Can I Get Braces For Top Teeth Only? (5 ANSWERS)

There are some patients who can benefit from single-arch orthodontic treatment (braces on top or bottom teeth alone), but it isn’t suitable for everyone. The treatment plan may not be ideal for most patients. Single arch treatment isn’t that common, but some patients only need it.

In order to receive the best answer to the question, we recommend partnering with a skilled Board-Certified orthodontic specialist to assess your current situation and provide a recommendation that will address your specific concerns, but also improve the overall health of your teeth and gums.

Can I Get Braces Just on My Upper Teeth?

• The short answer to the question of whether or not getting braces on the top teeth alone is feasible is almost always yes. This is a common concern with our patients, as many people would like to focus only on their top teeth. Dr. Gluck and Dr. Jono will be happy to discuss this orthodontic concern with you and make sure that you receive a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs.
• Often when braces or aligners are used only on the top, there aren’t any changes made to the bite. It is important to understand that you receive a proper diagnosis, to make sure that by only treating the top teeth, you are not worsening the bite at all. This is something that should be done by an orthodontic specialist, as they have advanced training in occlusion, facial growth, and skeletal balance.

All of Your Teeth

• From an orthodontic aspect, it’s best for you to get braces on all of your teeth at one time. Having a full set strengthens the overall foundation of your mouth. Braces on the upper and lower teeth can help achieve the main goal, which is to restore permanently any issues that involve the overall alignment. The orthodontist will want to achieve the best possible bite for you.
• At this point, you might be standing there and asking, “What are the effects if I put braces only on my upper teeth?” There are several great answers to the question, “What are the effects if I put braces only on my upper teeth?” There is a slight risk of not achieving the desired bite if you decide only to have work done on the upper set of teeth. A skilled orthodontist can always overcome the challenges and beat the odds, however. Our specialist had done it for clients many times.

How About Braces on Lower Teeth Only?

• You may want to ask the question, “How about braces on lower teeth only?” This is absolutely a common concern with our patients, as many have shifting of the bottom front teeth. Just as with the treating the top teeth only, what is important is that you receive a proper diagnosis that looks not only at the alignment of the teeth but also the bite and the gum health.
• That way, your orthodontist can make a proper recommendation for giving you the best treatment. As we mentioned before, treating either the upper or lower teeth only without paying attention to other factors can lead to an improper bite, uneven wear on the teeth, or improper biting forces.

The Cost of Only Upper Teeth Braces

• The cost of your orthodontic treatment can vary depending on whether you get a full set or a partial set. It also depends on whether you get upper and lower, or just one arch. At Gluck Orthodontics, there is not much difference in the overall fee because we believe in treating our patients to the highest standard and will make the proper recommendation, even if it includes treating both top and bottom.
• The good news is that many employers offer health plans that may include partial coverage for orthodontic treatment. Gluck Orthodontics also offers flexible payment options and no-interest financing to ensure that receiving treatment through our office is affordable.

Will My Teeth Still Be Well-Adjusted Teeth?

• One of the questions that you may have about the procedure is, “Will my teeth still be well-adjusted teeth?” The short answer to that excellent question is yes. You play a part in how your overall project works out, however. The specialist will work hard to come up with a plan that has a highly probable success rate. If you wear your braces for the right amount of time and come in for every adjustment, you should have well-adjusted teeth.
• You will see the fruit of the orthodontist’s labor in your smile. Your orthodontist may also recommend that you wear a retainer for a certain period after he removes the braces. The teeth retainer is there to ensure that your teeth stay firmly in their new positions and have adjusted well. Again, the amount of time that you wear the retainer will depend on your problem its severity level.

Will My Upper Teeth and Lower Teeth Be Unbalanced

• When we explain this, patients often ask, “Will my upper and lower teeth be unbalanced?” The answer is very complicated. Everyone has different jaw lengths and alignment needs that have to be carefully calculated and reassessed regularly.
• It is usually acceptable to use this single arch orthodontic treatment in cases where the patient has spaces between their teeth and an underbite on the top and otherwise normal teeth below. This is because, when the teeth are crowded, the adjustment pushes them forward. If there are spaces, the teeth are pushed backward after being straightened and adjusted.

What Else is Available?

• Another technique for working with overcrowded teeth is called interproximal reduction. If there is 4 to 8 mm of crowding, you may eliminate a tooth and bring the others closer together. Or simply use this interproximal reduction technique to remove enamel from teeth and reduce their size.
• This technique has been used since the 80’s but is only taken with extreme caution because there is no way to add more enamel after it is stripped away. Only patients with exceptional oral hygiene qualify for this procedure. This is because the stripped surfaces are more textured and require a higher level of maintenance to prevent decay and halitosis.

Schedule Your Consultation Quickly

This informational article only gives you a snippet of information about what would be discussed at a comprehensive orthodontic consultation with Orthodontist Dr. Gluck. To discuss your concerns with the Doctors, receive a proper diagnosis, and get customized treatment options based on your concerns, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with our office.

Gluck Orthodontics
2002 Richard Jones Road
Suite A-200 Nashville
TN 37215
Phone: 615-269-5903

Can I Get Braces For Top Teeth Only? (5 ANSWERS)

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.