Skip to content
  • (561) 270-0209
  • Payment Calculator
  • Locations
Free Consult
LOGO
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Your Doctors
    • Our Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Orthodontics
        • Braces
          • Types Of Braces
          • Braces For Kids
          • Braces For Teens
          • Braces For Adults
          • Life With Braces
          • Payment Calculator
        • Invisalign
          • What is Invisalign?
          • Invisalign For Kids
          • Invisalign For Teens
          • Invisalign For Adults
          • Invisalign FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
        • Orthodontic Resources
          • Emergency Care
          • Orthodontic Appliances
          • Common Orthodontic Issues
          • Retainers
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Virtual Smile Assessment
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Rewards
    • Financing & Insurance
    • Make a Payment
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Free Consult
LOGO
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Your Doctors
    • Our Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Orthodontics
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Life With Braces
      • Payment Calculator
    • Invisalign
      • What is Invisalign?
      • Invisalign For Kids
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Orthodontic Resources
      • Emergency Care
      • Orthodontic Appliances
      • Common Orthodontic Issues
      • Retainers
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Virtual Smile Assessment
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Make a Payment
    • Patient Rewards
    • Financing & Insurance
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • 561-270-0209
  • Payment Calculator
  • Locations
Free Consult
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Tik Tok

How are clear braces and Invisalign different?

Find Confidence in Your Smile

Ceramic Vs Clear Braces
  • Cooper Orthodontics
  • | May 20, 2022

Clear braces and Invisalign may sound similar, and these words tend to be used interchangeably – but they aren’t the same thing! They’re both high-quality, aesthetically-appealing treatments – but they have different features, benefits, and commitment levels.

Here’s everything you need to know about clear braces vs. Invisalign, so you can make the best decision for your smile. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign, sometimes called “invisible braces”, is a modern orthodontic system that uses custom-made clear aligners to straighten teeth and align the bite. Each set of aligners is designed to guide the teeth one step closer to their end position, over a course of 18 months or so.

(While the average treatment period is around 12 to 18 months with Invisalign for adultsyour treatment may be shorter or longer depending on your case!)

Invisalign aligners are worn for at least 22 hours every day, and can be removed as the patient needs. This is one of the main differentiators between Invisalign and braces—Invisalign can be removed and placed back in, and braces are non-removable during your treatment.

What are clear braces?

Many people want to transform their smile with braces but they prefer a more discreet treatment option than traditional metal braces. This is where clear braces come into the picture!

We’re proud to provide 3M™ Clarity™ Ceramic Braces as a more esthetic alternative to metal braces.

Clear braces use ceramic brackets that are relatively transparent and blend in with the natural color of the teeth, making them virtually undetectable from a short distance.

Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional braces, using brackets and wires to place strategic pressure on the teeth to guide them in the right direction. Your orthodontist will bond the brackets to your teeth, then connect them via a strong archwire to apply the right pressure to the teeth.

When it comes to appearance with clear braces versus Invisalign, the right option for you depends on your preferences!

Who can wear clear braces?

Clear braces can be used for people of any age! Our experienced orthodontists in South Florida can treat a number of different conditions with clear braces, including: 

  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Underbites
  • Overbites
  • Open bites
  • Cross bites

In general, clear braces will most likely be an ideal alternative if you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign.

Clear braces versus Invisalign: Commitment Required

Patients will need to invest time and energy into whatever solution will work best for them, but Invisalign does require more commitment in order for patients to experience the best results.

Invisalign needs to be worn for at least 22 hours a day, and they’re removable, which means you have to commit to keeping them for as long as your orthodontist advises.

If you neglect to wear your clear aligners for too long, we may have to adjust your treatment plan to allow for a longer process.

If you feel you are too forgetful or can’t commit to at least 22 hours of wearing Invisalign every day, you may need a more hands-off approach to creating your best smile.

Clear braces cannot be removed, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to put them back in your mouth. However, you will need to be extra diligent with brushing and flossing, as the brackets and archwire collect food particles and plaque.

Which is better? Clear braces or Invisalign?

The best treatment option for you will depend on your preferences and the severity of your condition. There are pros and cons to both Invisalign andclear braces. The best option should be determined on an individual basis.

If you want to find out which option is best for you, please schedule your complimentary exam with us! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit to your last appointment.

If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Royal Palm Beach,Lake Worth, West Boca Raton, East Boca Raton, Margate, Pembroke Pines, North Ft. Lauderdale, or Downtown Ft Lauderdale, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.

