Can I Get Braces on Just my Top or Bottom Teeth?

Braces can make a strong positive impact on people’s lives, affording them the straight, gleaming smile that they’ve always dreamed of. That said, people tend to be less than thrilled about the actual braces themselves.

Many people are more insecure about one part of their mouth than another, so they might wonder if it’s possible to get braces on just their top or bottom teeth. If you’re curious about these so-called single-arch braces, here’s a guide to what you need to know.

Can I Get Single Arch Braces Treatment?

It’s understandable to want to focus on straightening the teeth that are the biggest problem, and simply not worry about the rest. Unfortunately, your provider would rarely recommend that.

Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth; your orthodontist will also often have to correct bite problems that emerge from treatment, or that you had already. As your teeth start to move, your dentist will have to consider the way that they fit together. This is often done via a rubber band that connects the top braces to the bottom braces, drawing the jaw closed.

Sometimes, straightening just one set of teeth can fix these bite issues; straightening just the bottom teeth, for example, can bring them forward and potentially address an overbite. That said, straightening just the top teeth can make an overbite worse. Ultimately, getting braces on the top and bottom teeth is the best way to make sure your bite stays where it belongs.

How Can a Bad Bite Hurt Me?

Everyone’s bite is a little bit different, but a serious misalignment can cause serious issues. A bad bite is one of the most common causes of grinding teeth, which can put you at serious risk of breaking or weakening a tooth.

Chewing your food can also become difficult if your over/underbite is significant. Finally, a profoundly bad bite can cause chronic irritation in the joints that connect the jaw to the face; this can lead to discomfort while chewing, migraines, and even vertigo.

While single-arch braces might be available to some people, you probably shouldn’t assume that they’ll work for you. It’s worth talking to your dentist about whether it’s a possibility, but even if it isn’t, you shouldn’t let that discourage you from getting the straight smile you deserve.

About Our Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we have a team of incredible dentists who are capable of treating just about any issue you or your family could be facing. We have board-certified specialists, including orthodontists, so you can be sure that you’re benefiting from the latest in oral medicine. We also have dozens of locations across Texas, so wherever you are, we’re there for you.

If you have any questions about what’s possible with traditional braces, we can be reached at our website. You can also call our North Dallas location at (972) 490-1600.