It can be a daunting thought to undergo orthodontic treatment. The thought of wearing braces, keeping up with good oral hygiene, continuous check-ups, and adjustments is understandably taxing as well as trying to fit it into your already busy lifestyle.
In some cases, specific dental needs, or milder dental conditions, warrant wearing braces on just the top or bottom teeth only. For some, this is a huge advantage but there are pros and cons, as with every type of correctional treatment.
It is highly advisable to speak with a specialist orthodontist, who can provide a thorough assessment of your needs and guide you through the best possible treatment for you.
Understanding the Orthodontic Process
Orthodontic treatment can correct various dental issues, from misaligned teeth, overbites, and underbites, to overcrowding. The type of treatment required depends on your specific dental condition and in some cases, alignment issues may be limited to the upper or lower teeth, making it possible to get braces on just one arch.
By fitting braces or aligners to both your top and bottom teeth, orthodontists are able to, within limits, control the position of your jaw. If braces are only attached to the top or bottom teeth, it can be difficult to control the jaw correctly and may improve bite function or possibly make it worse.
When is it Possible to Wear Braces on Top or Bottom Teeth Only?
To be suitable for a top or bottom brace or aligner (single arch treatment) requires investigation by a specialist orthodontist. For some that have undergone orthodontic treatment before and have suffered a slight shift post-treatment, may be suitable for single arch treatment.
There are also some slightly less severe dental problems that single arch treatment can fix, such as:
- Overbites, where your upper front teeth significantly overlap your lower front teeth, can be corrected by braces on the upper arch, to adjust their position and correct the overbite.
- Spacing issues, where gaps or spaces between your upper teeth need correction can be treated with braces on the top arch to help close the gaps and achieve a more uniform smile.
- Underbites, where your lower teeth protrude significantly in front of your upper teeth, can be corrected by braces or aligners on the lower arch.
- Lower crowding or misalignment of the lower teeth can be corrected with braces fitted on the lower arch to create proper alignment.
Speak with a Specialist About Your Dental Concerns at an Expert Orthodontist in Oldham
There are other techniques that can be used to correct bite discrepancies, especially if the idea of having metal braces fitted to both the upper and lower teeth fills you with dread. Invisalign for example, is our most discreet and popular form of treatment at our clinic.
Oldham Orthodontics, expert orthodontist in Oldham, has a team of expertly trained specialists that can guide you through the best type of treatment for your specific needs. Invisalign could be the answer to treat your dental issues if you don’t qualify for treatment on the upper or lower arch only. If your condition is more severe, ceramic braces offer a stronger form of treatment whilst also remaining discreet, as well as lingual braces which are fitted behind the teeth.
We offer a free consultation with one of our specialists, who are highly qualified and experienced in their sector. Our expert orthodontist in Oldham offers the very best quality of orthodontic care, delivered in a comfortable and friendly environment.
Contact us today to see if you are eligible for single arch treatment or discuss other ways, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.