So you have crooked teeth, but only along your bottom row – or your top, as the case may be. Treating both areas with Invisalign might certainly seem excessive in this situation.
You’re on to something, but there is one little snag with this thought, and it has to do with dental anatomy. Keep reading to find out if a one-tray treatment could work for you.
Your Typical Invisalign Treatment
To have a better understanding of how adjusting only one row of teeth could affect your smile, it’s helpful to review how Invisalign works in typical cases. You already know that you would receive two trays, one for straightening your top teeth and one for straightening the bottom. They’re designed for a snug fit so that the pressure gradually encourages your alignment to shift.
If you thought it would take some meticulous planning to do this properly, you’d be right! Your dentist takes great care to make sure your teeth move favorably.
The Relationship Between Your Top and Bottom Teeth
Mouths are a relatively small part of our bodies. There’s not really a lot of space, so everything from your teeth to your jawbone is precisely situated and connected. One small misalignment can have a huge impact on this tiny canvas.
That’s why your crooked teeth can be so uncomfortable, but it’s also why adjusting only one row is not always advisable. Your top and bottom arches are connected by the temporomandibular joint. When one arch of teeth is moved, it can transfer pressure through this joint and to the opposite arch. The ultimate result is that the untreated teeth could shift out of alignment!
Who Single-Row Treatment Could Work For
“But it’s possible for a one-tray adjustment to work, right?” Yes, but your situation has to be pretty specific. It could be effective if:
- The gaps between your teeth are minor
- The front teeth in your row are only slightly crooked
- A singular tooth is misaligned
- You’re trying to correct a previous alignment treatment that has relapsed
Even if you check one of these boxes, there’s only one way to be absolutely certain that one Invisalign tray will be right for you.
Consult with Your Dentist to Know for Sure
At the end of the day, your dentist is the professional! They’re the only ones who can estimate how your pearly whites will shift in response to a one-tray treatment, so they’re the only ones who can give you an accurate answer to your question. Be sure to consult with them about your Invisalign options before you get too attached to one idea!
About the Practice
Our team at First Impressions Dentistry of Yukon takes a personalized approach to dentistry. We want to make sure you achieve your smile goals, so we take great care to listen intently and help you feel comfortable during consultations – and treatment! If you’re looking for a unique approach to Invisalign correction, give us a call at 405-354-4806.
