.Beautiful teeth make for a beautiful smile. So it only makes sense that people would want their teeth to be as perfect as can be. The problem is, of course, making the decision on how best to handle your teeth: Braces or Invisalign. Both have their benefits, but which one is right for you?

1. YOUR
DENTAL
HEALTH
PARTNERS.com
Braces VS Invisalign

2. YOUR DENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERS
Beautiful teeth make for a beautiful smile. So it only makes sense that
people would want their teeth to be as perfect as can be. The problem is,
of course, making the decision on how best to handle your teeth: Braces
or Invisalign. Both have their benefits, but which one is right for you?

3. YOUR DENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERS
The Basics
Braces are composed of metal brackets glued to your teeth and connect-
ed by rubber bands and wire. Modern brackets are smaller and less no-
ticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces. Ceramic brackets are
clear so that they blend better with your teeth.

4. YOUR DENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERS
The Basics
Invisalign are removable aligner trays made of BPA-free plastic that are
worn over your teeth. They are formed using X-Rays, impressions, and
pictures to fit your teeth and are made clear so as to appear invisible. The
aligner trays are replaced approximately every two weeks and the teeth
gradually shift into alignment.

5. YOUR DENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERS
The Time?
Invisalign may need to be worn on average 6-18 months if you are proac-
tive in wearing the trays, while braces generally take about two years to
orient your teeth. While braces and Invisalign need to be worn just about
24/7, with braces, they are permanent for the allotted amount of time.
Invisalign can be taken off.

6. YOUR DENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERS
Care and Maintenance
Food can get stuck in your braces, and it can be difficult to eat foods
that are sticky or hard but when it comes to cleaning, they are pretty low
maintenance. Braces are simply cleaned with your daily brushing.
Invisalign requires a little more work when it comes to keeping your trays
clean. Invisalign needs to be taken off whenever you eat or drink some-
thing and you need to brush thoroughly after each meal. Food could get
caught underneath the trays and cause discoloration of your teeth. You’ll
also need to keep your trays clean by brushing and rinsing them in warm
water regularly.
When it comes to follow-up appointments with your orthodontist, with
braces you will need to visit approximately every month. With Invisalign,
you will need to visit the orthodontist to replace your trays every two
weeks and go in for a follow-up every 4-6 weeks.

7. YOUR DENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERS
Is one more effective than the other?
It depends on your teeth. If you have more complex issues such as
bridgework or a need to move your teeth vertically, then braces will be
ideal. However, if your dental work just requires a bit of straightening, In-
visalign will work just fine. Invisalign may also be better for someone who
plays a lot of sports.

8. YOUR DENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERS
Are there any downsides?
With any form of dental alignment, you’re likely to experience some dis-
comfort as the teeth are shifting around. With Invisalign, you will not
have to deal with any potential discomfort caused by the wiring in braces.
Discoloration can occur with either of these options, whether it is around
the brackets of your braces or from food getting stuck under the Invis-
align trays. Braces are more prone to tooth breakage when it comes to
taking them off but with skilled orthodontists, this is unlikely to be a
problem.
And as always, the cost is something to take into account. Depending
on the complexity of the work you need to be done, braces can cost any-
where between $1,800 and $5,500 while Invisalign typically costs around
$5,000.
Both braces and Invisalign will likely require you to wear some type of
retainer long term following the removal of your preferred treatment.
Though with most dental work you’ll need a retainer at night.

9. Whitening Options Near You!
yourdentalhealthpartners.com
347 Greenwood Street
Worcester, MA 01607
(508) 791-4000
friendlydentalofworcester.com
FRIENDLY DENTAL
OF WORCESTER
1438 Grafton St
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 753-5488
uniquedentalofworcester.com
UNIQUE DENTAL
OF WORCESTER
130 Maynard Rd
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 879-8250
uniquedentalofframingham.com
UNIQUE DENTAL
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23 Cedar St
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 822-1281
tauntondentalcenter.com
TAUNTON
DENTAL CENTER
64 Grove Street
Putnam, CT 06260
(860) 928-4352
uniquedentalofputnam.com
UNIQUE DENTAL
OF PUTNAM
31 Cinema Blvd,
Leominster, MA 01453
(978) 537-8566
cinemasmiles.com
CINEMA SMILES
DENTAL EXCELLENCE
158 North Main St
Uxbridge, MA 01569
(508) 278-2015
uxbridgefamilydental.com
UXBRIDGE
FAMILY DENTAL