OrthoFX® Aligners vs Braces for Teens in Broward
Your teen's looking in the mirror and seeing crooked teeth staring back.
They're stressed about their smile.
They don't want bulky metal braces like their older siblings had.
You're wondering what actually works best and won't ruin their social life.
Here's the real talk: OrthoFX® clear aligners are changing the game for teenagers across Broward County, and there's a reason families are ditching traditional braces.
At SMILE-FX® Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar, Florida, we've been helping teens achieve straight smiles without the hassle of wires and brackets.
We're the exclusive provider of OrthoFX® systems, which means access to cutting-edge options like AirFlex™, FXClear, and FXBright™.
These aren't your average aligners.
They're backed by board-certified orthodontists who actually care about getting results.
What Makes OrthoFX® Different From Traditional Braces
Let's be honest.
Traditional braces are rough on teenagers.
Metal brackets dig into your mouth.
You can't eat pizza at lunch without worrying about breaking a wire.
You're self-conscious about smiling in photos.
The whole thing feels like it's running your life.
OrthoFX® aligners work differently.
They're custom-made, virtually invisible trays that slip over your teeth.
No one notices them.
You can remove them when you eat, drink, or want to brush your teeth.
Here's where it gets really good: AirFlex™ technology with HyperElastic™ materials means your teen only wears them 9 to 12 hours daily.
Compare that to braces that stay glued to your teeth 24/7.
That's freedom.
Think about what that means for a typical day in the life of a Broward teen.
They're juggling school, sports, social events, maybe working part-time.
With AirFlex™, they can remove the aligners during soccer practice, during their shift at the mall, during prom photos.
The flexibility is real.
And if appearances matter (spoiler alert: they do to teenagers), FXBright™ delivers an instant whitening effect through iso-refractive properties.
No bleaching gels needed.
Just a naturally whiter-looking smile while straightening happens.
Why SMILE-FX® Isn't Just Another Aligner Mill
The internet is full of ads for cheap aligner companies.
You've probably seen them.
Direct-to-consumer brands promising quick fixes with minimal doctor involvement.
Some of those companies have literally gone bankrupt and gotten sued.
People ended up with worse teeth than when they started.
That's not what we do here.
Every treatment at SMILE-FX® is created by board-certified orthodontists, not random customer service reps.
We use AI-driven 3D modeling to map out exactly what your teen's teeth need.
This means fewer refinements, fewer office visits, and more predictable results.
Here's the difference that matters: we're specialists.
General dentists can't provide the same level of expertise.
They're trained to clean teeth and fill cavities, not correct complex bite issues.
With OrthoFX® at SMILE-FX®, you're getting expertise backed by years of training and real patient results.
Check out our patient reviews to see what actual families say about their experience.
The Real Comparison: Aligners vs. Braces vs. DIY Options
Let's look at what actually matters when choosing orthodontic treatment.
Daily wear time: AirFlex™ requires 9 to 12 hours.
Traditional braces demand 24/7 commitment.
DIY aligners from unmonitored companies? They ask for 20 to 22 hours, and compliance drops because the wear time is brutal.
Visibility: OrthoFX® aligners are basically invisible, with FXBright™ adding whiteness.
Braces are obvious metal.
Cheap aligners look suspicious if you're not wearing them enough.
Professional oversight: We monitor everything with AI and in-person visits from actual orthodontists.
Braces get adjusted by specialists.
DIY companies? Zero professional involvement, which is why they fail.
How many times you'll need refinements: OrthoFX®'s precision polymers mean fewer adjustments.
Braces need frequent wire changes and bracket checks.
DIY aligners? High failure rates mean constant problems.
The math is simple.
When you add it all up, OrthoFX® saves your teen time, stress, and money.
What Does This Mean for Active Teens in Broward County
Broward's full of active teenagers.
They're playing sports at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High.
They're competing in clubs at Cypress Bay High.
They're rehearsing in the school musical.
They're training for college.
Traditional braces don't fit that lifestyle.
Aligners do.
