Are your top teeth crooked while your bottom ones are perfectly fine? You might be wondering whether you’re eligible for orthodontic treatment. Even though you certainly can straighten your top teeth only with Invisalign, the process is a lot more complicated than it appears. Several factors come into play when it comes to single-arch treatments. With that in mind, here’s what you should know about getting Invisalign on your top teeth only.
What Is Single-Arch Invisalign Treatment?
Do you know what a dental arch is? It’s the U-shaped arrangement of bone, tissue, and teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. If you’re only getting orthodontic treatment on the bottom or top teeth only, it’s referred to as single-arch treatment. With Invisalign, you’ll wear a clear aligner on your top teeth only and change it out as directed (usually every week) to shift your pearly whites into their ideal positions. However, an orthodontist will only recommend single-arch treatment after thoroughly examining your mouth since changing just one arch will affect your overall bite.
The Potential Risks of Treating Only the Top Teeth
It may not seem obvious, but treating only the top arch with Invisalign has many potential challenges. Although it can make the teeth appear straighter, it can also throw off the bite. It can change the pressure points and make it so that certain teeth hit higher or harder than others. When that happens, it can lead to issues like toothaches, tooth wear, and TMJ pain if not done correctly. Because of that, it’s crucial to carefully monitor how the entire mouth bites throughout every orthodontic case. The way your top and bottom teeth fit together is called an occlusion. Moving just the top or bottom arch independently affects the entire system of the mouth.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Single-Arch Invisalign Treatment?
If you only treat one arch to shift the teeth into alignment, it can create jaw misalignment and prevent the teeth from working together. It’s worth noting that not everyone is eligible for single-arch treatment. Your orthodontist will conduct a thorough oral examination to determine whether you’re able to get Invisalign for your top teeth only. It varies on a case-by-case basis, depending largely on the way your teeth bite together (occlusion) and the overall needs of your smile.
Are you thinking about getting Invisalign for your top teeth only? Contact your dentist and schedule a consultation today. They’ll answer any of your questions and determine whether or not orthodontic treatment is right for you.
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer exceptional and high-quality dental care that’s guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. Our team is passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. If you’d like to know whether you can get Invisalign on your top teeth only, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Visit our website or call (540) 432-6616 to make an appointment.