If your top teeth are crooked but your bottom teeth are already straight, you may wonder whether Invisalign can be used on just the upper teeth. In some cases, limited Invisalign treatment may be an option. However, because your bite relies on how your upper and lower teeth work together, there are important factors to consider before choosing treatment for only one arch.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gently move teeth into better alignment. Each aligner applies controlled pressure, gradually shifting teeth over time. While Invisalign is often used to straighten both the upper and lower teeth, treatment can sometimes be limited to one arch if the case is carefully planned.
Your dentist or orthodontist will evaluate how your teeth fit together, not just how they look when you smile.
When Invisalign on Only Top Teeth May Be Possible
Invisalign on only the top teeth may be an option if your bite is already well-aligned and the movement needed is minor. For example, slight crowding or spacing on the upper teeth may be corrected without affecting how the upper and lower teeth come together.
These cases typically require close monitoring to ensure that moving only the top teeth does not create new bite issues.
Potential Risks of Treating Only One Arch
One of the main risks of Invisalign on only the top teeth is disrupting your bite. Even small changes to tooth position can affect how your teeth meet when you chew or speak. If the bite becomes uneven, it may lead to discomfort, jaw strain, or uneven wear on the teeth.
Another concern is that untreated teeth may shift over time, especially if the bite is altered. This is why some dentists recommend treating both arches together for more predictable, stable results.
How Dentists Minimize These Risks
If Invisalign on only the top teeth is being considered, your dentist will carefully plan your treatment using digital imaging and bite analysis. Regular check-ins allow your provider to monitor tooth movement and make adjustments if needed.
In some cases, small attachments or refinements may be added to help control movement and maintain proper alignment. Wearing retainers after treatment is also essential to help preserve results and prevent shifting.
Is Invisalign on One Arch Right for You?
Every smile is different. While limited Invisalign treatment may work for some patients, others may benefit from treating both the top and bottom teeth to ensure long-term comfort and stability. A professional evaluation is the best way to determine the safest and most effective approach.
Straightening your smile should always support a healthy bite, not just a straighter appearance.
About the Practice
Shinkawa Dental is here for the Fresno community! Our dynamic team provides personalized orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign, to help patients achieve balanced, healthy smiles. We closely monitor each case to ensure safe, effective results tailored to individual needs.
Call us at (559) 226-5656 or request an appointment online.