Have you ever attempted to paint just one half of a canvas and still thought it was worthy of hanging up in a gallery? It might fool you from a distance, but the closer you get, the more you notice that it is missing half the picture! Likewise, there are such things as single arch braces, which are just shifting the top or bottom teeth, also often referred to as upper arch braces or lower teeth braces. But does a single row of teeth in an orthodontic treatment accomplish a completely healthy and confident smile?

At Caspersmile, we get that appeal. Often, our clients come to us wondering if upper arch braces only or lower teeth braces would be enough to fix their smile, and it absolutely could be, with our clear aligners powered by dentist-supervised care.

Let's unpack the reality of one arch brace, who they are for, and when they are really worth it.

What are single-arch braces?

In simple terms, single-arch braces refer to orthodontic treatment limited to either top or bottom teeth braces only. This is known as partial orthodontic treatment and it's often recommended for people who don't need full bite correction, just a bit of straightening in one arch.

It might sound like a shortcut, less metal, fewer visits, faster results. But it's not just about appearance. The real success of any orthodontic treatment lies in how well your top and bottom teeth work together, not just how they look individually.

Ready to straighten just your top or bottom teeth, the smart way?

Start your free assessment with Caspersmile today and find out if single arch clear aligners are right for you. Expert care, no clinic visits, and a smile designed to last.

Take the assessment here

When are braces for one arch recommended?

Here's the truth: single arch treatment can work beautifully, but only for the right case.

You might be a candidate for lower teeth braces or upper arch braces only if:

• You have mild crowding or spacing in just one arch

• Your bite is already well-aligned and doesn't need correction

• You've had previous orthodontic work and only one arch has relapsed

• You're looking for cosmetic refinement, not major functional change

At Caspersmile, we take this seriously. That's why every smile we treat is first assessed by our dental experts using bite analysis. If single arch treatment is suitable for your teeth, we'll build a completely customized clear aligner plan to match.

Is the single arch treatment effective?

Yes, but only if done properly with diagnosis and planning. If you treat one arch or the other without regard for the way the jaws come together as a whole, you risk disrupting your whole bite.

That is why our team at Caspersmile never approaches partial orthodontic treatment. We put our effort into:

• Keeping your natural bite

• Keeping your midline

• Preventing the untreated arch from shifting unwantedly

• Retention for the long-term

With our clear aligners, you get a straight, removable, cosmetic option compared to braces, and the treatment is almost invisible! Even if you're only treating one arch, you will still be getting the same dental precision and expert care!

Benefits of single arch braces (when done right)

For the right candidates, single arch correction can offer:

• Lower cost compared to full treatment

• Faster treatment time

• Reduced discomfort

• Less noticeable correction, especially with clear aligners

• Focused results for mild misalignment

Risks of one-arch braces (if done wrong)

Here's where many people go wrong, especially when seeking quick, cheap fixes online without professional support. If you move just one arch without correcting the other:

• Your bite can become misaligned

• Your bite can become misaligned

• Pressure on your jaw joints may increase

• The midline of your smile can shift

• Teeth may relapse after treatment

In short, you might end up fixing one problem only to create another. That's why Caspersmile uses a diagnostic-first approach. We don't just straighten teeth, we design smiles that last.

Why Caspersmile is the smarter choice

Orthodontics isn't just about getting from point A to B. It's about making sure every step is taken with care, precision, and a long-term view.

When you choose Caspersmile, you get:

• A free online consultation

• At-home impression kit

• Full-time customer support, even for single-arch cases

• Custom-made clear aligners

• Ongoing monitoring through the Caspersmile Tracking App

So whether you're looking for top or bottom teeth correction, or just exploring your options, you're in safe hands with us. We bring balance, beauty, and bite harmony, without the clinic visits or the guesswork.

Single arch braces: All you need to know

Single-arch braces can provide excellent outcomes for the right patient. When done correctly, they are faster, lighter, and require less maintenance. However, they are not a cost-effective alternative for full treatment. In fact, if single arch correction is done improperly, it may lead to bite problems, uneven pressure on teeth, and in later years, even jaw pain.

That is why expert supervision is the main thing, and precisely what Caspersmile provides.

We create smarter smiles, not just straighter!

FAQs

Are single braces good? +

Yes, single-arch braces can be effective for mild alignment issues, especially when the bite is already stable. However, they must be prescribed by a dental professional to avoid bite problems.

Can you get braces on one arch? +

Absolutely. You can get braces or clear aligners on just the top or bottom teeth if only one arch needs correction. A dental assessment is key to ensure it’s the right approach.

How much do single-arch braces cost? +

Single arch treatment typically costs less than full treatment, but prices vary based on the method (braces vs. clear aligners) and complexity. At Caspersmile, clear aligner plans for one arch are affordable and come with dentist support.

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