When top teeth appear crooked, overcrowded, gapped, or misaligned, a patient might be tempted to pursue treatment with Invisalign in Franklin Park only for the upper arch. The reality, however, is that single aligner treatment may not be as effective and can potentially pose a problem for the existing smile.
Can Invisalign Be Used to Treat Only the Upper Arch?
Invisalign can be used to treat only the upper or lower arch; however, this method of treatment can be problematic if approached incorrectly. Most individuals who choose clear aligners to straighten teeth receive both a top and bottom aligner to ensure teeth move together, keeping the bite in check.
When evaluating a patient for treatment, a dentist or orthodontist must determine if a person’s bite could be negatively impacted, which can go on to cause additional problems in the future.
The Process of Receiving a Single Aligner
When treating a bite alignment issue, there is no other way to pursue treatment other than to receive two aligners – one for the top and one for the bottom. However, if only one clear aligner is recommended, it may be that the person is suffering from a gap that exists within the top teeth, a pair of front teeth appear crooked, one tooth remains misaligned, or a problem forms after orthodontic treatment in the past.
The Drawbacks of Single Aligner Treatment
For a person’s smile to work effectively and function properly, the upper and lower arches must work harmoniously. This means that in order to eat or speak, a patient’s teeth and bite must move in a way that allows for comfort and performance.
Treating only one row of teeth can make the certainty of successful results much more difficult for an orthodontist. The reason is that it is necessary to monitor an individual’s tooth movement more closely when undergoing single aligner treatment. Should their bite deviate too much, it can leave a patient unable to eat effectively or speak clearly, resulting in increased discomfort throughout the jaw, head, and oral cavity. It can also negatively affect a person’s teeth, resulting in excessive wear and tear to the tooth enamel, putting them at risk for further damage and/or decay.
Trusting an orthodontist to make the appropriate recommendation is essential. In most cases, treatment with Invisalign should include two aligners to keep a person’s smile functioning correctly.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our team of specialists includes an in-house orthodontist with decades of experience. Thanks to his expertise, both patients and adults can enjoy the benefits of braces and a variety of other orthodontic solutions, all with little to no discomfort. If you’re thinking of beginning your own orthodontic treatment, schedule an appointment by visiting our website or calling (847) 443-5120.