Invisalign for Top or Bottom Teeth Only

Can You Get Invisalign for Bottom Teeth or Top Teeth Only?

Some orthodontists can perform a single arch Invisalign treatment, which means correcting the top or bottom teeth only. However, it’s more common for your dentist to treat the top and bottom arches simultaneously.

Single arch treatment corrects a specific problem or makes cosmetic improvements to your teeth. Dentists rarely recommend this procedure because of the risks to your bite formation. However, there are cases where having it won’t lead to potential complications.

In this article, we cover the pros and cons of single arch aligner treatment so you can determine if it’s right for you.

Who Is a Candidate for Single Arch Treatment?

Making sure that your lower and upper teeth are aligned can prevent you from various dental health risks. Depending on your teeth’s condition, treating both lower and upper teeth may not be necessary.

Single arch treatment may make sense if you have minor aesthetic issues, including:

• Minor crookedness in the front teeth
• Minor gapping between top or bottom teeth (diastema)
• A misaligned tooth
• Mild spacing or crowding issues along the front or bottom teeth

A single arch treatment could also correct a previous Invisalign treatment or when a dentist is treating children's baby teeth. Ultimately, you should consult your dentist about whether you qualify for this treatment.

What are the Risks of Single Arch Aligner Treatment?

Opting for a single arch aligner treatment that focuses solely on the top or bottom teeth may lead to complications. One primary concern is the potential for a malocclusion or misalignment between your top and bottom teeth.

It can also change where your jaw rests, making it sit either too far forward or move back. If this kind of misalignment happens, it may affect your smile and change your appearance, causing self-esteem issues.

What Health Concerns Arise from Malocclusions?

Malocclusions arising from disrupted bite alignments can cause various long-term health problems, including:¹

• Damage to teeth
• Toothaches
• Teeth grinding, or bruxism
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
• Sleep apnea
• Speech impediments
• Periodontal disease
• Increased risk for cavities
• Headaches
• Neck and jaw pain

Is a Single Arch Aligner Treatment Effective?

The two dental arches function together as an integrated system. Treating only one arch presents challenges for orthodontists and enhances the probability of alignment errors. For the most effective results, it's generally advisable to receive holistic dental treatments.

How Does Single Arch Invisalign Treatment Work?

Invisalign treatment works the same way for one arch as it does for both arches. Here are the general steps you should expect when undergoing the procedure:

1. Visit your orthodontist for a consultation.
2. Your orthodontist will determine whether you qualify for a single-arch treatment.
3. Your dentist may ask for photographs, x-rays, and digital scans of your jaw and teeth.
4. Once your orthodontist confirms your candidacy, they’ll take impressions of your teeth.
5. They’ll send these impressions to a dental lab to make your Invisalign aligners.
6. You’ll wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily for two weeks.
7. Every two weeks, you’ll visit your dentist to swap out your aligners for new ones.
8. Your treatment time will depend on the severity of your bite issues and your progress.

How Long Does the Invisalign Treatment Usually Last?

Invisalign aligners can move your teeth between 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters every two weeks.² Some people may only need half a year to complete treatment if they have minor issues.

It can take longer for people with more complicated bite issues. Wearing your aligner less than 20 hours a day will also prolong the treatment. This is why following your orthodontist’s instructions on what you can and can’t do while under treatment is important.

How Much Does Single Arch Invisalign Treatment Cost?

The national average cost is around $2,500 to $5,500.² Other sources place the price as high as $9,000.⁵ For minor treatments, however, it may be closer to the lower end.

Some people mistakenly think single arch treatment is a way to pay half-price for two dental arches. However, treating both arches is not significantly more expensive than treating just one.

At some dentists' offices, Invisalign costs the same for one or both arches.^3,4 There’s no standard flat rate for Invisalign treatment.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Invisalign Treatment?

Costs for Invisalign treatment can vary based on many factors, including:

• Treatment length
• Type of bite issues
• Location

Many insurance policies cover Invisalign, which can be paid with a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Your dentist or orthodontist may also offer payment plans as alternative financial options.

Summary

Getting Invisalign for only the top or bottom teeth is possible for minor aesthetic issues. However, treating only the bottom teeth or the top teeth isn’t recommended as it can lead to teeth misalignment or malocclusion.

A single arch treatment can cost between $2,500 and $9,000, but it’s not half the cost of a double arch treatment as some expect. Many insurers cover Invisalign, and there are several payment options you can choose from.

If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign to fix a few crooked teeth or your teeth bite, consult your doctor to determine the right orthodontic treatment for you.