Can I Get Traditional Braces on Just My Top or Bottom Teeth?

Most orthodontists won’t recommend traditional braces on only one arch unless there’s a very specific reason to do so. That’s because your upper and lower teeth work together in a delicate balance, and orthodontic treatment is most effective when that balance is accounted for.

Let’s break down why treating both arches is usually the best choice and when exceptions might apply.

Why Treating Both Arches Matters

Your teeth don’t exist in isolation. When you bite down, speak, chew, or smile, your top and bottom teeth interact. They’re part of a functional system called your “occlusion”—basically, how your bite fits together. If only one arch is moved, it can create new bite issues or worsen existing ones.

For example, if only the top teeth are straightened but the bottom teeth remain crowded or misaligned, your bite may not line up correctly. That can lead to uneven wear on your teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches. A balanced bite helps teeth last longer and supports long-term oral health.

Traditional Braces: What They Do

Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gently shift teeth into better positions. These movements don’t just straighten teeth—they also help align how teeth from the top and bottom meet together.

Because wires connect across all the teeth in your arch, treating just one arch changes only half of your bite. While that may improve appearance, it might not improve—or could even worsen—how your upper and lower teeth function together.

When Might One-Arch Treatment Be Considered?

There are some scenarios in which an orthodontist might suggest braces on only the upper or only the lower teeth. These tend to be specific, individualized cases. For instance:

• If only one arch has minor spacing or crowding issues and there’s minimal impact on occlusion.
• If previous orthodontic treatment has already aligned one arch well.
• If treatment goals are primarily cosmetic and bite concerns are minimal.

Even in those situations, it’s important that a trained professional evaluates your bite carefully. What seems like a small issue might have bigger implications for function down the road.

Retainers After Treatment

Another reason orthodontists often approach braces treatment holistically is because of retainers. After braces are removed, retainers help keep teeth in their new positions. If only one arch was treated, the other might still shift over time, potentially undermining your results.

A comprehensive plan including retainers for both arches generally leads to better long-term stability and satisfaction.

Cost and Aesthetics

Sure, fewer braces might seem like it would cost less or look better. But if only partial treatment leads to longer treatment time, additional adjustments, or future corrections, it may not end up being more affordable—or more comfortable—than treating both arches from the start. After all, the goal is a healthy, lasting smile.

In Summary

While it might seem convenient to get braces on just your top or bottom teeth, most patients are better served by treating both arches. That way, your bite stays balanced, your teeth function together smoothly, and your results are more predictable and long-lasting.

About the Practice

At Struble Orthodontics, patients receive personalized care from a dedicated team focused on creating healthy, confident smiles. With expertise in traditional braces and a variety of other orthodontic treatments, our orthodontists works closely with each patient to create customized treatment plans that meet individual needs and goals. With a friendly, supportive environment and a commitment to excellence, we help patients of all ages achieve lasting results.

Call our Bend office at (541) 848-6642 or call our Redmond office at (541) 527-4325. You can also request an appointment online.