Braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles. However, many patients who prefer to avoid the hassle and frustration of traditional orthodontics choose Invisalign because it’s considered more comfortable and discreet.
Usually, this treatment involves wearing transparent plastic trays over your top and bottom teeth to gently shift them to their ideal places. But if you only have a minor issue, like a single gap between your front top teeth, you might wonder if it’s okay to treat your upper row only. Continue reading to learn more about whether your dentist can use Invisalign for single-arch treatment!
How Does Invisalign Work?
This treatment utilizes clear plastic aligners that are customized to fit snugly over your teeth to gently shift them to their ideal places over a designated period. You must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their original positions. Then, after a week or two, you’ll be directed to switch to the next set in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your smile.
Many patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months, although more minor issues might only take 6 months to correct. With that said, it’s possible for treatment to take longer, such as if you have teeth that don’t move at the anticipated rate, or don’t adhere to the required wear times.
What Is Single Arch Treatment?
If you have a minor concern, like a couple of slightly overcrowded teeth or a single gap in just one arch, you might wonder if it’s necessary to invest personal time and resources into treating both.
Some patients request this service when they have:
- Slightly crooked front teeth.
- Very minor spaces or gaps.
- A single torqued tooth.
- Slight misalignments in the teeth in your smile zone.
- Relapsed after previous orthodontic therapy.
Although there’s a chance your dentist might approve single-arch treatment to adjust specific concerns based on your unique circumstances, it isn’t usually recommended.
Can I Treat a Single Arch with Invisalign?
This is because any changes they make to one row of teeth could potentially negatively impact your bite alignment. Your top and bottom teeth affect each other, and shifting one set without making corresponding adjustments in the other could cause harm. For instance, you might wear down your enamel prematurely, leading to tooth decay or injury.
As a result, your provider may be more inclined to treat your upper and lower arches together to help avoid potential problems with your bite. If you have additional questions about Invisalign treatment, you can learn more by consulting them directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Cesar Rodriguez is passionate about helping people improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. He followed in his family’s footsteps when he chose to pursue a career in dentistry and earned his Doctorate in Stomatology from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including Invisalign, delivered with state-of-the-art technology for accurate, beautiful results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (407) 894-4921.