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Can I Get Braces on my Upper Teeth Only?
asked 3 years ago by karla in oklahoma city, oklahoma
Latest answer by Mojdah Akhavan, DDS
Question viewed 6,380 times
Tags: placement, upper teeth
I would like to know, can I get braces just on my upper teeth, or should I have it done on my bottom teeth as well? My bottom teeth are okay.
5 answers to Can I Get Braces on my Upper Teeth Only?
+1
Top braces only??
Depending on your bite and the severity of your case, it IS possible to do upper barces only. Most of the time, I do recommend the full braces . As long as you are in treatment, you may as well get everything perfect.
Mojdah Akhavan, DDS
San Diego Orthodontist
San Diego Orthodontist
+1
Not a real good way to go
The most common reason for this question is one believe braces are cheaper if only one arch has braces or Invisalign. The cost is almost always the same anyway.
Placing the appliance on one arch actually makes it harder and sometimes longer to treat. It is like place a lid on a jar. You have to hold both in order to make them fit
Gilbert H. Snow, DDS
Encino Orthodontist
Encino Orthodontist
+1
Upper braces only
Yes it is possible to do just one arch (althought the cost is never 1/2 the full case fee!). Just because the other arch is "straigtht" doesn't mean that braces on it isn't necessary...often we need both arches in appliances to allow for bite alighment and elastic band wear
Robert Waxler, DMD, MS
Saint Louis Orthodontist
Saint Louis Orthodontist
+1
Braces for upper or lower arch ONLY...
In orthodontics, aligned teeth is second nature. It's primary purpose is for medical reasons, to correct the bite for efficient mastication without injuring the jaw, to provide ample space and exposure for easier cleaning to prevent cavities, gingivitis and other more severe health issues. For people who have straight teeth only on one arch and wishes to correct the other arch, it is possible to just put braces and correct it independently but this is only possible after...
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Henry Fung, DDS
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Braces CAN be on just one arch
But there is an extra challenge sometimes when doing so. Braces with wires is similar to a tug of war and as pressure is put in one area, opposite pressure is placed elsewhere. The lower arch is often used for leverage to get the job done.
Most of the time, the fee is the same whether one arch is done or two. If there is no cost savings and the treatment can be done better and faster, most people choose to have both arches treated.
