Is it possible to put braces on only one jaw?

To correct an abnormal bite, you can put braces on your teeth. Such orthodontic systems affect bone tissue, muscles and ligaments, and help slowly move teeth into the correct position. Many people are interested in the question: is it possible to put braces on one jaw? You will find the answer in this article.

What are braces?
Are braces placed on one jaw?
Main indications for partial correction
Orthodontic correction up to 12 years
Braces for the lower jaw only for mild crowding
Treatment for crowded upper anterior incisors
Closing the gap between the front incisors
Partial bracket system for preparation for prosthetics
Absence of chewing teeth on the opposite jaw
Should I install braces on one jaw or not?

What are braces?

A brace system is an orthodontic device that is installed on the teeth and helps them move in the desired direction. Structurally, this device consists of small plates (directly braces), which are glued to the dental crown at pre-calculated points, and a metal arch. This arc has shape memory and is an active element of the system. Fixed on the plates, it tries to regain its even position and thereby puts pressure on the teeth. As a result, their slow, gradual movement in the bone tissue occurs. Orthodontic treatment not only helps to correct the curvature of individual teeth in a row, it allows you to change the shape and position of the jaw, and restore facial symmetry.

It is preferable to begin orthodontic correction in childhood. But modern medical capabilities make it possible to carry it out even in adulthood and old age.

Most often, an orthodontic device is placed on two jaws at once. The dentist calculates in advance in which direction a particular tooth should move, how much it is necessary to expand the jaw or spread the dentition. Double-jaw treatment is comprehensive and allows you to solve global problems in occlusion correction. It usually takes from several months to several years.

Types of orthodontic appliances, design and materials

The design consists of the following elements - ligature, metal arches and elastic, braces made of metal or other materials. The device is used to transfer pressure to the surface of the row. This causes a restructuring of growth to give the row a normal position. The exerted force affects the movement of units in a row, allows you to correct it and eliminate growth pathologies.

The following types of constructions are used for correction:

Vestibular orthopedic devices are attached from the outside. They are visible when worn, but provide high results. The design does not have a negative effect on the enamel if the Patient follows the care recommendations.
Lingual systems are installed from inside the row. They are not noticeable when talking, but the cost of treatment will be higher due to more complex installation. In addition, an adjustment period is required, since at first the device may interfere.

The following materials are used for the manufacture of braces:

metal, characterized by affordable cost, durability, reduced treatment time;
ceramic, inconspicuous in appearance, durable, but susceptible to staining with food pigments;
silicone based on special plastic, these are transparent structures that are distinguished by high aesthetics, but are indicated for correcting minor pathologies and slight curvature;
sapphire transparent systems with high aesthetics, almost invisible on the enamel surface;
combined, for example, sapphire braces are used for the upper row, and ceramic or metal-based for the lower row.

Installation Features

Fixation order:

initial examination;
Carrying out diagnostics, identifying problems, calculating treatment regimens;
choice of design type;
installation of orthodontic braces (takes about 1-1.5 hours);
regular visits to the doctor to adjust the design;
removal of the device;
evaluation of the result and installation of a special structure to consolidate the result.

Price

We offer competitive rates for treatment and a free initial examination. The total cost of jaw braces depends on the following factors:

condition of the oral cavity, the presence of diseases subject to preliminary treatment;
performing office cleaning of plaque and stone deposits;
prescribed diagnostic measures, consultations with related specialists;
materials, type of construction, manufacturer;
installation, activation of the device (calculated for each jaw separately);
regular visits to tighten the arch and replace individual elements;
the use of special devices after correction with braces.

About Us

Magenta Dental Clinic is a modern dental clinic offering services such as eliminating dental pathologies and restoring a beautiful, sparkling smile without pain and in the shortest possible time. Patients are provided with:

modern methods of therapy;
use of certified materials and equipment;
full range of services, including diagnostics;
control of treatment, guarantee of results;
attentive attitude towards everyone, creation of comfortable conditions;
affordable cost of jaw braces;
free initial consultation with clinic doctors.

To make an appointment, leave a request on the website, indicating the coordinates for feedback. Call us at +7 (812) 242-91-90. You can also send a request for an appointment at a convenient time by email and consult with our doctors.

Are braces placed on one jaw?

Installing a brace system is one of the most common and effective methods for correcting an abnormal bite, improper closure of the teeth of the upper and lower jaw. Crooked teeth and abnormal jaw position not only spoil a person’s appearance, but also affect his health. Therefore, correcting the bite is important and necessary. But installing braces confuses many people.

