Can I Just Fix Only the Upper or Lower Teeth?

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Can You Straighten Just One Arch with Aligners? The Truth Behind Single-Arch Treatment

One of the most common questions patients ask during an orthodontic consultation is: “Can I straighten just my top teeth (or just my bottom teeth) with clear aligners?” The short answer is: Yes—but with important caveats. While it’s technically possible to treat only one arch (upper or lower), it’s not always the best option. In fact, doing so without careful planning can lead to bite problems, relapse, and long-term instability. Let’s break down when single-arch aligner treatment may or may not be appropriate—and why expert guidance is essential.

Why Treating Both Arches Is Usually Recommended

Your upper and lower teeth are designed to work together as a system. This system is called your occlusion—how your top and bottom teeth meet when you bite down. If you treat only one arch with clear aligners:

• The untreated arch can push back against the aligned teeth

• Bite misalignment may develop

• Tooth movement can become unstable or revert over time

• You may not achieve proper functional balance when chewing or speaking

This is why most orthodontic treatment plans—whether using aligners or braces—recommend treating both arches to ensure long-term results that are stable, comfortable, and functional.

When Single-Arch Treatment Might Be Possible

There are select cases where single-arch aligner treatment can be considered, especially if:

• The other arch is already well-aligned

• The bite is not significantly affected

• The treatment is cosmetic in nature, such as minor crowding or relapse

However, even in these cases, your provider may need to take more aggressive steps to make the treatment effective. This can include:

• Interproximal Reduction (IPR) – Slight shaving of enamel between teeth to create space

• Extractions – In rare cases, removing teeth to allow movement

• Bite balancing adjustments – To avoid future relapse or bite interference

These methods can carry biological costs—such as enamel wear, tooth sensitivity, or increased risk of relapse—making them less ideal for long-term stability.

Why a Balanced Bite Matters

The ultimate goal of orthodontic treatment isn’t just straighter teeth—it’s a harmonious bite. A balanced occlusion ensures that:

• Forces are distributed evenly when you chew

• Your jaw joints remain healthy

• Your teeth don’t shift back to their original positions

• Your smile looks AND functions beautifully

Treating both arches makes it easier to achieve this balance and helps protect the investment you’re making in your smile.

So, Should You Consider Single-Arch Treatment?

Here’s a simple way to look at it:

• Is the other arch perfectly aligned?

• Will the bite remain balanced after treatment?

• Are you willing to accept possible compromises in stability?

• Has a qualified provider recommended it after full evaluation?

• If the answer to most of these is no, then full dual-arch treatment is likely your best path forward.

🦷 Ready to See What Aligners Can Do for You?

Dr. Bak Nguyen has over 25 years of experience in orthodontics and smile design, helping thousands of patients achieve their goals using the latest clear aligner technology.

Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).

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