Are your top teeth crooked while your bottom ones are perfectly fine? Have you wondered, “Can I get Invisalign on just my top teeth?” Even though you certainly can straighten only your top teeth with clear aligners, the process is more complicated than it appears. Several factors come into play regarding 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 jaws. If you’re 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 interfere with your 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 your teeth, it can create jaw misalignment and prevent upper and lower teeth from working together. It’s worth noting 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 in Myrtle Beach and schedule a consultation today. They’ll answer all your questions and determine whether this type of orthodontic treatment is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Jack Markusen earned his dental doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Markusen has served as a certified trainer for Dentrix Dental Systems. If you are interested in Invisalign, he uses an iTero 3D Scanner to plan your treatment and precisely create your aligners. You can schedule a consultation on his website or by calling (843) 916-0990.