Since its debut in 1997, Invisalign has helped more than eight million people attain the straight, uniform smiles they’ve always dreamed of. Though many patients need the aligners for both their upper and lower teeth, what if your bottom teeth are perfectly fine? Read on to learn the answer to the question “Can I wear Invisalign on just my top teeth?”
What Is Single Arch Invisalign Treatment?
For single arch Invisalign treatments, efforts are focused solely on either the top or the bottom teeth rather than both. In general, orthodontist only recommend this approach if they have conducted a thorough dental exam and found one of the following:
- A relapse after receiving orthodontic therapy in the past
- One or several teeth that have become misaligned
- Front teeth that are somewhat crooked
- Slight gaps or spaces between teeth
The Risks of Single Arch Treatment
If only your bottom teeth are misaligned or you’re only interested in correcting the teeth that show when you smile, the idea of single arch Invisalign treatment may seem appealing to you. However, moving only your top or bottom teeth can have serious consequences. This can put you at a higher risk of developing complications with your bite like excessive tooth wear, TMJ issues, and trouble chewing. That’s why it’s generally recommended to treat both arches at the same time.
How To Find Out if Single Arch Treatment Is Right for You
Single arch Invisalign treatment isn’t the right choice for everyone. The best way to find out if it will work for you is to set up a consultation with your orthodontist. During the appointment, they will take a look at your bite and determine if the orthodontic issues you’re looking to address can be fixed with a single arch aligner treatment. They will be able to share recommendations based on their findings and, depending on what you decide, will then get to work on crafting your custom treatment plan.
If you’re unsatisfied with your smile due to crooked, misaligned, or gapped teeth, you may want to consider Invisalign. These clear aligners are effective, discreet, and, as long as your orthodontist gives the okay, may be able to correct just one arch of teeth. Speak with your orthodontist to see if this treatment is right for you!
About the Author
Led by Dr. Pasquale J. Giordano and Dr. Joseph A. Khalil, Oakton Dentistry by Design aims to treat patients of all ages with the effective, comfortable, and high-quality care they deserve. They offer a range of different treatment options to improve your smile, including Invisalign. If you’re interested in correcting only one arch of your teeth, they can perform an examination to decide if that’s the right choice for your smile. If you’re ready to make an appointment or have questions about whether single arch Invisalign treatment is right for you, visit their website or call them at (703) 938-4300.