Can You Get Invisalign On Your Top or Bottom Teeth Only?

What Is Single Arch Invisalign Treatment?

Most Invisalign treatments involve pairs of aligners that are worn over both your top and bottom teeth. With a single arch treatment you wear Invisalign on your top teeth only, or bottom teeth only, depending on your needs. 

Just like a traditional orthodontic process, your aligners are changed out as directed (usually every week) to gradually straighten out the alignment of your teeth. 

Disclaimer: Not everyone qualifies for single arch treatment with Invisalign. Getting Invisalign for your top or bottom teeth only is something your orthodontic provider will need to determine on a case-by-case basis. Much of it depends on how your teeth bite together (occlusion) and the overall needs of your smile.

When Do Invisalign Cases For Top Teeth Or Bottom Teeth Only Work?

Invisalign on one arch is usually best for people who have a few crooked front teeth and want cosmetic teeth straightening to improve the way their smile looks. More complex issues such as crossbites or open bites require treatment on both arches. Dr. Cohen will help you determine which one is most appropriate for your individual smile. 

You might want to consider single arch Invisalign if you want to correct:

• Minor spacing or gaps
• Slightly crooked front teeth
• A tooth tipped out of alignment
• Relapse after previous orthodontic therapy
• The teeth in your smile zone

Depending on the severity of your case, you might need to wear removable braces for short-term purposes (as little as 4 – 6 months) or as long as a year or more. To ensure your Invisalign works properly and is completed as soon as possible, you’ll need to wear your aligners as directed. 

What Are The Risks Of Treating Only The Top Or Bottom Teeth With Invisalign?

Your upper and lower arch of teeth have an extremely precise biting relationship (occlusion) at each point where they close against one another. Adjusting your bite can change the pressure points, making it so that certain teeth hit higher or harder than others. When that happens, it can lead to issues such as toothaches, tooth wear, and TMJ pain if not done correctly. That is why it’s so important to carefully monitor how the entire mouth bites throughout every orthodontic case.

In the instance of only treating your top or bottom teeth, Invisalign experts like our Ottawa Orthodontist must ensure that the overall occlusion isn’t affected. Since one arch isn’t being adjusted, the opposing arch’s teeth need to be considered. It can be more challenging for Orthodontists to make significant tooth movement when only one arch of teeth is being treated. Often, connectors such as rubber bands, elastics or similar appliances are used to work the two arches together. However you don’t have that option because the braces on Invisalign are only on one arch. If the tooth movement needed is minor or more esthetic in nature, single arch treatment is still a viable option. Fortunately, most single arch Invisalign treatments are focused on the upper front teeth or lower front teeth, which allows for movement without altering the opposing teeth. 

How Much Does It Cost For Single Arch Invisalign Treatment?

When it comes to the cost of Invisalign in Ottawa, there are a number of factors to consider. One is the complexity of your case, which determines the sets of aligners needed and time involved. Another is if you’re straightening all your teeth or prefer short-term orthodontics (ie, cosmetic teeth straightening). Then there’s the type of braces, being that some methods or appliances can cost more than others. You can see why it’s best to have a personal consultation at Braces Haven in order to get an actual quote when you’re budgeting for your Invisalign treatment. 

Single arch Invisalign treatment is usually a more affordable investment when it comes to the different prices of getting braces. Although it’s not quite half the cost, it is still priced lower due to the fewer appliances and supplies being used. 

Braces Haven offers complimentary Invisalign consultations so that you can find out which types of braces you qualify for and the treatment time required. At that point, we can present you with all the costs involved, so that you know what to expect financially. If anything isn’t specifically covered by dental benefits or insurance, you can opt to make flexible affordable monthly installments throughout the duration of your Invisalign experience.

Enjoy A Streamlined, Simple Approach To Invisalign

At Braces Haven, one of the reasons why we offer Invisalign for upper teeth only or lower teeth only is for our adult or teen patients who don’t need or want full-mouth orthodontics. By improving the alignment of your front teeth, you’ll be able to enjoy a straighter smile and the perfect accessory to show off each day. Plus, you’ll still get to take advantage of Invisalign perks like easy-to-clean aligners, invisible trays and fewer trips to our Ottawa orthodontist’s office!

If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign in Ottawa, call Braces Haven to schedule a no-pressure consultation with Dr. Cohen. We’ll be happy to answer any questions that you have and determine the best Invisalign options for your smile’s needs. Flexible scheduling options are available! Contact us today to get started.