Clear Question: Can I Treat a Single Arch with Invisalign?

Many people wanting to straighten their smiles choose Invisalign because it’s considered a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Instead of sharp metallic brackets and wires, this option utilizes clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth to reposition them gently.

However, some patients who only have mild concerns with one row of teeth wonder whether they can get aligners just for the top or bottom arch. Continue reading to learn more about single-arch treatment and why it’s not always recommended!

How Does Invisalign Work?

This service continues to gain popularity as an effective way to improve the spacing of your smile without the need for standard orthodontics, but only if you stick with your treatment plan. Most providers ask that patients wear their trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent their pearly whites from shifting to their starting places. Then, after a week or two, you’ll be given the next set in your series to account for their ongoing movement.

Most patients complete this treatment within 12 to 18 months, though it could be more or less, depending on your unique circumstances.

What is Single Arch Treatment?

Some patients have a minor gap between their two front teeth, called a diastema, that they want to address and wonder whether treating both rows is necessary to achieve their goals. Others want to save on expenses by only purchasing Invisalign for one arch rather than two. These concerns might lead you to inquire whether your provider can design trays just for your top or bottom teeth, depending on your needs.

This method can sometimes be successful under certain conditions, like if closing the spaces in one row of teeth won’t impact your overall bite alignment. However, it’s not usually recommended.

Can I Treat A Single Arch with Invisalign?

Although there’s a chance your dentist might approve this kind of single-arch treatment, depending on your situation, they’re more likely to suggest getting Invisalign for both. This is because shifting only your upper or lower dental alignment can cause your teeth to come together unevenly or incorrectly when you bite down. Over time, this can contribute to other concerns, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, which can, in turn, cause a stiff, sore, or locked jaw that might require additional orthodontics to correct.

If you have questions about how to best reach your smile goals with Invisalign, consulting your dentist is the best way to get accurate information that takes your unique circumstances into account!

Meet the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart is passionate about helping families in Lewisville build happy, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Dallas County Dental Association to stay on top of the latest treatment options. He offers a comprehensive menu of services, so whether you need a checkup and cleaning or want to straighten your smile with Invisalign, he can help. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 436-1325.