Braces or Invisalign for Patient with Small Jaw?

Question

Dentists have told me that my jaw is too small to fit all my teeth. I have a lot of crowding and a few twisted teeth on my bottom row. Would I just be better off to get metal braces? Most of the pictures I've seen are not as severe as my case. I'm just worried that I will be encouraged to stick with Invisalign because it is more expensive.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

With the exception of third molars (wisdom teeth), most people are just fine keeping all of their teeth. If the jaws are small, expansion should be considered. After room is created the teeth can line up very well.
This is likely beyond the scope of Invisalign.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Based on your  picture, it looks like you are a good candidate for Invisalign, but a lot more information is needed including x-rays and more photos from different angles are necessary to diagnose.
A consultation and evaluation with your dentist is the best way to know for sure if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. 
Invisalign does work well for small jaw, crowding and teeth that are twisted or rotated.

Robert Fields, DDS · Answer

If I had a choice, and I think that both of these options would work for you, I would choose invisalign. Invisalign is cosmetically more desirable. It is easier to maintain healthy gums since brushing and flossing are so much easier since your aligners are removable rather than struggle with metal braces. Metal braces, worn over a long period of time, can cause enamel damage as well. In your specific case, you mentioned you have a small jaw, which will make it even harder to have a healthy mouth with metal braces. Invisalign allows you to do arch espansion, creating more space for your teeth. I know that money is always a factor but the price is almost the same. I would find an general dentist who has a great deal of invisalign experience to work with your case. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Gabriela Hricko, DDS · Answer

From the picture that you sent, it seems that you have dental problems in all three areas of space.

vertical - the heights of your teeth are misaligned and it seems that you have an open bite on the left posterior side
sagital - it seems from the photo (and once again hard to tell) that you have a Class III tendency, i.e. your lower jaw is more forward than your upper jaw.
transverse- a narrow upper arch and thus, it seems that you have a crossbite on the right side, and maybe left side, although it is hard to tell from this one photo.

I would recommend seeing a board certified orthodontist  to do a full work up on your case. From the one photo, (which isn't that great) braces, either metal or ceramic, are the most efficient way to get you the best result. 
In addition, it is possible, and I can not see the extent of the posterior crossbite from this photo, that braces and dental movement of the teeth alone may not be enough to correct the crossbite and that a surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion may be needed to fully correct the posterior crossbite. A full diagnostic work up will aid in making this determination.

Susan Goode Estep, DMD · Answer

From the looks of your photo, you may find success with either braces or Invisalign.  However, if you are okay with the idea of braces, I believe this will be the best way for you to go as your orthodontist can use a palatal expander to "widen" your jaw, correct the cross bite, and create room for your teeth to fall in line aesthetically. Good luck!

Braces or Invisalign for Patient with Small Jaw?

Answers (8)

Answer: Braces are better--please see an orthodontist

Answer: Braces are better--please see an orthodontist

Answer: Braces or Invisalign for small jaws

Answer: Braces or Invisalign for small jaws

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Braces or Invisalign for Patient with Small Jaw?

Answers (8)

Answer: Braces are better--please see an orthodontist

Answer: Braces are better--please see an orthodontist

Answer: Braces or Invisalign for small jaws

Answer: Braces or Invisalign for small jaws

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.