What if you want to do Invisalign on your top teeth only? If you have thought about this, you are not alone. We have had many patients in the past ask if they can straighten their upper teeth while leaving the bottom row alone. At Browdie Bowman Orthodontics, we usually recommend you treat both sets together. Read on, and we will explain all about how this treatment works, what the benefits are, and why it is usually a good idea to have aligners for the top and the bottom.
So, what is Invisalign and why is it important to treat both dental arches simultaneously?
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without using metal braces, brackets, or wires. It is one of the most popular treatment options for people who want:
- Straighter teeth
- Fast treatment times
- A comfortable experience
- A clear look
- Optimal hygiene
- Stunning results
Can You Get Invisalign on the Top Teeth Only?
Sometimes
There are rare cases when an individual can have either the top or the bottom teeth treated without adjusting the alignment of the other. However, most people need to have a set of two aligners throughout their treatment in order to ensure that their bite is correct at the end.
In general, people who can have only one aligner need only very minor straightening. They usually have gaps in their teeth, as opposed to overcrowding. In rare situations, it is also possible to realign only the bottom teeth.
Occlusion Health
“Occlusion” is a term that refers to the way your bite comes together. It is very important that your top teeth and bottom teeth work in tandem while chewing. It is also important that they feel comfortable when resting. Adjusting only half will affect how the two fit.
In dental terms, the two parts are known as the upper arch and the lower arch. In most cases, Invisalign is used to treat both dental arches. The treatment is planned so that you will have perfect harmony between them at the end. In many cases, it can even improve your occlusion.
How This Treatment Works
An Overview
These clear aligners have been on the market since 1999, which makes them a fairly new way to get straighter teeth. Initially celebrated as an alternative to traditional braces, they have continued to advance technologically every year, offering patients faster treatment times and more complex adjustments.
The process involves clear aligners that are placed over your teeth. After an initial meeting, we plan your treatment from start to end and have the aligners created with a 3D printer. You will receive several sets, which you will change at home every two weeks. Periodically, we will check on your progress in the office.
What It Treats
With advances such as the new SmartTrack material and SmartForce Attachments, Invisalign can treat most orthodontic issues. It is highly effective in correcting bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. During your treatment, twisted teeth, gaps, and general misalignment will steadily improve, until you are left with beautifully straight teeth.
Your Consultation
Step one is to have a consultation with us, during which we will explain all of the details and start crafting your treatment plan. First, we will check to make sure your roots are strong. Then, we will impressions of your teeth. There is no need for gunk or molds at this stage, because this treatment uses a unique piece of equipment called the iTero Element scanner.
Based on a careful review of the scanner’s images, we will determine where your teeth should be positioned for the healthiest alignment. Your aligners will be created especially for you, with each set representing a stage of the treatment. Wearing them and changing one set for another at the right time will cause your teeth to gradually move into straight rows.
Wearing Your Aligners
This whole treatment is designed to be easy and straightforward. The SmartTrack material used to create your aligners is comfortable, which makes taking them in and out a breeze. Your job is just to keep them in all the time, except when you are eating, drinking, or brushing. Wearing them consistently throughout your treatment will get you the fastest results.
In theory, you could actually complete the whole treatment without ever coming in to see us. When you begin, you will receive a box that contains multiple sets of aligners. These get switched out at home every two weeks, progressing you from one stage of the treatment to the next. However, we like to see our patients every few weeks just to make sure that everything is going according to plan.
Keeping Up Your Results
Once you have finished your treatment, it is very important to maintain the new smile you love. Invisalign offers a special retainer called the Vivera that is made out of the same advanced material as the aligners. It is designed to be just as comfortable and easy to use. Wearing it for a prescribed period of time will seal in your results.
Enjoying Your New Smile
Straightening your teeth is about loving your look and optimizing your dental health. We see a lot of smiles when patients complete their treatments because they can’t wait to show off their new teeth. There is nothing like the confidence and pride that comes from those beautifully straight rows. Wherever life takes you, from a high school graduation photo to a first date to a job interview, you will never feel that you need to hide your teeth.
Of course, it’s not all about looks. The health benefits of properly aligned teeth or innumerable. You will have better dental hygiene, which avoids bad breath and cavities. Correcting misalignment helps prevent gum disease and enamel damage. In some cases, getting straighter teeth can even improve headaches and other serious issues.
Why Choose This Treatment?
The world of orthodontics is full of great options these days. When we meet with you, we will go over all the different solutions in person and help you understand which ones would be best for your situation. Here are some of the reasons many of our patients choose and love these clear aligners:
They Look Great
Rather, we should say they look like nothing at all. These aligners will straighten your teeth without changing your appearance in the same way that braces do. That’s a plus for almost everyone, teenagers and adults alike.
They Feel Great
The SmartTrack material is designed to pair effectiveness with comfort. The aligners will slip in smoothly for effortless wear. There are no wires that could pop, which makes them even less likely to cause discomfort. That’s something that people who do sports tend to appreciate.
They Straighten Your Teeth Quickly
The treatment times of our patients range from just 6 to 15 months! That is a small investment of time when you consider that the results will last a lifetime. Speed is one area in which this treatment has come a long way since its introduction. It is now comparable to more traditional means of getting straighter teeth.
No Food Restrictions
With this treatment, you can eat whatever you want, including popcorn, caramels, and hard, crunchy fruits. That’s because you will actually take the aligners out before you sit down for a meal, meaning that nothing will get caught in them. Just remember to put them back in after you finish!
High Effectiveness
The most important thing to consider when choosing a treatment is how effective it will be. These aligners have an incredibly high track record of success and patient satisfaction. In situations where complex adjustments are necessary, they use SmartForce Attachments, or small tooth-colored tabs that enhance the pressure in strategic places. They have made this system accessible to even more people than before.
Schedule a Free Consultation
The best way to learn more about this treatment is to come in for a consultation. We will introduce ourselves, examine your teeth, and answer any questions you might have. Give us a call at 850-659-7599, and we will set you up with an appointment at your convenience.
Love your teeth from top to bottom with Invisalign! These clear aligners are subtle, effective, and comfortable. They will get you stunning teeth that you can’t help but smile about. Contact us at Browdie Bowman Orthodontics today and experience this revolutionary treatment for yourself!
