From time to time, we run into this question during consultation appointments. Most of the time, the answer will be “NO.”

Some patients come to the consultation seeking orthodontic treatment on only one arch to address crowding or spacing caused by relapse or late lower crowding, especially lower teeth.

Unfortunately, the upper front teeth limits the lower front teeth position and vice versa. Quite frequently, the front teeth are in angulation or position where the opposing teeth movement will be limited. As such, the patient’s bite will end up excessively heavy in the front if you plan on one arch treatment.
Moreover, if your back teeth move without braces on the opposing arch, the back teeth will not be coordinated with each other as the back teeth are not in coordination with the opposing arch causing the bite to be off.

Thus, do not assume you only need braces on one arch just because you see crowding or spacing on one arch. As mentioned on previous blogs, orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth for esthetic reason, but correcting your bite to improve functionality.
As such, if you just plan on straightening teeth on only one arch, the functionality will be compromised the majority of the time which may affect the longevity of oral health.

Please call us to schedule a free consultation. We cater to Redmond, Woodinville, Duvall, Sammamish and Carnation. We are located at Redmond Ridge in QFC mall. We are just ten minutes away from Redmond, Duvall, Carnation, Sammamish and Woodinville Downtown.

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