Did you know that a crooked smile can impact your appearance and your dental health? If your teeth are pressed too closely together, you might worry about how others will perceive you. Furthermore, it’s harder to brush and floss all their sides thoroughly, increasing your vulnerability to oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Your orthodontist can straighten your grin with braces, but many patients want to know whether they can be applied to either the upper or lower teeth rather than all of them. Continue reading to learn more about why single-arch treatment isn’t usually recommended!
How Do Braces Work?
This treatment relies on a series of metal brackets that are attached to your enamel and threaded with a special archwire. This system applies constant, gentle pressure to your teeth to gradually shift them to their ideal placements over a designated period. Because the metal is glued directly to the front surface, your provider can manipulate a full range of motion and torque to handle even the most severe teeth and jaw misalignments.
After your orthodontist places your braces, you can expect to visit them every 4 to 6 weeks. Regular follow-ups allow them to monitor your progress and adjust the force being exerted to ensure your teeth continue moving as intended.
Can I Get Braces on Just My Top or Bottom Teeth?
If you only have issues with specific teeth, it seems like it should be simple to have braces on just your top or bottom arch. The most common reason that patients want to address either their upper or lower teeth is for cosmetic purposes, like crooked front teeth. Other patients request this option to try and lower the cost of their treatment.
Although your orthodontist can potentially treat a single arch, they don’t usually recommend it for several reasons.
What Problems Can Single Arch Treatments Cause?
One of the main reasons that many patients get braces is to address a malocclusion, like an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. If your teeth don’t come together correctly when you close your mouth, you can experience various oral issues. It can wear down your enamel prematurely, which leaves you vulnerable to cavities, disease, and injuries. Unfortunately, it also causes speech impediments, eating challenges, and associated TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. Treating only one arch or the other can throw off your bite alignment and worsen your condition.
If you’re considering braces but are unsure whether a single arch treatment is feasible, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Alex Johnson has 30+ years of experience helping people of all ages improve their daily quality of life by enhancing their smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from Washington University where he remained to achieve his master’s and Orthodontic Certificate. Today, he offers several orthodontic services that can straighten your teeth, open your airways, and prevent sleep disorders that affect everything from your mood to your general health. If you’re interested in braces, you can request an appointment on the website or call (727) 786-7550.