Some are concerned about aesthetics, others are concerned about possible inconveniences when wearing the system, others simply want to save on orthodontic correction. And then the patient turns to the doctor with the following question: is it possible to install braces only on the upper jaw or only on the lower jaw.

As a rule, a person knows in advance which teeth he wants to change. And if they are located only on one jaw, then he expects that he will have a partial braces installed, only in the area of the curvature.

The doctor must make such a decision. It may seem to the patient that he has a problem only with the lower jaw, but the dentist sees during the examination that partial correction will not give an effective result. In this case, the orthodontist will insist on a complete correction. If you need a stable result of orthodontic treatment, we recommend listening to the professional opinion of an orthodontist.

Stage two - treatment plan

When all the necessary information from various studies has been collected, the doctor needs time to process it. Data analysis, calculations and drawing up a treatment plan takes up to a week. The doctor can offer the patient several treatment methods that are suitable in a particular case and recommend the best option.

The choice of treatment plan rests with the patient. A qualified specialist will explain the difference and give a professional opinion, but the final decision is up to the patient. After agreeing on the treatment plan, an important stage begins - choosing a brace system. The modern market of orthodontic structures offers a variety of options in terms of materials, type of fastenings, and cost. The orthodontist will recommend the optimal solution based on the client’s wishes. You can request an example of a treatment plan from our clinic before starting treatment.

Main indications for partial correction

In some cases, it is indeed possible to place braces on one jaw, and this approach will be effective. As a rule, these are situations where the teeth are only crooked at the top or bottom, but the bite is not broken and there is no facial asymmetry. Partial correction may be recommended for the following indications:

one or two teeth are positioned incorrectly;
slight crowding of teeth (lack of space - up to 3 mm);
a gap between the front incisors in the absence of pathological closure of premolars and molars;
correction of the position of teeth before installing dentures;
the need to avoid sagging of the upper teeth when their antagonists (opposite units) in the lower jaw are absent.

Diagnostics will show how effective braces will be only on the upper jaw or, conversely, on the lower jaw. It should include a visual examination, x-rays, assessment of the condition of bone tissue and dental roots.

Let's consider cases when it is justified to place braces separately on the upper jaw and separately on the lower jaw.

Orthodontic correction up to 12 years

Braces are primarily used for children starting in their teens. This is due to the fact that by the age of 11-12 years the formation of the jaws is completed, and the primary bite is replaced by a permanent one. But often, an orthodontist discovers bite problems in a child at an earlier age. Installing partial braces helps solve some of them, as well as prepare teeth for further correction in adolescence.

The doctor can place an orthodontic device on one jaw or individual teeth in order to:

create space for the eruption of permanent teeth;
expand one of the jaws;
close the gap between the front incisors (the so-called diastema);
correct the incorrect position of one or more teeth that are bothering the child;
preserve the space left after early removal of baby teeth, which neighboring ones are trying to occupy.

