For most, it may not be the most ideal treatment plan. They may already have perfect teeth on one arch and a simple crowding or spacing problem on the other that they would like corrected. Other patients are aware that neither arch is perfect but only one row of teeth bothers them enough to seek orthodontic treatment.
In fact, braces on one arch and not the other can fix one problem and make another worse. Braces on both arches simultaneously is the best orthodontic treatment for most patients. Our top teeth are on display whenever we talk, smile or eat. Some people are self-conscious about the look of their top teeth and feel they could be improved.
If budget is limited, patients may consider having top row braces only to save on costs. Fitting braces only on the top teeth can be for cosmetic purposes only. Bottom braces only are less common than top teeth only. As mentioned above, braces correct problems in order to keep the teeth and jaw healthy.
In some rare cases, there may be a situation where a patient truly only needs bottom row braces. If that is the case, your orthodontist will consider that option for treatment. At Smith Orthodontics, we are not just about making your teeth look nice.
We want you to have a healthy set of teeth that will last for your lifetime. As long as you wear your retainers and take good care of your teeth, they should remain in place for the rest of your life.
Call today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. In some situations, however, you might think you only need braces on your bottom teeth, but discover that you actually need braces on both rows. While you might only think that your bottom teeth need to be straightened, it is important to remember that braces do more than just adjust the appearance of your teeth. Your bite is how your two rows of teeth interact with one another.
While many people might not notice a problem with their bite, having a misalignment can cause a person to grind their teeth, might contribute to TMJ , and can even make it difficult to properly chew food. Having a misaligned bite is one of the biggest reasons that an orthodontist will recommend a person gets braces on both their upper and lower teeth, even if one of those rows of teeth actually appears to be fairly straight.
Braces are not just about aesthetics. While someone can have a fine bite and have a few crooked teeth that braces can quickly fix, crowded and twisted teeth do usually affect the bite. You could have a problem with your bite and not even realize it. The main purpose of braces is not just to straighten teeth, but also to make sure they all fit and work together.
This is why many people who just want braces on one row of teeth will sometimes butt heads with their orthodontist. Your orthodontist wants to provide you with the healthiest possible mouth, not just with straighter teeth. Under the right circumstances, it is possible to just get braces on your bottom teeth, but only after consulting your orthodontist and talking about what solution is actually going to be right for you and your health.
If you have an overbite , for example, straightening just your bottom teeth, which will usually cause them to move forward, may help to correct that issue, and you might not need to have any corrective treatment on your upper teeth. On the other hand, if you have an underbite when you begin treatment, straightening just your bottom teeth could actually worsen the problem.
As your teeth move, it may create or worsen bite problems and your teeth will no longer function as they should. Your teeth might look straight, but they do not work well and this can cause serious problems down the line. Having a slightly misaligned bite might not seriously affect you, but if your teeth do not match up in a significant way, you might be experiencing a number of different problems.
Having top and bottom rows of teeth that do not align is one of the most common causes of teeth grinding. For example, as we noted before, crowded teeth tend to move forward once straightened while the teeth shift back when we close gaps.
If you have an overbite and crowded top teeth, getting braces on the top teeth only will cause your overbite to get bigger throughout your treatment.
If you have an underbite and crooked bottom teeth, bottom teeth only braces will worsen your underbite. While in both cases your teeth would look straighter, the way your teeth meet would be off and this would have negative consequences on the function and health of your smile.
The only way to find out if getting braces on your bottom teeth or top teeth only is a possibility, is to visit a certified specialist in orthodontics for an evaluation.
Our expert Bellaire and Houston orthodontists are able to determine the best treatment plan to safely and effectively give you your dream smile. We offer Smile Express at our practice as an option for patients who want a shorter, less expensive way to touch up their smile while still getting amazing, functional results. Schedule a complimentary in-person or virtual consultation at Houston Orthodontic Specialists today to learn more!
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