Key Takeaways
- Single-arch treatment with clear aligners focuses on correcting only the upper or lower arch, rather than both arches.
- Ideal for minor crowding, spacing, or rotation limited to one arch.
- Dentists assess your bite balance and occlusion before approving single-arch treatment, ensuring upper and lower teeth align properly after correction.
- This option is generally more affordable than full-mouth treatment because fewer aligners are needed.
- Expect a shorter treatment duration, typically ranging from 4 to 6 months, depending on case complexity.
- Cases involving overbite, underbite, or crossbite usually require dual-arch alignment for stability.
- Single-arch aligners can help with cosmetic improvements like aligning visible front teeth for a better smile.
- For best results, a professional evaluation with 3D scans or impressions is essential to plan precise tooth movements.
- After treatment, wearing retainers for both arches may still be necessary to prevent shifting or bite changes.
- Brands like Aligner32 offer customized aligner plans, including single-arch options designed to match your specific needs and goals.
Clear aligners have made teeth straightening easier than ever. The absence of metal brackets and wires is the turning point, making aligners a preferred option among individuals. They exert a gentle pressure on the teeth and move them to a desirable position. However, in some individuals, the issue does not occur in both arches but either in the upper or the lower arch. If you are wondering, can you get clear aligners for bottom teeth only? In this blog, we’ll get a complete understanding of what are aligners , dental arches, and whether you can get aligners for one arch.
What are Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are orthodontic devices that help to straighten teeth. They are composed of plastic material and are gumline trimmed to ensure a comfortable smile journey. Unlike traditional braces, they are not fixed on the tooth surface, but are worn. Over time, they have emerged as a perfect and preferred alternative to braces for anyone wanting straighter teeth discreetly. Aligners are worn on both arches for almost 20 to 22 hours every day. However, if someone is suffering from misalignment only in one arch, a dentist might recommend single arch treatment.
Why Top and Bottom Treatment Is Usually Recommended
Your upper and lower teeth aren’t independent; they’re part of one system that functions together every time you bite, chew, or smile. When you move only one arch, it can disrupt this harmony, potentially leading to discomfort or bite imbalances later on. Let’s understand why treating both arches is often the better choice.
Bite Alignment Matters
Clear aligners don’t just align teeth; they align your bite. When only the bottom teeth or top teeth are adjusted, it can alter how your upper and lower teeth come together (occlusion).
This can lead to:
- Uneven chewing: Some teeth might take more pressure than others.
- Bite discomfort: Difficulty closing your mouth comfortably.
- Tooth wear or chipping: Long-term damage due to uneven contact.
Even a small imbalance can create noticeable functional and aesthetic issues.
Jaw Discomfort and TMJ Issues
Your jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), relies on proper bite alignment for smooth movement. When only one arch is adjusted without considering the other, it may strain this joint, leading to:
- Jaw stiffness or clicking sounds
- Facial tension or headaches
- Long-term TMJ discomfort
Uneven Tooth Wear
Teeth that don’t align properly can wear down unevenly. Over time, this causes:
- Enamel erosion
- Tooth sensitivity
- Cracks or fractures
If you’re investing in your smile, it’s worth ensuring both arches work in sync to protect your long-term oral health.
When Single-Arch Treatment Might Be an Option
While not common, single-arch aligner treatment can work well for certain mild conditions, but only under professional supervision. If you’re considering clear aligners for bottom teeth only or just the top arch, here’s when it might be possible.
Mild Crowding or Spacing
If you have a small gap or slightly misaligned front teeth, your dentist might approve single-arch aligners. They work best when only minor cosmetic adjustments are needed, for example, straightening one or two bottom teeth that have shifted. However, if your bite or jaw alignment is off, single-arch treatment could worsen the problem instead of solving it.
Already Healthy Bite
If your bite is already healthy and stable, and both arches meet evenly, you may qualify for single-arch treatment. In such cases, only minor tooth adjustments are needed to enhance your smile aesthetics without altering how your teeth fit together. Your dentist will perform a 3D digital scan to confirm that your bite won’t be negatively impacted.
Previous Orthodontic Treatment
If you’ve previously had braces or aligners and your teeth have shifted slightly, bottom teeth aligners or top-only aligners may help correct the relapse. This is common among patients who didn’t wear their retainers consistently after previous treatment.
What to Discuss with Your Dentist or Orthodontist
Before beginning any aligner treatment, your provider will conduct a thorough digital smile assessment to ensure safety, stability, and predictability. Here’s what they’ll evaluate before approving clear aligners on bottom teeth only or for the top arch alone.
Your Current Bite Health and Alignment
Your dentist checks whether your upper and lower teeth meet correctly when you close your mouth. If your bite is off, one-arch treatment could make things worse.
