One tried-and-true orthodontic treatment that countless patients have undergone is braces. They are an effective way to straighten a smile, and you might be interested in them yourself! However, if just your top or bottom teeth are misaligned, then you may wonder if you can get this service on just one arch. The answer may be more nuanced than you initially thought, so here’s what you need to know.
Is It Possible to Get Braces on a Single Dental Arch?
In short, it is possible to get braces on just your upper or lower set of teeth, but that doesn’t mean you should. It’s actually a rare occurrence because doing so can cause problems and lead to more issues. Your smile fits together in precise ways, so when just one arch is changed, then your bite can become misaligned. You may be at a higher risk of jaw pain or increased wear and tear of your enamel.
So, Can I Get Braces on Just One Arch?
Although there is a chance you can get an altered braces treatment, the only way to know is by talking with your orthodontist. You may be able to get it if just a couple of teeth are slightly misaligned, but your provider will want to look out for your whole smile. While you may be told that you need the standard experience with braces, just know that it’s to ensure you don’t develop any bite issues down the line.
How Can I Keep My Orthodontic Treatment on Track?
Regardless, it’s important you keep up with your orthodontic treatment to avoid delays toward your straighter smile. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Avoid sticky, chewy, hard, and crunchy foods as they can break a wire or bracket.
- Keep up with brushing and flossing, as they can cause dental problems that can push back your results.
- Follow your orthodontist’s instructions, whether that’s with checkups, advice, or sticking to wearing elastics. That way, they can make adjustments throughout and give you a smoother experience.
In the end, every smile is different. Your provider will work with you to ensure that you get to an aligned grin that looks and feels great. While that may mean you need braces on both your top and bottom teeth, you can look forward to knowing your results will be what you want. That way, you can flaunt them without worrying about any problems.
About the Author
Dr. Justyna Balicka earned her dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and completed her orthodontic residency program at St. Barnabas Hospital. She is a proud orthodontist, helping the Huntington community get the straighter smiles they want with reliable options like braces. If you have any questions or want to see if you can get an altered treatment like the one above, schedule an appointment or call our office at (631) 423-7857.