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Can You Get Braces Just on Your Bottom Teeth or Top Teeth?

Beautiful, Confident Smiles™

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CAN YOU GET BRACES JUST ON YOUR BOTTOM TEETH OR TOP TEETH?
VanLaecken Orthodontics
May 3, 2022

We sometimes get asked at South Dakota orthodontic practices about getting braces on the bottom teeth only or just getting braces on the top teeth. In the world of orthodontics, this is what we call single-arch orthodontic treatment. There are the occasional instances where it’s a possibility, which we’ll cover. Yet, there are a number of considerations we take into account to determine if a patient is a candidate for getting braces on their top teeth or bottom teeth alone.

What is Single Arch Orthodontic Treatment?

Single-arch treatment, sometimes called one-arch treatment, is when we use Invisalign or braces on bottom teeth only or top teeth only but not both simultaneously. Every so often, an orthodontist will put braces on the top teeth first and then address the bottom teeth, or vice versa, but this is a little different than true single-arch orthodontic treatment because, eventually, we’ll be shifting the teeth in both arches into place.

When Would Top or Bottom Teeth Only Braces be Effective?

Single-arch treatment can work in a limited number of cases. However, to determine whether it’s feasible, your orthodontist has to perform a careful evaluation. It’s important to keep in mind that when you move the teeth, you’re impacting the bite, or the way the bottom and top teeth come together. Some cases where single-arch treatment might work include:

  •  If you have crowded bottom teeth, straight top teeth and a large overbite, getting braces on the bottom teeth only may be an option. This is because the crowded bottom teeth would shift forward a bit once they were straightened, which could help reduce the size of the overbite.
  •  Getting braces on the top teeth only could work in some instances when a patient has spaces between the top teeth, straight bottom teeth and an overbite. While straightening crowded teeth tends to cause them to move forward, closing gaps does the opposite and teeth often shift back. This would mean we could eliminate the spacing between the teeth and lessen the overbite.
  •  If you have an underbite, where the top teeth sit inside of the bottom teeth, and you also have crowding in the upper arch, single-arch treatment might be a consideration. However, it will depend on your bite in the back.

The Drawbacks of Just Getting Braces on the Top or Bottom Teeth

There are risks to single-arch orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist isn’t just concerned with how straight your teeth are, they also look at your bite, or how your teeth come together. Your bite is a surprisingly complex relationship that involves both teeth and jaws. Ultimately, you want straight teeth and aligned jaws so the upper and lower teeth will meet properly. This allows your jaw to distribute forces evenly so that you can chew and speak properly, prevent uneven wear of the teeth and prevent undue stress on your jaw joints. Single-arch treatment shifts the teeth in only one arch, which can throw off the entire bite.

For example, as we noted before, crowded teeth tend to move forward once straightened while the teeth shift back when we close gaps. If you have an overbite and crowded top teeth, getting braces on the top teeth only will cause your overbite to get bigger throughout your treatment. If you have an underbite and crooked bottom teeth, bottom teeth only braces will worsen your underbite. While in both cases your teeth would look straighter, the way your teeth meet would be off and this would have negative consequences on the function and health of your smile.

The only way to find out if getting braces on your bottom teeth or top teeth only is a possibility, is to visit a certified specialist in orthodontics for an evaluation. Our expert orthodontists in Watertown, Brookings, Aberdeen and Milbank are able to determine the best treatment plan to safely and effectively give you your dream smile. If you only have mild issues and you’re hesitant to sign off on comprehensive treatment, often, instead of single-arch treatment, limited treatment would be your best bet. We offer Smile Express at our practice as an option for patients who want a shorter, less expensive way to touch up their smile while still getting amazing, functional results. Schedule a complimentary in-person or virtual consultation at VanLaecken Orthodontics today to learn more!


Source: “Can You Just Get Braces On Your Bottom Teeth Or Top Teeth?,” Dr. Tabakman, Houston Orthodontic Specialists

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patient TESTIMONIALS

Liesl H.
I have had the opportunity to bring all 3 of our children to VanLaecken Orthodontics over the years and they have been so great to work with! They are patient, kind and willing to work with you and help in whatever way they can!!
Codi S.
If you need Orthodontic care...this is the place to be! The staff are always so sweet, kind and caring! ALL of them are absolutely amazing! Dr. Nate is very experienced and does a fabulous job explaining how the process works, what the next step is and the best treatment plan to fit your specific needs. I can't say enough about how awesome my experience has been!
Kay-Lee W
I cant say enough great things about VanLaechen Ortgodontics! Great service and a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone is so kind, compassionate, professional, They are absolutely amazing at VanLaecken Orthodontics! My smile is absolutely beautiful!! I highly highly recommend them!! I am very very pleased.
Riley R.
The workers are very friendly and my teeth look great! Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
Valeria Alexandra Medina M.
I loved how they treated me and made me feel special. They were never mean, and always made sure you were okay.
Sara J.
The team at VanLaecken is outstanding! Professional, easy to work with, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Sara B.
Excellent customer service, very detailed services specific to each patient, for faster correction time. Would highly recommend.
Michelle B.
The assistants were very kind and the doctor easily explained what will happen during the process of braces. Excited to see what the end results will look like!
Melissa D.
I can’t say enough great things about VanLaecken Orthodontics and their amazing team. My smile started as an 11 out of 10 on the "hard to correct" scale, but they tackled it with such expertise, care, and dedication that I’m still in awe of the results.

From day one, they made me feel confident and comfortable with the process. The entire crew goes above and beyond—not just in their orthodontic skills but also in creating a supportive, welcoming environment. They patiently answered all my questions, worked around my schedule, and cheered me on every step of the way.
Kristen O.
Very professional, organized, helpful, and informed. I never feel like my time is wasted.
Kaley S.
Love this place!! Everyone is super welcoming and I enjoy coming here. Definitely recommend getting your teeth work done here!!
Stella B.
I got invisilign with vanlaecken, and I really enjoy my teeth. My teeth were over corrected a few times which had to be fixed. But other than that great people and I loved my service
Stella B.
I got invisilign here and I do love how my teeth look, although my teeth were overcorrected a few times and had to be readjusted, which took extra time and got a bit annoying. But overall the app was pretty helpful and the people were friendly.
Kat R.
amazing staff, especially Anne and Dawn!! Great service as well, thanks for all that you guys do!!!!
Jeffery H.
Friendliest staff and best orthodontists in the world, therefore, the universe. :). If you need your teeth straightened this is the place to be.
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ABERDEEN
  • 631 S Roosevelt St.
    Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone
  • (605) 226-3120
BROOKINGS
  • 410 Mayfield Dr. Suite #1
    Brookings, SD 57006
Phone
  • (605) 692-7063
MILBANK
  • 102 W 4th Ave. Suite 2
    Milbank, SD 57252
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  • (605) 432-5011
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  • 1518 E 69th St.
    Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone
  • (605) 789-7000
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  • 600 4th St. NE Suite 103
    Watertown, SD 57201
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  • (605) 882-1500

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