Thinking about straightening your teeth but not sure where to start? You’re in good company. One of the most common questions patients ask is whether braces or Invisalign is the better choice, and cost is usually right behind it.
At Cooper Orthodontics, our orthodontists serve patients across 13 South Florida locations and give every family a personalized consultation built around their specific needs. Here’s a closer look at what affects cost, how long treatment takes and a few other things worth knowing before you begin.
How Braces Straighten Your Smile
Braces use small brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by a wire. Over time, that wire gently guides your teeth into their correct positions. Here’s how it works:
- Brackets are placed on each tooth.
- A wire runs through the brackets to apply gentle, steady pressure.
- You visit the office every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments that keep treatment on track.
- Your teeth shift gradually toward their final position.
Braces are a great fit for crowded teeth, spacing concerns, overbites, underbites and crossbites.
Invisalign vs. Braces: What’s the Difference?
| Factor | Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Metal brackets and wires | Clear, nearly invisible trays |
| Removable | No | Yes |
| Eating restrictions | Yes | No |
| Cleaning | Brush around the brackets | Remove to brush and floss |
| Best for | All cases, including complex ones | Mild to moderate cases |
| Adjustments | In-office every 6 to 8 weeks | New trays every 1 to 2 weeks |
What Affects the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment?
- Case complexity. More extensive bite correction means a higher overall cost.
- Treatment type. Metal braces, clear ceramic braces, gold braces and Invisalign each come with different price points.
- Treatment length. Longer treatment generally costs more.
- Location and provider. Pricing varies by area and practice.
- Insurance coverage. Many dental plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment.
- Financing options. Cooper Orthodontics offers flexible monthly payment plans and works with your insurance to help make treatment accessible.
A personalized consultation is the only way to get an accurate cost estimate for your case. Use our free online payment calculator at smilesbycooper.com to explore your monthly options before your first visit.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
No two patients are exactly alike, but here are some general ranges:
- Traditional braces: 18 months to 3 years.
- Invisalign: 6 to 18 months for mild to moderate cases.
- Early treatment for children: varies based on growth and alignment needs
A few things influence your timeline:
- The complexity of your bite.
- Whether you wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours daily.
- How consistently you keep your adjustment appointments.
- Your age.
Once treatment is complete, our orthodontists will fit you with retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions.
What Our Orthodontists Bring to Your Care
Cooper Orthodontics is a Diamond+ Invisalign provider with a team of orthodontists across 13 locations in Palm Beach, Broward and St. Lucie counties. Our offices use the iTero digital scanner for precise, comfortable 3D impressions, no messy molds required. Here’s what that means for you:
- Customized treatment planning built around your needs, not a template.
- Digital X-rays and iTero 3D scanning for accurate, radiation-minimal treatment planning.
- Regular progress monitoring to keep your treatment on track.
- Retention planning that supports a stable, long-lasting smile.
- A warm, patient-focused team that listens, communicates clearly and keeps you comfortable at every appointment.
Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens and Adults
Our orthodontists treat patients of all ages across South Florida.
Children: The ideal time for a first orthodontic visit is around age 7. Early care helps catch concerns before they become more involved.
Teens: This is a common and well-suited age for braces or Invisalign. Cooper Orthodontics offers options designed specifically for teens, including Invisalign Teen with built-in compliance indicators.
Adults: Clear ceramic braces and Invisalign offer discreet options that fit a professional lifestyle. It’s never too late for a confident smile.
Start Your Smile Journey with Cooper Orthodontics
Whether you’re set on braces, leaning toward Invisalign or still weighing your options, our orthodontists are here to help you find the right fit. We serve patients across South Florida, including:
- Port St. Lucie
- Royal Palm Beach
- Lake Worth
- Boynton Beach
- Delray Beach
- Boca Raton
- Coral Springs
- Margate
- North Fort Lauderdale
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Plantation
- Weston
- Pembroke Pines
Book your complimentary consultation!
FAQs
How much do braces cost in Lake Worth?
Cost depends on case complexity, treatment type and length. Cooper Orthodontics accepts insurance, offers flexible monthly payment plans and has a free online payment calculator at smilesbycooper.com to help you plan ahead.
How much do braces cost in North Fort Lauderdale?
Braces cost varies by case. Our team helps coordinate your insurance benefits and offers financing options to make treatment more accessible.
How does Invisalign compare to braces in Pembroke Pines?
Invisalign uses removable clear trays and works well for mild to moderate cases. Braces use brackets and wires to shift teeth and handle more complex cases. Cooper Orthodontics is a Diamond+ Invisalign provider, so our orthodontists are experienced with both. They’ll help you find the right fit at your complimentary consultation.
How long do braces take in Plantation?
Most patients wear braces for 18 months to 3 years. The timeline depends on case complexity and how closely you follow our orthodontists’ instructions.
How much do braces cost in Plantation?
Cost varies from patient to patient based on brace type, alignment complexity and treatment length. Cooper Orthodontics offers flexible financing and works with most insurance providers.
How long do braces take in Boca Raton?
Treatment typically runs 18 months to 3 years. Regular adjustments and good oral hygiene help keep things on schedule. Our orthodontists monitor your progress at every visit.
How much do braces cost in Boca Raton?
Cost at Cooper Orthodontics depends on treatment type and case complexity. Insurance often covers a meaningful portion, and our flexible monthly payment plans make it easier to get started.
How much do braces cost in Downtown Fort Lauderdale?
Cost varies by complexity, duration and treatment type. Cooper Orthodontics offers monthly payment plans, insurance coordination and a free payment calculator at smilesbycooper.com.
How do braces work in Weston?
Braces at Cooper Orthodontics use brackets and wires that apply steady pressure to move teeth gradually into the right position. Our orthodontists use iTero digital scanning and digital X-rays for precise treatment planning from day one.