for normal wear and tear.
But you want to know this going in.
Ask your orthodontist specifically what's included in the treatment fee and what costs extra.
Don't assume.
Retainers: The Part Nobody Wants to Talk About
Here's the thing nobody emphasizes enough.
Braces or Invisalign is half the battle.
After we remove the braces or finish the Invisalign sequence, your teen wears a retainer.
Forever, technically.
Most teens switch to night-time wear after a year, but some need to wear retainers daily.
If your teen doesn't wear retainers consistently, their teeth shift back.
All that time and money spent on treatment gets partially undone.
This is why the discipline issue matters so much.
A teen who couldn't commit to Invisalign won't commit to retainers either.
Braces at least force the issue for two years and build the habit.
Questions Families Ask About the Treatment Process
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Yes, but they should wear a mouthguard.
The mouthguard protects both the brackets and the mouth.
Most sports mouthguards work fine over braces with a little adjustment.
With Invisalign, your teen removes the aligners before sports, same as any other activity.
What if my teen gets sick during treatment?
Braces stay on.
With Invisalign, if your teen can't wear aligners for a few days due to sickness, it's fine as long as they resume as soon as they're feeling better.
A few missed days won't derail the whole treatment.
Can my teen get their teeth whitened during treatment?
No, not with braces because the brackets cover part of the tooth.
With Invisalign, you can whiten between aligner changes, and we can coordinate it with the orthodontist.
What happens if my teen wants to stop treatment early?
Don't do this.
Partially treated teeth can look worse than before you started.
Bite problems that aren't fully corrected cause issues later.
If your teen is struggling with treatment, let's talk about it with us.
But stopping midway is always a mistake.
Making The Adjustment Easier For Your Teen
First, acknowledge that this is inconvenient for them, not for you.
Your teen is the one dealing with the brackets, the pain, the food restrictions, the hygiene routine.
Don't frame it as something they're doing to you.
Second, set clear expectations upfront about what you expect from them.
Wearing aligners, brushing carefully, attending appointments, avoiding restricted foods.
Make it their responsibility, not yours.
Third, celebrate the small wins.
When your teen's bite improves or spacing closes, point it out.
Make them see the progress they're working toward.
The difference between a teen who thrives during orthodontics and one who struggles is often just mindset.
Why Families Choose SMILE-FX For The Full Journey
SMILE-FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio handles both types of treatment, which means you're getting one specialist managing the whole process instead of bouncing between providers.
Our team knows how to handle emergencies, keep treatment on schedule, and keep your teen motivated throughout.
We're not a factory operation.
We know you by name, we remember your teen's situation, and we adjust our approach based on what we learn about them.
We also use 3D treatment planning and monitoring technology so you're never guessing about progress.
You see exactly what's happening at every stage.
That peace of mind matters when your teen is going through something uncomfortable.
The Finish Line: What Your Teen Gets Out Of This
A straight smile.
A corrected bite that prevents future dental problems.
Improved confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Better oral health because straight teeth are easier to clean.
These aren't just cosmetic benefits.
Proper bite alignment prevents jaw problems, headaches, and tooth wear down the road.
You're not just paying for appearance.
You're preventing dental issues that would cost way more to fix later.
Start Your Teen's Orthodontic Journey With The Right Partner
The choice between braces and Invisalign for your teen in Broward matters, but the choice of who manages that treatment matters even more.
You want someone who has experience with teens, who gets the challenges they face, and who has the technology to do it right.
You want someone who communicates clearly and handles problems fast.
That's exactly what you get at SMILE-FX.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation and let's map out what your teen actually needs.
We'll show you exactly what treatment looks like, how long it takes, and what it costs.
No pressure, no games, just straight facts from someone who's done this hundreds of times.
Your teen's orthodontic journey doesn't have to be stressful or unpredictable.
Get the right team on your side from day one.
What Comes Between Treatment: Managing Your Teen's Orthodontic Care in South Florida
Your teen just got braces or started Invisalign, and now you're sitting there wondering what you actually signed up for.
Most families don't realize that the choice between braces and clear aligners is just the beginning.
