Is it right to wear braces on one arch only?
Many youngsters have requested us to provide braces for top teeth alone. Likely, some patients asked to get braces on their bottom teeth only. It raises the question “Can I get braces for my top or bottom teeth only?” You might also think about this. Right?
Getting dental braces on either of the dentition is called single-arch orthodontic treatment (or) one-arch orthodontic treatment. It is possible to get braces for just one arch is possible under particular circumstances (minor imperfections) for some people alone.
Even if the teeth are misaligned in one arch but not the other, patients should wear braces for both. Keep reading to know the reasons.
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Why do most people like to get single arch braces?
Most adults and youthful youngsters prefer getting braces only on their top teeth. It is because the upper teeth are on display whenever we smile. Hence many people do not bother with the way their bottom teeth appear. Their concern for self-esteem makes them believe realigning the upper arch is enough to revamp their symmetrical smile.
On the other hand, some people have shortcomings in one arch whilst the other one appears straight and fine. Some people assume that fixing the troublesome row of teeth is sufficient whether it is the lower or upper teeth.
The other reason is cost. Few people prefer getting top row or bottom row braces only to save money. By getting braces for just one arch, they believe that teeth straightening can be done at half the cost.
Except certain cases, orthodontists do not prescribe single arch braces as a viable solution for teeth realignment.
Why do orthodontists not advise wearing braces on a single arch?
Remember that realigning your teeth is not just to address aesthetic concerns. It aims at correcting the bite problems as well. Hence orthodontists would look into various things like the relation between the upper and lower teeth before initiating the treatment.
The main reasons why one-arch dental braces are not recommended include:
1) The teeth will become weak
Our teeth always work together hence that it is not possible to move a single row of teeth alone. In simply, there is a delicate interplay with the functionality of our teeth. If you attempt to straighten teeth in one arch at a time, the teeth will become weaker.
2) The bite issues will get worse
Bite is the term that defines how well teeth in the upper and lower arch interact. The interaction will be compromised if the teeth in any arch become crooked or crowded. The crowded top teeth cause underbite and crowded bottom teeth cause overbite. The braces address crowded teeth by moving the teeth straight forward whereas the orthodontic appliance moves the teeth backward to close gaps between the teeth.
For instance, consider you have crowded top teeth but the bottom arc is devoid of such misalignment problems. When you wear a brace on the upper teeth, the appliance will straighten the teeth but it does not revamp the interaction with the upper and lower teeth. Instead, it will lead to more serious bite problems. Hence dental doctors provide braces for both upper and lower teeth.
In essence, wearing braces on the flawed arc alone will worsen the bite problems further.
3) Jaw bone problems
When the upper teeth and lower teeth do not align properly for a long time, it will affect the balance in the jaw. As discussed earlier, single-arch orthodontic treatment can worsen bite problems. It can provoke more problems in the jaw. Likely, it also makes the teeth slide against each other, providing a way for grinding and clenching the teeth.
In such cases, the sufferer is at potential risk of developing TMJ disorders.
Bottom line
People would like to get single arch braces for various reasons. However, it does not fulfill your teeth straightening needs in most cases. People who prefer the one-arch orthodontic treatment due to factors like self-esteem, cost, or others should understand this.
Luckily, they have a wide range of alternative options like clear aligners that are not highly visible. Similarly, some dental insurance policies cover teeth orthodontic treatments, you can get your teeth straightened at affordable prices.
