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Braces or Invisalign? A Guide for Parkland Families

Braces and Invisalign both create healthy, confident smiles. Braces stay on your teeth full time and handle a wide range of cases. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that suit teens and adults who can wear them most of the day. At John Orthodontics, Dr. Eliane A. John offers metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Pitts21 self-ligating braces, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, so your Parkland family can choose the option that fits your life.

Quick Facts
Braces options
Metal, clear ceramic and Pitts21 self-ligating
Aligner options
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen
Aligner changes
About every two weeks
Scanning technology
iTero digital scanner, no messy impressions
First visit
Complimentary consultation
Your orthodontist
Dr. Eliane A. John, board-certified orthodontist

 

Both Options Work, and the Best Choice Depends on Your Life

Braces and Invisalign both move teeth into healthier positions. The right choice comes down to your bite, your routine and how much responsibility you’re ready to take on.

Dr. John helps you weigh all of it at your consultation. She’s an experienced Invisalign provider and works with several braces systems, so she’ll recommend what fits your smile, not what fits a sales pitch.

How Braces and Invisalign Compare

Braces
Invisalign
What it is
Brackets bonded to teeth with a guiding wire
Clear, custom, removable aligners
Appearance
Metal or tooth-colored ceramic
Nearly invisible
Removable
No
Yes, for eating, brushing and flossing
Daily effort
Careful brushing around brackets
Wear most of the day, switch trays about every two weeks
Food rules
Avoid hard, sticky and crunchy foods
Remove aligners to eat
Best for
Kids, teens and adults, including complex cases
Teens and adults who’ll wear aligners consistently

Braces Offer Reliable Results Without Daily Decisions

Braces are a fixed system of brackets and wires that stay in place for the length of treatment. Because they never come out, they keep working whether it’s a school day, a travel weekend or finals week.

Today’s braces are smaller and more comfortable than the ones your parents wore. At John Orthodontics, you can choose from:

  • Metal braces made from lightweight stainless steel
  • Clear ceramic braces with tooth-colored brackets that blend in
  • Pitts21 self-ligating braces with a built-in door that holds the wire, so there’s no need for elastic ties on every tooth

Braces are a great fit when a case is more complex or when a teen may struggle to keep aligners in. Explore every option on our types of braces page.

Invisalign Offers Freedom and a Discreet Look

Invisalign is a series of clear, custom aligners that gradually shift your teeth. You pop them out to eat, brush and floss, then put them right back in.

Here’s how it works at our office:

  1. Dr. John scans your teeth with the iTero digital scanner.
  2. She builds a 3D treatment plan made for your mouth.
  3. You receive your custom aligners.
  4. You switch to a new set about every two weeks.
  5. You wear a retainer to keep your new smile in place.

The key is consistency. Aligners only move teeth while you’re wearing them, so you’ll keep them for most of the day. Learn more on our Invisalign page.

Invisalign Teen Is Built for Busy Parkland Students

Invisalign Teen works like Invisalign, with a few features made for younger patients. Compliance indicators change color to show whether aligners are being worn enough, and replacement aligners help if one goes missing.

That’s a real plus for Parkland teens juggling school, activities and weekends with friends. From picture day to prom, your teen can smile without thinking twice about metal. Visit our Invisalign Teen page for details.

Sports and Activities Matter in This Decision

If your child plays soccer, baseball or another contact sport, talk with Dr. John about which option fits their season. Braces stay on during games, so a mouthguard is a smart addition. Aligners come out for games and practice, which some athletes prefer.

We love seeing our patients on the field. John Orthodontics sponsors Parkland Youth Soccer, Parkland Youth Baseball, Coral Springs Youth Soccer and Coral Springs Youth Baseball, so we understand how important those seasons are to your family.

A Local Orthodontist Who Knows Parkland

Dr. John lives in Parkland, and her children grew up in the Parkland school district. Our team has supported the Heron Heights PTA, the Parktrails PTA, Riverglades Elementary School and Parkland Trunk or Treat.

Our office at 4651 N. State Rd. 7 in Coral Springs is a short drive from Parkland neighborhoods, including Heron Bay. And with one Saturday a month on the schedule, it’s easier to plan visits around school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Invisalign faster than braces?
It depends on your case. Dr. John will give you an estimated timeline for each option at your consultation.
Can kids get Invisalign?
Invisalign works best for teens and adults. Younger children often benefit more from
early treatment
or braces.
Are clear braces a good middle ground?
They can be. Clear ceramic braces work like traditional braces but blend in with your teeth.
Does insurance cover braces and Invisalign?
Many plans include an orthodontic benefit. We accept most major insurance plans and file claims for you once treatment starts. See our
financial and insurance page
for details.
Can the whole family get treatment together?
Absolutely. We treat kids, teens and adults, and we offer discounts when multiple family members are in treatment.

Locations We Serve


Serving families throughout Broward County

John Orthodontics proudly serves Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton and nearby Broward County communities.

Find Your Best Fit

Still deciding? Let’s figure it out together. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. John or call 954-575-3313.

Email Us

Office Hours

  • Monday: 9:00am-5:30pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
  • Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Once A Month