Orthodontic Options: Can I Get Braces on Only One Arch?

Braces are the tried-and-true method of straightening your smile or repairing a misaligned bite. That said, some patients who have crooked teeth on only the top or bottom may feel that having them installed on all their pearly whites isn’t necessary. Why get them placed on both your upper and lower sets if you only need to straighten one or the other? If you’re wondering whether you can treat only one arch, keep reading to find the answer!

What Are the Benefits of Single-arch Treatment?

Some of the reasons someone may want to have braces on only one set of teeth often include:

• Cost. If you’re only applying braces to half of your mouth, you can save on the cost of treatment.
• Appearance. Many patients feel self-conscious about having metal brackets installed on their teeth and hope to minimize the impact.
• Hygiene. Brushing and flossing around braces can be challenging so reducing the number of brackets simplifies the process.

Can I Get Single-Arch Treatment?

Having single-arch treatment refers to only addressing issues on either your top or bottom set of teeth. In many cases, patients feel self-conscious about their more visibly crooked upper set and only want to straighten those teeth. Other people have overcrowded bottom teeth but have no issues with their top ones. In some cosmetic cases, your dentist might agree to treat only one or the other, but it’s generally not recommended.

Why Isn’t Single-arch Treatment Recommended?

Your upper and lower arch don’t function in isolation. They work together to mash your food for digestion and line up in certain ways so you can form sounds to speak. If you’re only treating one set of teeth or the other, you risk damaging your bite alignment because some of your teeth will shift positions while others stay in place. Over time, repeated motions from biting and chewing will put pressure on those teeth in uneven ways and can eventually push them out of place. That means treating only one arch can cause your remaining pearly whites to become crooked down the road.

Furthermore, a bite misalignment can also result in a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Your muscles end up working overtime to overcompensate for a bite issue. As a result, the joint that attaches your jawbone to your skull can become inflamed from the added stress. This can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even the inability to open your mouth altogether.

In short, it is indeed possible to have single-arch orthodontic treatment, but your dentist may not agree to it. Only they can assess your condition to determine the best treatment plan so that you can have the perfectly straight smile you deserve!

About the Practice

At McNew Dental, you and the entire family benefit from the expertise of two dentists who provide a full range of services, including braces. They strive to offer solutions that help your smile look and feel its best. Their caring dental team uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date treatment options available. You’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (972) 666-5439.