Most of the time, traditional braces are placed on both the upper and lower teeth. But what if you’re only concerned about the alignment of the teeth in a single row? Can you get braces for just one arch? And is doing so ultimately a good idea for your smile? Your orthodontist is here to help you find the answer to these questions before you move forward with the process of straightening your teeth with braces.
Can You Get Braces for a Single Row of Teeth?
The short answer is yes. Under certain circumstances, traditional braces can be placed on just one row of teeth; this is known as single arch treatment. You might consider this option if you’re satisfied with the way your upper teeth look but want to correct an orthodontic issue with the lower teeth, such as excessive crowding. It can also potentially help patients who are bothered by cosmetic issues on the upper arch, such as teeth that are crooked or spaced too far apart.
Is Single Arch Treatment a Good Idea?
It’s important to note that orthodontists typically do not recommend a single arch treatment. Oftentimes, the main reason traditional braces are suggested is to correct some type of bite problem. However, if only one row of teeth receives braces, it could potentially make existing bite problems worse.
For example, suppose you have an overbite as well as crowded upper teeth. If you get single arch treatment for the upper row, you can correct the crowding problem, but your overbite may become even more severe.
A misaligned bite can negatively impact your life in a variety of ways. It can make it harder to chew your food properly, and it could cause you to grind your teeth, thus weakening and damaging them over time. Thus, if getting single arch treatment would worsen your current bite issues, then it’s best to have braces placed on both rows of teeth instead.
With all that said, single arch treatment could still be a viable option in some cases. It mainly depends on the nature of your orthodontic issues. As such, your orthodontist will need to thoroughly examine your mouth before determining whether you need braces for one or both sets of teeth.
Are you interested in using traditional braces to overcome your orthodontic issues? Whether you end up needing single arch treatment or dual arch treatment, the first step is to reach out to your orthodontist and schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Dr. Isaak Yelizar is a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry, and he has completed an orthodontic residency program at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, NY. At SimpliBraces in Queens, he uses traditional braces to help his patients achieve the straighter, healthier smiles that they deserve. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Yelizar, visit his website or call (929) 229-1009.