The real work happens in those months between appointments, in the daily habits your teen builds, and in how you support them when things get tough.
I've seen families in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, and across Broward County struggle with the in-between stuff because nobody explains it clearly upfront.
They focus on picking the right option but miss what actually makes treatment successful.
Let me break down what really matters during those middle months.
The First Week Adjustment Period Is Different For Both Options
Your teen just left the orthodontist's office.
Now what?
With braces, that first week is rough.
The brackets feel weird.
The wire pokes.
Their mouth hurts in ways they've never felt before.
But here's the thing most parents don't know: this isn't forever.
By day five or six, the mouth adapts.
The sore spots toughen up.
The wire stops feeling like an invader.
Your teen's body just gets used to it.
Invisalign feels different physically, but the mental adjustment is sometimes harder.
Your teen now carries around a responsibility.
These trays cost money.
They need to remember to wear them.
They need to clean them.
For some teens, that's fine.
For others, especially younger teens, that constant decision-making becomes exhausting.
The Maintenance Schedule Nobody Warns You About
Here's what gets glossed over in consultations.
You're not just paying for the braces or aligners.
You're committing to ongoing maintenance for 12 to 24 months.
With braces, that means appointments every six to eight weeks.
Your orthodontist adjusts the wire, tightens brackets, checks for problems.
Each visit takes 30 to 45 minutes.
With Invisalign, appointments are less frequent at first, but you still need regular check-ins.
The good news: at a top tech-driven orthodontist like SMILE-FX in Miramar, we use remote monitoring systems.
Your teen can send progress photos from home instead of driving in every time.
This matters for busy families in South Florida who are already running between work, school, and activities.
But don't confuse virtual check-ins with skipping appointments entirely.
Your teen still needs in-person visits periodically to get new aligners or get adjustments that can't happen remotely.
How Does Insurance Actually Cover Braces And Invisalign
Most families ask this question: does insurance cover braces?
The answer is usually yes, but it's complicated.
Most dental insurance plans cover up to 50 percent of orthodontic treatment.
Some plans cap coverage at $1,000 to $2,000.
Others have waiting periods or age limits.
Here's what's important: the answer depends on your specific plan, and your orthodontist should handle this for you.
At a quality practice, the team maximizes your insurance benefits automatically.
You shouldn't have to figure this out yourself.
We verify your coverage before treatment starts so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
Many families also qualify for $0 down braces financing in South Florida.
This means you pay for treatment over the course of the plan instead of upfront.
That's how affordable braces and affordable clear aligners actually work for real families, not just rich ones.
The Hidden Cost Of Treatment Delays
Your teen skips an appointment.
No big deal, right?
Actually, it is.
When you delay adjustments or aligner changes by even a few weeks, the timeline extends.
A treatment plan that was supposed to take 18 months now takes 20 or 22.
That means more appointments, more time with braces or aligners, and more inconvenience overall.
Your teen sees this as another year of dealing with this stuff.
From your wallet's perspective, extended treatment can mean additional costs depending on your orthodontist's fee structure.
Some practices build this into the upfront cost.
Others charge per visit after a certain point.
Ask your orthodontist specifically what happens if treatment runs long.
At SMILE-FX, we build realistic timelines and include flexibility in our fee so you're not penalized for normal delays.
What Most Parents Get Wrong About Compliance
Compliance sounds like a fancy word, but it just means doing what you're supposed to do.
Wearing aligners for 22 hours a day.
Brushing and flossing properly with braces.
Showing up to appointments.
Avoiding restricted foods.
Here's the reality: your teen's discipline level matters more than the technology you picked.
I've seen kids with braces absolutely crush their treatment because they have zero choice.
The braces are on 24/7.
No decisions to make.
I've also seen kids with Invisalign who got amazing results because they took responsibility seriously.
But I've equally seen kids with Invisalign who wore them four hours a day instead of 22 and then got mad when teeth didn't move.
That's not the aligner's fault.
That's compliance.
Be honest about your teen before you commit to either option.
If they're responsible and motivated, Invisalign works great.
If they need something more automatic, braces remove the daily choice.