Thus, braces can be placed on one jaw at the age of 9-10 years to solve a specific orthodontic problem. In this case, in adolescence, further, already double-jaw, treatment will be required.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Sarver, D.: Interactions of hard tissues, soft tissues, and growth over time, and their impact on orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, Am. J. Orthod. 148:380–386, 2015. 2. Sarver, D. and Jacobson, R.S.: The aesthetic dentofacial analysis, Clin. Plast. Surg. 34:369-394, 2007. 3. Peck, H. and Peck, S.: A concept of facial esthetics, Angle Orthod. 40:284-318, 1970. 4. Schabel, BJ; McNamara, J. A. Jr.; Baccetti, T.; Franchi, L.; and Jamieson, SA: The relationship between posttreatment smile esthetics and the ABO Objective Grading System, Angle Orthod. 78:579-584, 2008. 5. Kokich, V.O.; Kiyak, A.H.; and Shapiro, PA: Comparing the perception of dentists and laypeople to altered dental esthetics, J. Esth. Dent. 11:311-324, 1999. 6. Kokich, V.O.; Kokich, V. G.; and Kiyak, H.A.: Perceptions of dental professionals and laypersons to altered dental esthetics: Asymmetric and symmetrical situations, Am. J. Orthod. 130:141- 151, 2006. 7. Auger, T. A. and Turley, P. K.: The female soft tissue profile as presented in fashion magazines during the 1900s: A photographic analysis, Int. J. Adult Orthod. Orthog. Surg. 14:7-18, 1999. 8. Schlosser, JB; Preston, C. B.; and Lampasso J.: The effects of computer-aided anteroposterior maxillary incisor movement on ratings of facial attractiveness, Am. J. Orthod. 127:17-24, 2005. 9. Desai, S.; Upadhyay, M.; and Nanda, R.: Dynamic smile analysis: Changes with age, Am. J. Orthod. 136:310.e1-310.e10, 2005. 10. Dickens, S.; Sarver, D. M.; and Proffit, W.R.: The dynamics of the maxillary incisor and the upper lip: A cross-sectional study of resting and smile hard tissue characteristics, Am. J. Orthod. 3:313-320, 2002. 11. Chetan, P.; Tandon, P.; Singh, G. K.; Nagar, A.; Prasad, V.; and Chugh, V.: Dynamics of a smile in different age groups, Angle Orthod. 83:90-96, 2013. 12. Beall, AE: Can a new smile make you look more intelligent and successful? Dent. Clin. N. Am. 51:289-297, 2007. 13. Shaw, W. C.; Rees, G.; Dawe, M.; and Charles, C.R.: The influence of dentofacial appearance on the social attractiveness of young adults, Am. J. Orthod. 87:21-26, 1985. 14. Tjan, A.H.; Miller, G.D.; and The, JG: Some esthetic factors in a smile, J. Prosth. Dent. 51:24-28, 1984. 15. Sabri, R.: The eight components of a balanced smile, J. Clin. Orthod. 39:155-167, 2005. 16. Hulsey, C.: An esthetic evaluation of lip-teeth relationships present in the smile, Am. J. Orthod. 57:132-144, 1970. 17. Ackerman, J.; Ackerman, M. B.; Brensinger, C. M.; and Landis, JR: A morphometric analysis of the posed smile, Clin. Orthod. Res. 1:2-11, 1998. 18. Pitts, T.: Bracket positioning for smile arc protection, J. Clin. Orthod. 51:142-156, 2022. 19. Proffit, W. R.; Fields, H. W.; Larson, B.; and Sarver, DM: Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th ed., Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2022, p. 160.20. Dickens, S. T.; Sarver, D. M.; and Proffit, W.R.: Changes in frontal soft tissue dimensions of the lower face by age and gender, World J. Orthod. 3:313-320, 2002. 21. Harris, E.F.; Hassankiadeh, S.; and Harris, JT: Maxillary incisor crown-root relationships in different angle malocclusions, Am. J. Orthod. 103:48-53, 1993. 22. Bryant, R. M.; Sadowsky, P.L.; Dent, M.; and Hazelrig, J.B.: Variability in three morphological features of the permanent maxillary central incisor, Am. J. Orthod. 86:25-32, 1984. 23. Van Loenen, M.; Degrieck, J.; De Pauw, G.; and Dermaut, L.: Anterior tooth morphology and its effect on torque, Eur. J. Orthod. 27:258–262, 2005. 24. Mavroskoufis, F. and Ritchie, G. M.: Variation in size and shape between left and right maxillary central incisor teeth, J. Prosth. Dent. 43:254-257, 1980. 25. Chaushu, S.; Sharabi, S.; and Becker, A.: Tooth size in dentitions with buccal canine ectopia, Eur. J. Orthod. 25:485-491, 2003. 26. Balut, N.; Klapper, L.; Sandrik, J.; and Bowman, D.: Variations in bracket placement in the preadjusted orthodontic appliance, Am. J. Orthod. 102:62-67, 1992.

Braces for the lower jaw only for mild crowding

Crowding is the position of teeth when they are too close to each other. As a result, rotation, curvature, and “layering” of each other occur. If slight crowding is observed only on the lower front incisors, while the upper front incisors are positioned evenly and the lateral ones close correctly, in this case, braces are sometimes placed only on the lower jaw. An important condition for this method is that there must be enough space to move horizontally so that the teeth can take the correct position. This treatment method is chosen in cases where the lack of space for alignment is less than 3 mm. With this method, separation of the front incisors is almost always performed - that is, minor grinding of the contact surfaces, which allows you to free 0.25 mm from each surface and in total create those missing 1-3 mm for alignment in the dentition.

Treatment for crowded upper anterior incisors

Braces on the upper jaw only can be placed if crowding is observed on the upper front incisors. The conditions are the same - the space deficit should be no more than 2-3 mm. In addition, treatment should not require expansion of the dentition. In this case, for orthodontic correction it is not necessary to involve the lower dentition.

