When you are looking for solutions to straighten your teeth you may be considering options that include wearing an aligner on only the bottom set of teeth. This article will give an overview of if this is possible and any risks involved.
Can you Have Aligners on the Bottom Teeth Only?
It is possible to have aligners for the bottom teeth only. This type of orthodontic treatment can be beneficial for certain individuals who only wish to make adjustments to their lower arch.
Some common reasons a person may choose to align their lower arch without addressing the top include correcting any unevenness in their bite, closing gaps between teeth, or realigning teeth that have shifted inward or outward.
While bottom-only aligners are not suitable for more severe cases, they provide an ideal solution to straightforward cases where the top teeth are relatively straight while some slight alignment is required at the bottom.
It should be noted that this type of procedure is not suitable for everyone, and patients should consult with an orthodontist to discuss which option best suits their needs.
Can you Have Aligners on the Top Teeth Only?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the specifics of your situation. Your orthodontist will assess your individual needs to determine whether aligners can be used for the top teeth only.
In cases where the bottom arch of your teeth is relatively well aligned, wearing aligners on the top teeth only is an attractive alternative. While aligners are typically worn full-time by lower and upper arches to maximize effectiveness, wearing them on the top row of teeth only may still provide enough visible correction in many instances.
If the top teeth alone require alignment, then using aligners may be an efficient solution that provides excellent results with minimal pain and discomfort. However, it’s important to note that even when using aligners for top teeth alone, issues with bite alignment and other functionality issues must still be taken into consideration.
Ultimately, by working closely with your orthodontist, you will better understand what kind of treatment would best suit your individual needs in terms of cost, time commitment, and desired outcome.
See our article: How Much Is Single Arch Orthodontic Treatment?
What Kind of Defects Can Be Fixed with Aligners on One Arch Only?
There are a variety of dental defects that can be treated with aligners on one arch only. These include diastema, which occurs when there is a spacing between the two upper or lower front teeth or crowding, where teeth are too close together and any other misalignment related to the arch shape.
Aligners on one arch can also correct medical conditions such as crossbites, open bites, and deep bites for patients who cannot get a correction of both arches with traditional braces due to personal or health situations.
Due to their clear material and customized fit, aligners provide effective results, often in a short amount of time. Compared to fixed braces, they require fewer office visits and cause less disruption to patients’ daily lifestyles.
By focusing treatment on one arch alone, aligners effectively treat many defects while avoiding any complex orthodontic treatments. With careful monitoring and follow-up visits every few weeks by an experienced orthodontist, superb alignment results are achievable in minimal time with minimal discomfort.
See our article: Invisible Braces for Gap Teeth.
How Does the Treatment for One Arch Only Work?
Treatment for one tooth arch only is an option for individuals who are looking to save time and money. It typically involves fewer visits to the dentist, which makes it a more convenient solution for people with busy schedules.
This type of treatment focuses on correcting a person’s bite relationship in just one arch. During each treatment session, the dentist will adjust the alignment of the teeth on that arch, as well as place orthodontic appliances that further improve aesthetic appearance and overall oral health.
While this form of treatment isn’t suitable for everyone, it can be a good choice for individuals who have minor bite issues directly related to one side of their mouth.
Overall, treatment for one teeth arch only is a great option for people who are looking to get a quick and cost-effective dental correction in minimal time. One arch aligner treatments offer an efficient, comfortable way for patients to achieve their ideal smile in moderate cases.
Are There any Risks of Wearing Aligners on Only One Arch?
While clear aligners have become increasingly popular for their convenience and discreteness compared to traditional braces, there are potential risks associated with only wearing an aligner on one arch of your mouth.
When both arches are not being treated simultaneously, the teeth in the untreated arch may move, causing shifts in the way they fit together, which can lead to wear, tear, and misalignment when wearing the aligner.
Additionally, due to a lack of pressure from the alignment happening on both sides of your mouth at once, treatment times may be extended with greater chances of relapse after treatment.
The Byte.com website states that it is okay to get braces on either the top or bottom sets of teeth if you have only a few misaligned teeth in one location. However, this approach may not end up being cheaper or quicker to a resolution and there are risks to the overall appearance of your smile if both sets of teeth are not treated at the same time.
Therefore it is important that whoever is delivering aligners performs a comprehensive examination before deciding whether one-arch treatment is an appropriate course of action.
See our article: Braces by Mail.
Are Bottom Teeth Aligners a Good Idea?
If you’re considering getting your bottom teeth realigned, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of just using aligners on the bottom.
While it can sometimes be cheaper to only wear aligners on the bottom teeth, this could hinder your results and end up costing more in the long run, you may have to start treatment again or have further corrective treatments added.
Additionally, correcting the top arch of teeth helps to achieve a balanced smile overall. Aligners used for orthodontic treatment are designed for both upper and lower arches, but if you choose to go ahead with solely treating just the bottom arch your results may be compromised.
It is best to consult with a qualified orthodontist as they will advise you on whether just limiting aligner treatment to the lower teeth is suitable for your situation.
See some reviews of the best clear aligners available here:
SmileDirectClub Review – A popular choice with a lifetime guarantee and free one-time replacement makes this product a great choice.
Byte Review – The top pick these affordable aligners have a lifetime guarantee and come with free accessories.
Candid Review – The most similar product to Invisalign aligners this product is great for mild to severe teeth spacing issues and a Candid orthodontist is assigned to your case throughout the treatment.
NewSmile Review – A low-cost option but with premium aesthetics, this product comes with a teeth whitening kit and a free retainer.
ALIGNERCO – The cheapest at-home aligner products with 24/7 live support and a monthly payment plan with no down payment.