Your teen removes AirFlex™ before hitting the field.
No worries about getting hit in the mouth during football.
No concern about food getting stuck in brackets during the school lunch.
They pop the aligners back in after practice and keep moving.
This is why orthodontic compliance actually happens.
Your teen is more likely to stick with treatment when it works around their life instead of against it.
The Teeth-Straightening Outcomes That Actually Matter
Crowding: OrthoFX® handles it.
Overbites, underbites, spacing issues.
FDA-cleared for basically every bite problem except severe skeletal ones.
What does this mean in practice?
Your teen gets straight teeth.
Better bite function.
Easier cleaning (straighter teeth mean less plaque buildup).
Healthier mouth long-term.
Our treatable cases page breaks down exactly what we can fix.
Location Matters: Where SMILE-FX® Serves Broward Families
We're in Miramar, which puts us within easy reach for families across Broward County.
From Pembroke Pines, it's about 10 minutes via I-75.
Hollywood residents get here in roughly 15 minutes using Stirling Road.
Weston families drive 12 minutes on I-75.
Cooper City's under 10 minutes via Flamingo Road.
Close location matters because orthodontics requires periodic check-ins.
You don't want to sit in traffic for an hour to see your orthodontist.
We keep appointment slots flexible around school schedules, sports, and family life.
Need to see exactly where we are?
Check our Miramar location page with our interactive map.
Cost and Financing: Real Talk About Price
Everyone wants to know the cost upfront.
Here's the honest answer: it depends on your teen's specific case.
Some teeth need more movement than others.
Some bites are more complex.
Treatment length varies.
That's why straight pricing doesn't exist in this business.
What we do offer is transparent pricing with flexible financing options.
We work with families to make treatment happen, not to put it out of reach.
The conversation about cost happens during your consultation, with no surprises.
Why Families Choose SMILE-FX® Over Other Options
We're board-certified orthodontists, not general dentists trying to do orthodontics on the side.
Our team specializes in this work.
We use cutting-edge technology like AI modeling and the latest aligner materials.
We're conveniently located across Broward County, making appointments actually doable.
We schedule around school and activities.
Virtual consultations exist for families who need them.
And we actually care about getting results, not just collecting payments.
Want to understand more about how we're different?
Read our how we're different page.
What Happens Next: Getting Your Teen's Smile Started
The first step is simple: book a free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation.
No commitment.
No pressure.
Just answers.
We'll take a 3D scan of your teen's mouth.
We'll show you exactly what movement is possible.
We'll talk through options, timeline, and investment.
You'll know everything before deciding anything.
Your teen will see what their smile could look like.
That visualization often makes the decision easy.
Ready to get moving?
Book your free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here.
Or hit us up at smile-fx.com/contact-us to schedule.
Quick Questions Families Ask
Can my teen play sports with aligners in?
Yes, they remove them.
Many athletes actually prefer this because there's nothing to get hit in the mouth.
How long does treatment take?
Depends on the case.
Most teens see results within 12 to 24 months.
Your virtual consultation can give a better timeline.
What if my teen loses an aligner?
We have replacements.
Not ideal, but it happens.
No judgment.
Will the aligners break while eating?
They're removed for eating, so no.
How do aligners actually move teeth?
They apply consistent, gentle pressure.
Over time, teeth shift into position.
HyperElastic™ technology makes this process smoother and faster than traditional methods.
The Real Bottom Line
Your teen deserves a straight smile that doesn't take over their life.
OrthoFX® aligners from SMILE-FX® deliver exactly that.
They're invisible, flexible, and effective.
They work around your teen's schedule instead of controlling it.
Stop letting crooked teeth hold your teen back.
Book your free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation with SMILE-FX® Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio today.
Let's get them smiling.
Clear Aligners for Adults, Kids, and Teens: What You Need to Know About Your Orthodontic Options in Broward
Look, orthodontics isn't just for teenagers anymore.
Adults are getting their teeth fixed.
Kids are starting treatment earlier.
Teens have way more options than they did five years ago.