If you provide space for uneven teeth by expanding the upper row, this will disrupt the closure. As a result, the teeth will “seek contact” with each other, the upper row will become narrow again, and in the long term the goal of orthodontic treatment will not be achieved. Therefore, if it is necessary to expand the upper row of teeth in order to correct crowding, a partial braces system cannot be used; a two-jaw apparatus will have to be installed. Braces can only be placed on the upper jaw if space for teeth is freed up using the separation method (their width is reduced by grinding the contact surfaces).

Differences between structures for the upper jaw and purpose

Using the device only for the upper jaw is recommended to eliminate problems with one or two teeth and in case wearing a mouth guard does not bring results. Externally, this is a classic type of system that can be installed outside or inside the row. Purpose:

correction of minor malocclusions;
the number of uneven teeth is small;
no oral diseases.

For the maxilla, labial braces are commonly used. For those Patients for whom aesthetics are important, transparent braces are recommended. They are hardly noticeable when worn and do not cause discomfort. Materials such as artificial sapphire, ceramics or plastic are used for manufacturing.

Closing the gap between the front incisors

Braces can be placed on the lower jaw if there is a large gap (diastema) between the lower front incisors. In this case, several conditions must be met:

the lateral teeth close together normally;
there is an opportunity for a “joint to joint” closure of the front teeth of the upper and lower rows.

If these conditions are not met, it may be necessary to artificially increase the size of those teeth between which there is a gap. This is done using filling material. If the patient is not ready to fill healthy teeth in order to increase their size, then single-jaw treatment of diastema will not suit him, since the doctor will not be able to guarantee the stability of the result.

Partial bracket system for preparation for prosthetics

Sometimes braces are placed on only one jaw in preparation for prosthetics or in order to close empty spaces from extracted teeth. In the first case, braces help change the angle of the teeth to make room for an implant or bridge. In the second case, the brace system is used to move the posterior chewing tooth to the place of the previously removed one, thereby closing the empty gap and avoiding prosthetics. It is important to note that such treatment is usually complex and lengthy (tooth movement can take up to four years).

The orthodontist decides how appropriate it is to install a partial brace system for such indications in each specific case.

How is the installation going?

Installation on the upper jaw can be divided into 2 stages - preliminary and main.

Preliminary:

Taking impressions and creating plaster models.
Planning the movement of teeth in the jaw using a braces system.
Approval of a treatment plan and fixed cost estimate with the patient, as well as obtaining prepayment from the patient.

Basic:

Mandatory teeth cleaning.
Etching the outer surface of tooth enamel with a special gel and primer (special substance) - to improve the quality of fixation of braces.
Gluing the structure to each tooth with a special light-curing glue.
Final treatment of tooth enamel to remove excess adhesive.
Fixing the arch in the grooves of the bracket system (or other fasteners, if non-ligature structures are installed).

After installing the system on the upper jaw, the patient visits the doctor 1-3 times a month (depending on the clinical case, as well as the plan and progress of treatment) to adjust the system. After the end of treatment (completion of its active phase), retention is performed (consolidation of the achieved results) and removal of the brace system. Hygienic procedures are required - removal of plaque, stone and adhesive residues holding the structure). The patient receives recommendations from the doctor with a schedule of preventive examinations.

Diagnostics is the first and key step in any orthodontic and orthopedic treatment. Do you want to know why it’s impossible to do without diagnostics?

Should I install braces on one jaw or not?

If the patient is concerned about the question of whether braces are placed on the lower jaw, then the answer will be positive. An orthodontic device can be installed not only on the lower or upper jaw, but also on individual teeth or areas of the dentition. But the main question is whether such treatment would be advisable. As a rule, installing a brace system on one jaw solves exclusively local dental problems. This process is more difficult to control and provides fewer treatment options. If contraindications are not provided, even a successful result will be short-lived, and the teeth will return to their previous position.

Thus, a dentist planning single-jaw orthodontic treatment must carefully assess the risks, take into account the many factors that will influence tooth movement and predict in advance the effectiveness and stability of the result.

If the doctor sees that solving the problem with a partial braces system will be problematic, he will recommend double-jaw treatment to the patient. Its advantages are that teeth can move in different planes without negative effects such as disruption of contacts between the upper and lower ones. Plus, such treatment is easier to predict and control, and it gives a more sustainable result.