Whether you had braces when you were younger, or you’re only bothered by alignment issues on one arch, you may be curious about whether you can avoid getting Invisalign on both your top and bottom teeth if you don’t need it. But the truth is, although one arch may seem like it’s perfectly aligned, your dentist usually recommends treating both. Here’s why!
Why Can’t I Get Invisalign on Just One Arch?
Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in your oral health and appearance, so it makes sense that you’d want to save money on Invisalign any way you can. Especially when you consider that dental insurance doesn’t typically cover 100% of the cost. Unfortunately, however, when it comes to orthodontics, it is rarely advisable to treat a single arch. That’s because once you’ve aligned one, it can make any minor flaws in the other that much more noticeable, and by changing only one you can effectively bring the other out of alignment because it will not match.
The Benefits of Single Arch Treatment
Although it is rare, there are still some instances where single arch treatments are beneficial. Typically, this occurs when only minor adjustments are necessary, such as when you have very minimal gaps or spacing issues, slightly crooked front teeth, just one tooth out of alignment, or if you’re only treating your “smile zone” (the teeth visible when you grin).
Does Single Arch Treatment Save Money?
In most cases, you can save some money with single-arch treatment; however, it may not be exactly half the cost of double arch. The price you pay will depend on a variety of factors, including how severe the issues are with your smile, as this will determine how long you’ll need to wear your aligners and if any attachments are necessary.
Do I Qualify for Single Arch Treatment with Invisalign?
The only way to know if your smile qualifies for single or double arch Invisalign treatment is to visit your dentist for a consultation. At this appointment, he will examine your teeth, take images, and determine if you are a good candidate. Then, he can formulate a care plan that includes your estimated timeline and total cost, including whether you qualify for double or single arch intervention.
Remember, Invisalign is a faster, more comfortable, and more discreet way to straighten your smile. However, if you only need one row of teeth adjusted, you may qualify for single arch treatment. If not, you may still benefit from double arch care. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Barker, Rohner, & Hunt, our trio of talented and caring dentists want to give you the most effective orthodontic treatment possible with the help of Invisalign. Whether you need just one arch aligned or you’d benefit from a full-mouth intervention, we can get you the gorgeous, healthy grin you desire in less time than traditional braces. To learn more about this treatment and to see if your smile qualifies, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 919-847-7100.