The real question isn't whether you should fix your smile.
It's which path makes sense for your life right now.
Why Adults Are Getting Braces and Clear Aligners Now More Than Ever
Adults used to think they missed their window.
Too late now, right?
Wrong.
Your teeth can move at any age.
The bones around your teeth stay responsive.
Your gums stay healthy enough to support the process.
The only real difference is that adult treatment might take a few months longer than it would for a teenager.
Here's what's changed: clear aligner technology gave adults a real option.
You can straighten your teeth without everyone knowing about it.
No one at work notices.
Your colleagues have no idea you're in treatment.
That's freedom that braces never offered.
Most adults I talk to wish they'd done this years ago.
They spent decades avoiding photos because they hated their smile.
They held back at job interviews.
They paid more attention to their teeth than to the conversation.
Getting your teeth straight is about more than vanity.
It's about showing up as the version of yourself you actually want to be.
Kids Starting Early: When Does Treatment Actually Make Sense
Parents ask me all the time: should my kid get braces now or wait?
The honest answer is it depends on what's happening with their teeth.
Some kids need early intervention because their bite is affecting how they chew or speak.
Some kids have crowding that's only getting worse.
Some kids are just fine waiting a few years.
What I tell every parent: get a professional opinion.
Not a guess.
Not a wait-and-see approach that costs you two more years of crowding.
An actual assessment from someone who knows what they're looking at.
At SMILE-FX®, we work with kids as young as seven or eight.
Early treatment with kids sometimes means we can prevent bigger problems later.
Sometimes it means we catch something that could affect their speech or bite function.
The best time to figure this out is during a free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation.
We show you exactly what's happening.
Then you decide if now is the right time or if waiting makes more sense.
The Difference Between Invisalign, Clear Aligners, and Braces: Breaking It Down
People use these terms like they're all the same thing.
They're not.
Invisalign is a specific brand.
It's the one everyone's heard of.
The one that started the clear aligner movement.
Clear aligners is the category.
It includes Invisalign, OrthoFX, and other brands.
Think of it like tissues and Kleenex.
Kleenex is the brand.
Tissues are the category.
Braces are the traditional fixed system.
Metal brackets, wires, rubber bands.
They stay on your teeth the whole time.
What makes OrthoFX aligners different from other clear aligner brands?
We're not a mail-order situation.
A board-certified specialist creates and monitors your treatment.
You get actual orthodontist-level care, not some algorithm pushing you through a factory system.
Real Talk: Which Option Works Best for Different Life Situations
You're a parent with three kids and a packed schedule.
Clear aligners might be your move.
You can pop them out for family photos.
You can wear them while cooking dinner.
No emergency bracket repairs during ski trips.
You're a teenager who plays football.
Clear aligners win.
You remove them during practice.
No risk of getting a bracket knocked into your mouth.
No fear of breaking something expensive.
You're an adult with a high-stakes job and client meetings.
Clear aligners let you show up how you want to show up.
Nobody questions you.
Your smile gets straighter every week without anyone knowing it.
You're a kid with mild crowding and a parent who wants a proven system.
Braces might actually be the safest bet.
They work.
They're proven.
No compliance issues because they're always on.
The point: there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Your situation is unique.
Your treatment should be too.
What Happens Inside Your Mouth: How Clear Aligners Actually Work
This part confuses people.
You get a series of aligners.
Each one is slightly different from the one before.
You wear aligner one for about two weeks.
Your teeth shift a tiny bit.
You move to aligner two.
They shift again.
This repeats until your teeth are where they need to be.
The whole thing works because teeth are anchored by living tissue.
That tissue responds to gentle, constant pressure.
Over time, the roots of your teeth physically move inside your jaw.
Braces work the same way, just with a different delivery system.
What makes OrthoFX different is the material and the tracking.
We use HyperElastic polymers that work faster and more comfortably.
We track your progress with AI.
If something's off, we catch it early and adjust.
Check out our page on cutting-edge technology to see exactly how this works.