Resources

Patient Hub

Orthodontics is more than standard treatment to us; it’s an experience. Current patients can access our Patient Hub to join in fun-filled rewards programs like earning points by participating in contests and surveys!

Patient Portal Login
New Patient Forms
Patient Rewards
Make a Payment
CTA

Get started today

Find Confidence in Your smile

Take the first step toward achieving a beautiful, long-lasting smile by scheduling your free consultation!

Schedule Free Consult

PATIENT REVIEWS

Our 5-Star Experience

Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with our amazing doctors and team!

AAO Brand Logo
Brand Logo
Delisha O.
Office staff very friendly nice , also the office itself is very clean & everyone very informative & attentive. Will definitely recommend<3
Delisha O.
Office staff very friendly nice , also the office itself is very clean & everyone very informative & attentive. Will definitely recommend<3
Snydine E.
This was my first time coming here .I went to get a consult and got my braces the same day. There were very nice I recommend people coming here.👍🏾
Snydine E.
This was my first time coming here .I went to get a consult and got my braces the same day. There were very nice I recommend people coming here.👍🏾
Darshae S.
Moved down from wpb office hoping the North Fort Lauderdale office was just as great. They are more than we expected we love our new office. My daughter Ya’Ianah Still really love the staff. Great office!!!
Darshae S.
Moved down from wpb office hoping the North Fort Lauderdale office was just as great. They are more than we expected we love our new office. My daughter Ya’Ianah Still really love the staff. Great office!!!
robert L.
Cooper Orthodontics has made starting my Invisalign treatment really easy. The staff is friendly, helpful, and explains everything clearly. The office is clean and organized, and appointments have been quick and smooth. I’ve had a great experience so far and would definitely recommend them to others.
robert L.
Cooper Orthodontics has made starting my Invisalign treatment really easy. The staff is friendly, helpful, and explains everything clearly. The office is clean and organized, and appointments have been quick and smooth. I’ve had a great experience so far and would definitely recommend them to others.
Helen J.
My grandson had an amazing time here staff was friendly and nice .would recommend this location or any location
Helen J.
My grandson had an amazing time here staff was friendly and nice .would recommend this location or any location
Tamara M.
We had such an amazing experience. They were fast and friendly . Please go see Janelle she took great care of my son. Please go and give them a try you won’t be disappointed
Tamara M.
We had such an amazing experience. They were fast and friendly . Please go see Janelle she took great care of my son. Please go and give them a try you won’t be disappointed
Adrian R.
This place is amazing. The people here are very professional on what they do and really did a good job fixed by my teeth. They are a very awesome team and I would definitely come here again
Adrian R.
This place is amazing. The people here are very professional on what they do and really did a good job fixed by my teeth. They are a very awesome team and I would definitely come here again
Leidys M.
Amazing 🤩 staff, friendly and nice people, they're very fast also professional. We are very thankful, my daughter looks amazing 😍 and we highly recommend you guys !!!!
Learn More
brand logo
Convenient locations

Come visit us

We provide high-quality orthodontic care in 12 convenient locations. Our experienced family orthodontists create individualized treatment plans with Invisalign®, different types of braces and more for children, teens, and adults looking to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. We can’t wait to meet you soon!

Locations
  • Port St. Lucie, FL
  • Royal Palm Beach, FL
  • Lake Worth, FL
  • Boynton Beach, FL
  • Delray Beach, FL
  • West Boca Raton, FL
  • Margate, FL
  • North Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • Downtown Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • Plantation, FL
  • Weston, FL
  • Pembroke Pines, FL
Phone
  • (561) 270-0209
Contact Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 2:00pm

Pembroke Pines

Downtown Ft. Lauderdale

North Ft. Lauderdale

Margate

West Boca Raton

Delray Beach

Boynton Beach

Lake Worth

Royal Palm Beach

Plantation

Port St. Lucie

Weston

Logo
Schedule Free Consult
Quick Links
  • Our Practice
  • Orthodontics
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Our Practice
  • Orthodontics
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
Locations
  • Royal Palm Beach, FL
  • Lake Worth, FL
  • Boynton Beach, FL
  • Delray Beach, FL
  • West Boca Raton, FL
  • Margate, FL
  • North Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • Downtown Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • Pembroke Pines, FL
  • Plantation, FL
  • Port St. Lucie, FL
Follow Us
  • (561) 270-0209

© 2025 Cooper Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Accessibility

// find desired langauge and change the former language of the hidden selection-field // trigger change event afterwards to make google-lib translate this side