Single Arch Braces Treatment

At our orthodontics clinic in McAllen, Texas, patients often ask Dr. Taylor about single arch braces treatment. So, we thought it would be helpful to explain this type of treatment in more detail.

Arches are the u-shaped arrangements that make up your dentition (the arrangement of teeth). Your upper teeth are an arch, and your lower teeth are an arch. “Single arch” treatment means that we only place braces on either the upper or lower teeth. 

Many people ask this question: “If my teeth are crooked on top but perfectly straight on the bottom, why would I need braces on both?” The answer isn’t as simple as you may think and varies from patient to patient. The reason for this is that orthodontic treatment is more complex than just straightening teeth.

Malocclusion

When teeth are overcrowded or crooked, and braces are applied to straighten them, the teeth will gradually shift into the correct position but also move forward to allow for more space. In other cases where teeth have gaps between them and braces are applied to move them together, the teeth have a tendency to move backward as they align together. This may create bite problems, also called malocclusions. 

A malocclusion is a misalignment or incorrect relationship between the teeth of the two dental arches (upper and lower teeth) when they approach each other as the jaws close.

Common types of malocclusions include:

• Overjet (buck teeth): The top front teeth are pushed forward and outward. This can be caused by a small lower jaw. 
• Overcrowding: There are either too many teeth in relation to the size of the jaw, or the teeth are too large and crowd each other out.
• Overbite: The top front teeth fit over the front lower teeth and touch the gums.
• Underbite: The front upper teeth sit inside of the front lower teeth.
• Crossbite: Similar to an underbite; however, the upper teeth sit inside of the lower teeth on the sides of the mouth.
• Open bite: The teeth don’t meet when the jaw/mouth is closed.
• Misplaced midline: The center of the upper front teeth doesn’t line up with the center of the lower front teeth.

Depending on the severity and type of misalignment, malocclusions are rated as Class I, Class II, or Class III.

If you already have an overbite and you have crooked teeth, if we were only treating this condition with single arch braces, then this could actually make the overbite worse since crooked teeth move forward as they straighten.

On the other hand, if your bite is fine to begin with but you have crooked upper teeth, putting braces only on the top teeth may create an overbite.

Think of your upper and lower teeth like cogs in a wheel: the “teeth” need to be straightened in order to fit correctly into the wheel. But if the cog and wheel don’t fit properly together because of misalignment, then many problems can occur.

Click here for more details on different malocclusions.

Complications of Malocclusion

Malocclusions can cause long-term health problems. They can also get worse with time. Severe malocclusions can cause the jaw to thrust forward or sit too far back and change a person’s appearance. Misalignments can also affect facial symmetry.

Other issues that develop include:

• Teeth grinding.
• Abnormal wear on teeth. This can cause erosion of the tooth surface or broken teeth.
• Difficulty chewing.
• Speech impediments.
• Greater risk of tooth decay/cavities.
• Headaches.
• Jaw and neck pain.
• Tooth and jaw infections.
• TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. 

Are Single Arch Braces Ever an Option?

Sometimes, placing braces on only one arch is an option, although it’s not that common. They may be used in younger children when beginning Phase 1 of their orthodontic treatment plan before proceeding to Phase 2.

Another example might be when a patient has a slight overbite and some spacing problems in the upper teeth. Because teeth with gaps or spaces tend to move backward with braces, a single arch treatment might also correct the slight malocclusion.

Free Consultation

Everyone has their own needs. Dr. Taylor is a Board-certified Orthodontist and has years of experience treating all types of conditions. We offer a free consultation to anyone interested in braces for themselves or for their child. This includes an oral exam and x-rays, along with a question-and-answer session with Dr. Taylor to help determine what’s right for you.

Call us at 956.630.6166 to Schedule

We are open on Saturdays!

Or fill out the form below and we will contact you.

Click HERE to see the different braces that we offer and to schedule your consultation, or feel free to call us.