The Real Talk About Discomfort During Treatment
Your teen's going to feel stuff during orthodontic treatment.
After bracket adjustments, teeth ache for a day or two.
When they switch to a new set of aligners, there's pressure and soreness.
This is normal.
It means the treatment is working.
But here's what matters: you need an orthodontist who takes pain management seriously.
We recommend soft foods after adjustments.
We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
We make sure your teen knows this is temporary and expected.
Some teens barely notice it.
Others are more sensitive.
There's no predicting which way your teen will go, but the discomfort passes within 48 hours almost every time.
If your teen is in serious pain or something doesn't feel right, that's different.
That's when you need fast access to your orthodontist for an emergency appointment.
Emergency Issues And Why Fast Response Matters
A bracket breaks off.
A wire pokes through.
An aligner cracks.
Your teen has a game or performance coming up.
When something goes wrong, you need to fix it quickly, not wait two weeks for the next available appointment.
This is where choosing a board-certified orthodontist in South Florida who prioritizes emergency care makes a real difference.
We schedule same-day or next-day fixes for broken brackets.
We have evening and weekend hours so you're not stuck taking your teen out of school for emergency repairs.
The orthodontist you pick should have a system for handling these situations.
If their office tells you to wait or reschedule for two weeks out, that's a red flag.
Social Life And Treatment: What Actually Matters
Your teen's about to start high school.
They're worried about fitting in.
Then they find out they need braces or Invisalign.
The social anxiety is real.
With braces, everyone sees them.
Some teens honestly don't care.
They rock metal on their teeth like it's no big deal.
Other teens are genuinely self-conscious about it.
With Invisalign, the social pressure almost disappears.
Most people won't even notice your teen is in treatment.
This matters for some teens and doesn't matter at all for others.
The key is knowing your kid.
If social anxiety is already a thing for them, removing the visible aspect of treatment takes one stressor off their plate.
If they're generally confident or don't care what others think, it's irrelevant.
Monitoring Real Progress Throughout Treatment
Your teen's been in treatment for three months.
You're not seeing massive changes.
You're wondering if anything's actually happening.
This is when technology becomes your best friend.
A quality orthodontist uses 3D treatment planning so you literally see the before picture and the projected after on a computer screen.
During treatment, you compare progress to that plan at each appointment.
You see teeth shifting, bite improving, spacing closing.
When your teen sees concrete evidence that treatment is working, they're more motivated to stick with it.
That motivation matters during those middle months when inconvenience sets in.
What Your Teen Should Know About The Best Orthodontist Near You
Not all orthodontists are the same.
A board-certified orthodontist has additional training and credentials beyond general dentistry.
They've passed specialty exams and continue education in orthodontics.
A high-tech practice uses 3D imaging, remote monitoring, and advanced treatment planning.
A good practice has real patient reviews from people in your community.
They prioritize emergency care and don't make you wait weeks for broken brackets.
They communicate clearly about cost, timeline, and what to expect.
When you're looking for the best orthodontist in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere in South Florida, these are the benchmarks.
Don't pick based on the cheapest option or the closest location.
Pick based on competence and how they treat your family.
The Final Stretch Before Braces Come Off
Around month 18 or 20, you can see the finish line.
Your teen's smile is looking pretty close to the final result.
This is when your teen sometimes gets impatient and wants to rush things.
Don't let them.
The final adjustments are what lock in the results.
Removing braces or finishing aligners before the treatment plan is complete means teeth can shift back.
All that time and money gets partially wasted.
Your orthodontist will tell you when treatment is actually done, not when your teen thinks it's done.
Start Your Teen's Journey With The Right Practice
The months between now and when your teen's treatment finishes are going to feel long sometimes.
But they go by faster when you're partnered with an orthodontist who actually cares about making it smooth.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation at SMILE-FX and see what proper orthodontic care looks like.
We're a board-certified practice with cutting-edge technology, same-day emergency care, and a real commitment to keeping your teen's treatment on track.
From Miramar to Aventura, families across South Florida trust us because we deliver results and actually care about the process.
Your teen's orthodontic journey starts with picking the right practice, not just the right treatment option.