The Severity of Crowding or Spacing
Mild spacing or crowding may be suitable for one-arch aligners, but complex rotations or overlapping usually require full-arch treatment.
Cosmetic vs. Functional Goals
If your goal is purely cosmetic, say, refining your front bottom teeth single-arch may be okay. But if you want to correct bite issues, you’ll likely need both arches treated.
Long-Term Stability
Your orthodontist will predict how your bite may change after treatment. If there’s any risk of instability, full-arch treatment is safer.
Cost Considerations: Is Single-Arch Cheaper?
Many assume that using just the bottom teeth aligners or top aligners should cost half the price of a full treatment. However, that’s not entirely accurate. The 3D scanning, treatment planning, and custom aligner manufacturing process remain nearly identical, regardless of whether you treat one or both arches. Therefore, the cost difference is usually minimal, often around 10–20% less, depending on your provider.
Why It’s Worth Treating Both Arches
Since you’re already investing time and money in improving your smile, treating both arches ensures:
- Balanced bite function
- Symmetrical appearance
- Better long-term retention
In most cases, orthodontists recommend full-arch treatment for predictable results and lasting alignment.
Why Full-Arch Treatment Is the Smart Long-Term Choice
Full-arch treatment means both your upper and lower teeth are adjusted simultaneously for ideal balance and aesthetics. This is the approach most orthodontists prefer and for good reason.
Ensures Bite Balance
Your bite is the foundation of oral health. Aligning both arches guarantees your teeth meet properly and comfortably, preventing premature wear or jaw strain.
Enhances Facial Harmony
When both arches are aligned together, your smile complements your lips and facial structure, naturally resulting in a balanced, attractive appearance.
Prevents TMJ and Tooth Wear
Misalignment can overload specific teeth or muscles. Treating both arches distributes force evenly, reducing the risk of TMJ pain and tooth erosion.
Long-Term Predictability
With both arches aligned, retainers can hold your results more effectively. You’re less likely to experience unwanted movement after completing treatment.
Maximizes Aesthetic Results
Full treatment enhances your entire smile line, not just the top or bottom, ensuring your results look natural, confident, and photo-ready.
Quick Comparison Table (H2)
| Treatment type | Best used for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Arch Aligners | Most patients, ensure bite balance and stability | Slightly higher cost, more trays |
| Single-Arch Aligners | Very mild spacing or minor front tooth alignment | May cause bite imbalance if not professionally guided |
Clear Aligners for Lower Teeth
Clear aligners are a great alternative when it comes to perfect teeth alignment . They can be used for mild to moderate dental issues in both arches or even in a single lower or bottom arch. Clear aligners for lower teeth or top teeth only can work well for mild aesthetic cases with a healthy, stable bite. However, for most patients, full-arch treatment offers better alignment, function, and longevity. Your smile is unique, and so is your bite; that’s why a professional assessment is essential before deciding.
FAQs
1. Can you get clear aligners for both top and bottom teeth?
Yes, most people need both arches treated to maintain a balanced, functional bite and achieve even alignment.
2. How much are clear aligners for the top and bottom teeth?
Full-arch treatment costs vary based on case complexity, but typically start from , depending on the provider.
3. Which teeth are hardest to move with clear aligners?
Back molars are the hardest to shift due to their strong roots and limited space, while front teeth are the easiest.
4. What is the 30-minute rule for clear aligners?
Avoid eating or drinking (except water) with aligners in. If you remove them, brush and rinse your mouth before reinserting within 30 minutes.
5. What type of teeth can’t get clear aligners?
Severely rotated, tilted, or impacted teeth may not respond to aligners alone and could require braces or other interventions.
6. Do you have to wear clear aligners forever?
No, but you’ll need to wear retainers at night after treatment to maintain your new alignment.
7. Can insurance cover clear aligners?
Some insurance plans cover orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners, either partially or fully.
8. Can I eat with my clear aligners in?
No, remove them before eating or drinking anything besides water to avoid staining or damaging the trays.
9. What teeth are too bad for clear aligners?
Severely misaligned or overlapping teeth may need traditional braces before aligner therapy can be effective.
10. Can you do clear aligners on bottom teeth only?
Yes, you can get clear aligners just for bottom teeth, but it is generally not recommended. Usually, dentists will allow single arch treatments for very minor misalignments where the bite won’t be affected, or for orthodontic relapse cases only.
Citations:
American Association of Orthodontists. (2025g, October 3). Clear Aligners | American Association of Orthodontists. https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/aligners/
Tamer, I., Oztas, E., & Marsan, G. (2019b). Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners and The Scientific Reality Behind Their Marketing: A Literature Review. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics, 32(4), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.5152/turkjorthod.2019.18083