Cost Breakdown: What You're Actually Paying For
Clear aligners cost different amounts depending on what needs to happen.
Simple cases where you just need minor crowding fixed?
Cheaper than complex cases.
Cases where you need to fix your bite, your spacing, and your alignment?
That costs more because it takes longer and needs more careful planning.
What you're paying for isn't just the plastic trays.
You're paying for the orthodontist's expertise.
The AI modeling.
The monitoring appointments.
The emergency support if something goes wrong.
The refinements if we need to make adjustments.
At SMILE-FX®, we're transparent about this.
You know the cost before you start.
We work with financing options so cost isn't the reason you skip getting your teeth fixed.
The Compliance Question: Will Treatment Actually Work
Here's the thing nobody says out loud.
Orthodontic treatment only works if you stick with it.
Braces work because you can't remove them.
You're forced into compliance.
That's actually their superpower.
Clear aligners require you to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.
That's most people's big challenge.
Not everyone can do that.
Some people lose the aligner.
Some people forget it at a restaurant.
Some people get busy and don't put it back in.
Their treatment drags out or doesn't work.
OrthoFX is different because we only need 9 to 12 hours of wear time daily.
That's way more realistic for actual human life.
You can take them out for meals.
You can take them out for pictures.
You can take them out for sports.
The compliance rate is naturally higher because the ask is more reasonable.
Want to check if clear aligners make sense for you?
Book a virtual consultation and we can talk about what's realistic for your situation.
The Health Side: Straight Teeth Aren't Just About Looking Good
Crooked teeth cause real problems.
They're harder to clean.
Food gets stuck in weird places.
Plaque builds up.
You're at higher risk for cavities and gum disease.
Bite problems cause muscle tension.
Your jaw works harder than it should.
You get headaches.
Your neck gets tight.
Over time, your joints get damaged.
Crowded teeth can affect how you breathe.
Spacing issues can cause food to impact your gums.
When we straighten your teeth, we're not just improving your appearance.
We're improving your oral health for decades to come.
Browse our treatable cases page to see if your specific situation is something we address.
What Makes SMILE-FX® Different for All Ages
We work with kids.
We work with teens.
We work with adults.
We work with people who've had braces before and want to fix their bite again.
Every single person gets the same level of care from a board-certified orthodontist.
Not a general dentist trying to do orthodontics on the side.
Not a customer service rep.
An actual specialist.
We use the latest technology for everyone.
AI modeling.
3D scanning.
The best aligner materials.
We treat you like a person, not a case number.
We schedule around your life.
We answer your questions.
We actually care if the treatment works.
Read what actual families say about working with us on our patient reviews page.
Beyond Straight Teeth: Other Treatments We Offer
Sometimes teeth straightening is just part of what you need.
Sometimes you need bite correction.
Sometimes you need space created for a missing tooth.
Sometimes you need to prepare for other dental work.
We handle all of that.
Check out our other treatment options to see if there's something beyond basic alignment that fits your situation.
The Comparison That Matters: Braces vs Clear Aligners for Your Specific Life
Braces win if:
You need guaranteed compliance.
You can't remember to wear something.
You want the fastest possible treatment.
Your case is really complex.
Clear aligners win if:
You have a social or professional life where appearance matters.
You want flexibility in when you wear treatment.
You're willing to be responsible about wearing them.
You want fewer office visits.
The reality is both work.
Both straighten teeth.
Both improve your bite and your health.
The choice comes down to what fits your life better.
Getting Started: What Actually Happens in Your First Appointment
You come in.
We scan your mouth with 3D technology.
We show you what's happening with your teeth right now.
We show you what we can fix and how long it'll take.
We talk about cost and options.
No pressure.
No surprise pricing.
No commitment unless you're ready.
If you decide to move forward, we create your treatment plan.
We order your aligners or design your braces.
We get you started.
Want to skip the guessing and get real answers?
Book your free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation with SMILE-FX® Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio.
We serve families across Broward County from our Miramar location.
Easy to reach.
Easy to schedule around your life.
Ready to give you the straight smile you want.
