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The Monroe Ortho Blog

Orthodontic news, tips and happenings to make you smile.

Smiling young woman in an orange top and a woman in blue meet with a Monroe Orthodontics team member at a consultation table, getting ready to start treatment with Dr. Susan Leiva
October 19, 2026 | Dr. Leiva

Orthodontist vs. Dentist: Why a Specialist Matters for Your Smile

Choosing who treats your smile is a big decision. While your family dentist plays an essential role in your oral health, moving teeth and correcting bites is a different skill set entirely. Understanding the orthodontist vs. dentist question helps you pick the right expert for the right job, especially when braces or Invisalign are on Read More

A smiling mom with her arm around her teen daughter, who wears braces, after a visit with Dr. Susan Leiva at Monroe Orthodontics in Monroe Township, NJ.
| Dr. Leiva

When Should Your Child First See an Orthodontist?

Wondering when your child should first see an orthodontist? The answer is simpler than most parents expect, and the timing matters more than you might think. Early visits lay the groundwork for healthier smiles, easier care later, and fewer surprises as your child grows. Below, you’ll find a parent-friendly guide to that first visit, what Read More

Same-Day Braces or Invisalign: What Actually Happens at Your First Visit
September 3, 2026 | Dr. Leiva

Same-Day Braces or Invisalign: What Actually Happens at Your First Visit

Plenty of families ask about same-day braces or Invisalign: what actually happens at your first visit, how long you’ll be with us, and whether you have to commit on the spot. The short answer is that you can go from hello to bonded brackets or a finished Invisalign scan in a single sitting. You can Read More

Why Cranbury Families Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
August 3, 2026 | Dr. Leiva

Why Cranbury Families Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

Why Cranbury families choose Invisalign over traditional braces usually comes down to three things: how it looks, how it feels, and how well it fits into an already-packed week. At Monroe Orthodontics, Dr. Susan Leiva helps you and your family compare both options honestly, then pick the one that matches the diagnosis. What Is Invisalign? Read More

Can Invisalign Correct Crowding, Gaps, and Bite Problems?
June 12, 2026 | Dr. Leiva

Can Invisalign Correct Crowding, Gaps, and Bite Problems?

Yes, Invisalign can correct crowding, gaps, and many bite problems in mild to more involved cases. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into proper position. It treats crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite concerns. For many teens and adults, it can be a strong alternative to traditional braces. Each set Read More

Braces vs. Invisalign: Choosing the Right Treatment
May 2, 2024 | Dr. Leiva

Braces vs. Invisalign: Choosing the Right Treatment

As an orthodontist, I’m frequently asked about the differences between traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Both are effective in straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, but they each have their own unique advantages and considerations. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the details of braces versus Invisalign to help you make an informed Read More