If you’ve heard of Invisalign, you know it differs from “traditional” ways to straighten a smile. This treatment uses clear trays – worn over both rows of your grin – instead of metal brackets and wires. That said, you may be wondering: Could you just get Invisalign for your top teeth? You needn’t mull the question long; your Fuquay-Varina dentist will address it. So, here’s a primer on Invisalign for your top teeth, its risks, and how to pull it off safely.
Will Invisalign Just for Top Teeth Work?
All in all, Invisalign can be done just for your top teeth. Dentists call such a procedure “single-arch Invisalign treatment.”
Single-arch Invisalign makes the patient wear an aligner on only one row of teeth. As with the regular kind, you’d switch trays bi-weekly to maintain alignment progress. The procedure will usually address both arches before completing the treatment plan.
Only some patients can qualify for single-arch Invisalign treatment. Indeed, whether you’re a good candidate depends on how your teeth bite together, your smile needs, etc. That means you’ll need to consult your orthodontist about your candidacy.
Does This Option Have Risks?
While single-arch Invisalign is often effective, it does carry a few risks. You’ll want to make note of these potential dangers before you commit.
Single-arch Invisalign’s most notable risk is bite misalignment. After all, its partial nature affects occlusion – how your top and bottom teeth fit together. How treatment adjusts your bite could thus make some teeth hit higher or harder than others. If that happens, you’ll likely suffer toothaches, tooth wear, and TMJ pain.
Due to this and similar possibilities, you should monitor how your mouth bites during single-arch Invisalign treatment. Things could start looking and feeling “off” otherwise.
Are There Ways to Reduce the Risks?
It’s possible to reduce the risks of single-arch Invisalign work. However, you’ll need help from the treating dentist to do so.
Your Invisalign provider will need to continually monitor your mouth during treatment. That way, they can ensure your bite’s occlusion isn’t affected by the alignment process. Just remember to attend your Invisalign “check-in” visits regularly; those sessions should keep everything in order.
Invisalign for your top teeth is possible, but it still requires work on your end. Remember to consult your dentist throughout the treatment!
About the Practice
Langworthy Family Dentistry is based in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Led by Drs. Langworthy and Harn, our practice prides itself on offering excellent dental care. We can provide any patient with top-notch preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, with results tailored to your unique smile’s needs. That means our team is ready and able to help your grin thrive! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (919)-762-6887.