Insurance, Financing, and Real Costs: What You Actually Pay for Braces and Aligners in South Florida
Your kid needs braces.
Your teeth have been bugging you for years.
Someone in the family finally decided it's time to fix the smile.
Then reality hits.
You start thinking about cost.
Does insurance cover this stuff?
What's the actual price tag?
Can you finance it without eating ramen for two years?
These questions matter because orthodontics isn't cheap, and you need real answers, not marketing fluff.
Here's What Insurance Actually Covers for Orthodontics
Most dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage.
Not all of them.
But most.
Here's how it usually works.
Your plan covers a percentage of treatment cost.
Commonly it's 50 percent.
Some plans cover more.
Some cover less.
There's almost always a yearly maximum.
You hit that cap, then you're paying out of pocket for the rest.
Example: your plan covers 50 percent of braces up to $1,500 per year.
Your total treatment costs $5,000.
Insurance pays $1,500 in year one.
You pay $3,500 out of pocket over the remaining time.
The catch?
Different plans treat clear aligners and traditional braces differently.
Some plans cover aligners the same as braces.
Others don't cover aligners at all.
Some have restrictions on which brands they'll pay for.
This is why we ask about your insurance before quoting prices.
We can actually tell you what your plan covers and what you'll owe.
Does Insurance Even Cover Orthodontia for Adults
Yes, but it's less common than coverage for kids and teens.
Most plans have age limits.
Some cover up to age 18.
Others go to 21 or 25.
A smaller number cover adults with no age restriction.
Adult orthodontics for coverage purposes usually requires documentation that you have a bite problem, not just cosmetic crowding.
If your insurance covers it, great.
If not, you're looking at the full cost.
The reality for many adults is they end up self-paying.
That's why financing matters for adults more than it does for kids.
Breaking Down the Actual Cost of Braces and Clear Aligners
Traditional braces in South Florida range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on complexity.
Simple cases cost less.
Complex bite corrections cost more.
Treatment length affects price.
Clear aligners typically run $3,500 to $8,000.
Same variables apply.
Simpler movements cost less.
Bigger corrections cost more.
OrthoFX aligners specifically tend to come in at competitive pricing because we're not overhauling the economics of a massive corporate machine.
We're orthodontists who use great technology, not a venture-backed company trying to justify billion-dollar valuations.
Here's what affects your price tag:
How many teeth need moving.
Whether your bite needs correction.
If you need any tooth extraction to create space.
Treatment complexity and how long it takes.
How many refinement rounds you'll need.
That's why we don't quote prices on the phone or website.
We need to actually see what's happening with your teeth first.
Financing Options That Actually Work for Real Families
We offer monthly payment plans.
No money down for most cases.
You can spread the cost over 12, 18, or 24 months depending on what makes sense for your budget.
Some families do better with a credit card if they have a card offering 0 percent introductory rates.
Some use healthcare credit cards like CareCredit which offer promotional financing periods.
The point is this: cost shouldn't be the reason you skip getting your teeth or your kid's teeth fixed.
We work with families to make this happen financially.
When you come in for your free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation, we quote your exact cost and we show you financing options that fit your situation.
Why the Cheapest Option Almost Always Costs More
Direct-to-consumer aligner companies advertise super cheap prices.
$800.
$1,200.
Prices that sound too good because they are.
Here's what you're not getting.
No orthodontist creating your plan.
No professional monitoring.
No emergency support if something goes wrong.
No refinements if the treatment isn't working right.
People buy these because price looks good.
Then their teeth don't move correctly.
The trays don't fit right.
They end up needing real treatment anyway.
You pay $1,200 for something that doesn't work.
Then you pay $5,000 for real treatment to fix the mess.
That's how the cheapest option becomes the most expensive.
A board-certified orthodontist in South Florida costs more upfront because you're actually getting results.
What You're Paying For Beyond the Plastic Trays
People look at braces or aligners and think it's just the hardware.
That's like thinking a car is just the metal shell.
