Invisalign vs Braces: Riverdale Orthodontist Dr. Schimmel Explains

When families and adults search for the best orthodontist in Riverdale, NY, they are often deciding between Invisalign and braces. Common searches such as Invisalign Riverdale NY, orthodontist near me, braces Riverdale, or Invisalign vs braces Bronx reflect an important question: which treatment option will provide the most effective, long-term result for my smile and bite.

At Schimmel Orthodontic Associates, we have served Riverdale and the surrounding Bronx communities for more than 30 years. As a board-certified orthodontist and experienced Invisalign provider, my role is to recommend the treatment that best supports tooth alignment, bite function, jaw health, and long-term stability, whether that involves Invisalign, braces, or a combination approach.

🦷 Meet Dr. Laurence Schimmel, Top Rated Orthodontist in Riverdale, NY

I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and completed my orthodontic residency at Montefiore Medical Center. I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a credential earned by a minority of orthodontists, and one that reflects advanced training, peer-reviewed examination, and ongoing commitment to ethical, evidence-based care.

Over decades in practice, I have treated thousands of patients with orthodontic concerns including crowding, spacing, impacted teeth, bite discrepancies, and jaw alignment issues. Clinical experience is essential when determining whether Invisalign, braces, or a phased treatment plan will produce the most predictable and stable outcome.

🦷 What Makes Schimmel Orthodontics Stand Out in Riverdale

Patients choose our Riverdale office because they want expert orthodontic care without pressure. Every new patient receives a free orthodontic consultation and X-rays, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of tooth position, bite mechanics, and jaw alignment before treatment is recommended.

We treat children, teens, and adults, beginning with early orthodontic evaluations around age seven and extending through adult orthodontic care. In addition to straightening teeth, we assess bite-related concerns and jaw alignment, including cases where orthodontic treatment may help reduce strain associated with TMJ-related symptoms.

Each treatment plan is individualized based on clinical findings, growth patterns when applicable, lifestyle considerations, and long-term oral health goals.

🦷 Invisalign and Braces Explained

Both Invisalign and braces are proven orthodontic treatments. The appropriate option depends on the complexity of tooth movement required, bite correction needs, and patient compliance.

🦷 Invisalign Treatment in Riverdale

Invisalign uses a sequence of custom-designed clear aligners to gradually move teeth into alignment. The aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and generally comfortable, making Invisalign a popular option for teens and adults in Riverdale who prefer a discreet orthodontic solution.

Invisalign is commonly used to treat crowding, spacing, mild to moderate overbite or underbite, crossbite, open bite, and relapse after previous orthodontic treatment. Aligners must be worn approximately 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results.

🦷 Braces Treatment in Riverdale

Traditional braces remain one of the most versatile and precise orthodontic treatments available. Braces are often recommended for complex cases, including significant crowding, impacted teeth, severe bite discrepancies, or situations requiring detailed control of tooth and jaw movement.

Braces use brackets and wires to apply continuous, controlled force, allowing for reliable correction of overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and other forms of malocclusion.

In some cases, braces may be used initially to address complex movements, with Invisalign used later to complete treatment more discreetly.

🦷 Orthodontic Conditions Treated with Invisalign and Braces

Orthodontic treatment addresses more than cosmetic concerns. At Schimmel Orthodontic Associates, Invisalign and braces are used to treat conditions that affect function, comfort, and long-term oral health.

These include crowded teeth, spacing issues, impacted teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, shifting teeth, and uneven bite forces. In certain cases, correcting bite alignment may also help reduce abnormal tooth wear or jaw strain associated with bite imbalance.

Correcting alignment and bite mechanics together supports efficient chewing, balanced jaw function, and long-term dental stability.

🦷 Top Rated Orthodontic Care in Riverdale with Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

Schimmel Orthodontic Associates is widely recognized as a top rated orthodontic practice in Riverdale, NY. Our office has earned hundreds of five-star Google reviews, reflecting patient satisfaction, consistency of care, and long-standing community trust.

In 2025, Schimmel Orthodontic Associates was recognized as a Top Service Provider by Trust Index, acknowledging excellence in patient experience, transparency, and treatment outcomes.

Our reputation is supported by:

• Highly Rated Orthodontic Treatment Reviews
• More than 30 years serving Riverdale and the Bronx
• Thousands of patients treated
• Certified Invisalign provider
• Acceptance of most major insurance plans and financing available

Together, these factors form a strong foundation of trust for patients seeking orthodontic care.

🦷 Media Recognition and Professional Authority

In addition to clinical practice, Schimmel Orthodontic Associates has been featured in national publications including Dentist Magazine, College Recruiter, Meditech Today, and PharmaTech News.

View our press and media features here: Press and Media

🦷 What to Expect at Your Orthodontic Consultation in Riverdale

Your initial visit includes a free orthodontic consultation and X-rays. We evaluate tooth alignment, bite function, jaw position, and overall oral health, then explain whether Invisalign, braces, or a combination approach is recommended.

Parents also learn why early orthodontic evaluations around age seven are advised and how growth monitoring can reduce the need for more complex treatment later. Insurance coverage, Medicaid questions, and flexible payment options are reviewed to help patients plan comfortably.

🦷 Early Orthodontic Evaluation at Age 7

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven. Early evaluations allow orthodontists to identify developing crowding, impacted teeth, bite problems, and jaw growth discrepancies, even if treatment is not started immediately.

🦷 Why Families Choose Schimmel Orthodontic Associates in Riverdale

Families choose our practice because they want top rated orthodontic care, clear communication, and treatment plans based on long-term health. Whether Invisalign or braces is recommended, the focus is always on stability, function, and confidence.