If you’ve considered traditional braces but only have issues with your top or bottom arch and not both, you may be wondering if it’s possible to treat just the one that’s bothering you. Here’s why your orthodontist doesn’t typically recommend single arch treatment, and which types of issues are best treated this way.
Top Teeth Only
For patients with cosmetic issues on their top arch only, your orthodontist may agree to treat just these teeth, but only if the issue is purely cosmetic. Unfortunately, bigger problems such as bite issues cannot be properly corrected without fixing both arches at once, because the treatment must work in concerted effort to properly align them.
Bottom Teeth Only
Patients typically don’t worry as much about their bottom teeth, as they are not as visible as the top ones. Treatment for the lower arch only does happen on occasion, but again this is not common, as both need to be treated together to create facial harmony.
The Dangers of Single Arch Treatment
One of the main reasons your orthodontist does not do single-arch treatment often is that believe it or not, it can create problems where there was none to begin with or worsen ones that were already there. This is because if you have bite issues and only treat one arch, the misalignment of the bite can become much more pronounced. This can cause more than just cosmetic problems; it can also cause damage to your teeth and difficulty chewing.
Remember, while it may seem more economical or convenient to treat just one arch, the truth is that only aligning half of your smile can cause a variety of other oral health problems. Your orthodontist is well-trained at correcting the alignment of your entire mouth together in one concerted effort, so your smile not only looks better, but it stays healthy and functional for a lifetime!
About Our Practice
At Serenity Orthodontics, our trio of skilled, caring orthodontists work together to customize treatment for your whole mouth, kind of like your braces do! If you are concerned about cosmetic or bite issues, traditional braces are a time-honored way to correct a variety of issues including crowing, spacing, and bad bites. To schedule a consultation and learn more about which treatment options work best for you, please visit our website for more information.