Invisalign for Top or Bottom Teeth Only

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

Some orthodontists can do a single arch Invisalign treatment, which means correcting the top or bottom teeth only. However, it is more common for your dentist to recommend treatment for the top and bottom arches.

Single arch treatment is done to correct a specific problem or make cosmetic improvements. Dentists rarely recommend this treatment because of the risks to your bite formation.

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Who is a Candidate for Single Arch Treatment? 

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 be possible to correct a previous Invisalign treatment or when a dentist is treating children's baby teeth. Ultimately, you should consult with your dentist about whether you qualify for this treatment.

What are the Risks of Single Arch Aligner Treatment?

A single arch aligner treatment could cause a misalignment between your top and bottom teeth. This effect is known as malocclusion.

Malocclusions can cause certain teeth to bite in the wrong areas. They can hit too high or too low, disrupting your bite. 

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.

Malocclusions can also lead to long-term health problems:⁷

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

Your arches work together as part of an entire system and treating just one is more challenging for orthodontists. It increases the likelihood of errors, which is why, in most cases, it's best to treat your bite holistically.

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 to complete the procedure:

1. Visit your orthodontist for a consultation
2. Your orthodontist will determine whether you are a candidate 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 will take impressions of your teeth
5. They will send these impressions to a dental lab, where they will make your Invisalign aligners
6. You will wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily for two weeks
7. Every two weeks, you will 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

Invisalign aligners can move your teeth between 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters every two weeks.⁵ 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 make the treatment take longer.

How Much Does Single Arch Invisalign Treatment Cost?

The national average cost is around $2,500 to $5,500. Other sources place the cost as high as $9,000.⁶ 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. Treating both arches is not significantly more expensive than treating just one.

At some dentists' offices, Invisalign costs the same whether it's for one or both arches.^1,4 There’s no flat rate for Invisalign treatment.

Costs can vary based on a number of factors, including:

• Treatment length
• Type of bite issues
• Location

Many insurers cover Invisalign, and you can pay with HSA and FSA. Your dentist or orthodontist may also offer payment plans. 

ZocDoc

Find a Local Dentist for an Invisalign Consultation

ZocDoc can help you find a dentist in your area that:

• Takes your insurance
• Can schedule an appointment ASAP
• Is close to your home
• Is top-rated by actual customers

Find a Dentist

Summary

• It is possible to get Invisalign for your top or bottom teeth only
• Dentists often do not recommend this type of treatment due to risks of malocclusions
• A single arch treatment can cost between $2,500 and $9,000
• Many insurers cover Invisalign, and there are other payment options you can choose from
• A single arch treatment is best for people with minor aesthetic issues

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