Many people who are interested in getting Invisalign often ask if it is possible to have an orthodontic treatment done on the top teeth only, or less frequently, if they can straighten only the bottom teeth. On the surface, it makes sense. If you are pleased with the appearance of your bottom teeth, you may not see a point in straightening them since they are less visible.

Invisalign on your top teeth only can be a lot more complicated than it first appears, and there are a variety of factors that come into play with single-arch treatments.

A dental arch is the U-shaped arrangement of bone, tissue, and teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. Having Invisalign on the bottom teeth only or the top teeth only, instead of both arches, is referred to as single-arch or one-arch treatment.

One-arch treatment or single-arch orthodontic treatment involves utilizing braces or Invisalign on only the top teeth or only the bottom teeth, but not both. In certain instances, some orthodontists will install braces on the top teeth first before moving onto the bottom teeth, or vice versa. This method of orthodontic treatment still typically involves addressing both the top and bottom arch of teeth before the treatment plan is complete.

In general, when an orthodontist opts for utilizing braces on just the top or bottom teeth, they do so only after thoroughly examining the bite, and the relationship between the lower and upper teeth. Changing just one arch of teeth will affect your overall bite, which is why braces on both the upper and lower teeth are often necessary.

Single-arch treatment can be useful in certain instances. Braces on only the top teeth would be effective if there is spacing between the upper teeth if you have an overbite, and if you are pleased with how your bottom teeth look. Closing the spaces between your teeth will have the opposite effect of straightening overcrowded teeth. The teeth will be moved back, which could then improve the overbite while closing any gaps. It’s important to realize that not everyone is the right candidate for this type of treatment, and the only way to determine if you are a candidate is to have your bite thoroughly evaluated by an orthodontic specialist.

Treating only one arch has many potential challenges. This type of treatment may make the teeth in that arch appear straighter, but it can also throw off the bite. When a person’s bite is misaligned , it may lead to issues with chewing, speaking, jaw , head, and neck pain. Uneven wear on the teeth is another primary concern.

The matter with how your top and bottom teeth fit together when they come into contact is known as occlusion . You have likely heard the term malocclusion in orthodontics, and this is the medical term for an improper bite. Your bite involves a complicated relationship between the jaws and teeth. Moving just the top or only the bottom arch independently affects the entire system of your mouth.

Your teeth fit together like a puzzle, and only treating one arch to shift the teeth into alignment will create jaw misalignment, and will prevent the teeth from working together. There are many moving parts when it comes to creating a beautiful, healthy smile with orthodontic treatment. Cherrywood Dental Associates has the expertise and knowledge to determine the best course of Invisalign treatment for your individual needs. Call us today to schedule a consultation appointment, where we can discuss how to achieve the most optimal Invisalign results for you!