Are you frustrated by mild to moderate gaps or overcrowding in your grin? One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is misaligned, you might develop anxiety or depression worrying that you’ll be judged for your imperfect appearance.
Your dentist can reposition your teeth with Invisalign, but if you only have minor concerns in one row but not the other, you might wonder if it’s possible to treat either your top or bottom teeth. Continue reading to learn more about whether single arch treatment is possible!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Unlike traditional orthodontics, which rely on sharp metallic brackets and wires attached to your enamel, this treatment uses more discreet plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them. This method applies consistent but gentle pressure, and because the aligners are removable, it’s considered more comfortable and less invasive than braces.
But to keep your pearly whites from reverting to their starting places, you must wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours daily. Then, after a week or two, your dentist will provide the next sets in your series to account for the ongoing movement. Typically, patients complete treatment in 12 to 18 months, though it could be more or less, based on your unique circumstances.
Can Invisalign Be Used for Single Arch Treatments?
If you have a slight gap, or diastema, between your upper front two teeth, or have slight overcrowding in the bottom ones, you might wonder if treating both rows is truly necessary. After all, you could potentially save on expenses and reduce your treatment timeline by getting Invisalign for a single arch.
Depending on your unique circumstances, there’s a chance that your dentist might approve a single arch treatment. For instance, if your concerns are minor or only have one or two teeth out of alignment, it may be more likely to be approved. However, most dentists recommend against it.
Are There Risks of Single Arch Treatments?
Although your dentist is happy to work with you to devise an appropriate solution to address your concerns with your smile, they might avoid single arch Invisalign treatment to avoid potential problems.
Although the trays can potentially be used to correct the position of just a few teeth, doing so might alter how your upper and lower arches line up when you bite down. Making changes to either your upper or lower teeth, but not both rows, can potentially result in bite misalignments that contribute to other issues, like prematurely worn-down enamel or a sore, stiff, or locked jaw.
As a result, most providers recommend treating your top and bottom teeth simultaneously, which allows them to ensure your smile is as healthy as it is beautiful when treatment is complete!
About the Practice
Patients at Pacific Oak Dental benefit from a father-and-son dental duo dedicated to helping families enhance their daily lives by improving their dental well-being. Dr. Jared and his dad, Dr. Ernie, share decades of experience and offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including Invisalign. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with advanced technology to deliver accurate, reliable results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (503) 357-9122.