When you pay for orthodontic treatment, you're paying for:
A specialist's years of training.
The technology to scan and plan your treatment.
Custom manufacturing of your specific aligners or braces.
Multiple appointments to monitor progress.
Adjustments and refinements.
Emergency support if something breaks.
The actual knowledge to fix complicated bite problems.
That's why a best orthodontist near me in Fort Lauderdale or Miramar costs what they do.
You're paying for expertise, not just equipment.
Insurance Coordination: Let Us Handle the Paperwork
We submit your insurance paperwork.
We get your coverage verified before treatment starts.
We handle all the back-and-forth with your insurance company.
You don't have to play phone tag with claims departments.
This is huge because insurance coordination can take weeks.
We handle it so you can move forward with your treatment.
When you're ready to get started, bring your insurance card.
We take care of the rest.
The Hidden Costs People Don't Think About
Braces need wire replacements and bracket repairs.
Aligners need replacement if you lose one.
Both need specialty toothbrushes and floss picks.
These aren't huge costs individually.
But they add up.
OrthoFX aligners actually minimize these hidden costs because they require fewer office visits and adjustments.
Fewer visits means fewer opportunities for something to break.
At SMILE-FX, we're transparent about this too.
We tell you what to expect cost-wise beyond the base treatment price.
Why Board-Certified Specialists Cost More Than General Dentists
Some dentists offer braces as a side service.
Courses online.
A few hundred extra patients.
They charge less because they're not specialists.
A board-certified orthodontist went to school for orthodontics specifically.
They did residency.
They passed boards.
They stay current with the latest techniques.
That training difference matters when your case is complex.
It matters when something goes wrong.
It matters when you want actual results instead of whatever happens to fit in the chair.
We're board-certified specialists because that's what gives you the best chance at the best results.
Comparing Cost Per Month of Treatment
Here's a way to think about it that makes sense.
$5,000 treatment over 24 months is about $208 per month.
That's less than most people spend on coffee and streaming services.
Less than a car payment.
If financing isn't an issue and insurance covers some of it, you might only be paying $100 to $150 monthly out of pocket.
When you frame it monthly instead of as one huge number, it gets less scary.
Special Cases: Why Complex Orthodontia Costs More
A simple crowding case where teeth just need to shift into line costs less than fixing a severe overbite that requires jaw alignment work.
That's just reality.
Your treatment cost reflects what actually needs to happen.
More complex cases take longer.
They require more appointments.
They need more expertise.
We break down exactly why your case costs what it costs during your consultation.
We show you the treatment plan.
You see what's happening and why.
Getting Your Money's Worth: What Successful Treatment Looks Like
You're not just paying for straight teeth.
You're paying for decades of better oral health.
Straighter teeth are easier to clean.
You get fewer cavities.
Your gums stay healthier.
Your bite functions better so you don't get jaw problems later.
Over a lifetime, that saves you money on dental work and health problems.
This is why orthodontia is actually an investment, not just an expense.
Real Question: Is Invisalign or OrthoFX More Affordable
Invisalign gets talked about most because of their marketing budget.
Cost-wise, they're usually similar to other clear aligners.
OrthoFX aligners are priced competitively and often come in less expensive because we're not paying for the massive ad campaigns.
What matters more than brand is getting a best orthodontist in Miramar or your area who'll create a real plan and monitor you.
We offer clear aligners that work as well as anything else, with better service and usually better pricing.
Payment Plans That Don't Leave You Broke
We work with you on timing.
If paying over 24 months makes sense, that's what we do.
If you want to pay faster and knock it out in 12 months, we can make that work.
No interest charges.
No hidden fees.
Just straightforward monthly payments that fit your budget.
One More Thing About Cost
Don't let the price of a top-rated orthodontist near me stop you from getting real treatment from a real specialist.
The cost of not fixing your teeth is way higher when you account for the health problems and the years of avoiding photos.
Book your free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation with SMILE-FX Orthodontic and Clear Aligner Studio.
Find out your exact cost.
See your financing options.
Stop guessing and start smiling.