Braces only on Top or Bottom of Teeth

Lots of adults are interested in transforming their smile, and many have the thought – “I have crooked bottom teeth, but my top ones are fine. Can I save money by getting single-row braces?” Whether it’s a question of cost or fixing only the teeth you show off the most (that’s the upper teeth!), single-arch braces are one solution we keep hearing about at the Great Smiles offices.

While this is a good thought, we’re here to tell you that partial braces might not be your best bet. But don’t worry – we’re also breaking down the reasons and other options for getting those chompers in proper alignment.

Yes, You Can Get Single-Arch Treatment…But Should You?

Let’s start by answering the big question: Can you get braces on just your top or bottom teeth? Absolutely. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. This approach, known as single-arch treatment, can lead to many complications. While it might seem like an easy fix for uneven teeth, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and we don’t recommend it for most patients.

Patients often consider single-arch orthodontic treatment for several reasons when faced with misaligned bite problems, crowded top teeth, or a single crooked tooth. Let’s check it out:

• If your top and bottom teeth only need a slight adjustment to straighten the dental arch, braces on both might seem overkill. Some patients would prefer one-arch orthodontic treatment to treat just the bottom row of teeth or the front teeth for aesthetic purposes.
• Some people think that getting braces on only your lower jaw or just your top teeth will help save money since you aren’t fitting braces to both dental arches.
• Some adults aren’t concerned about ensuring that both top and bottom rows have perfect teeth. Since your lower teeth are often hidden when you smile, you might avoid braces on your bottom teeth since they won’t be seen as much.

The best orthodontic treatment involves top braces and bottom braces. But don’t just take our word for it. Here are some issues you might see if you fix your bite alignment on just your bottom teeth or top teeth.

You Might Make Your Bite Worse

One significant risk of using only one-arch treatment is that it can worsen your bite. If you use bottom teeth braces or top teeth braces, your healthy smile will only go halfway.

This is the scenario when patients get braces on bottom teeth only: your bottom teeth are all lined up, but your top teeth are still doing their own thing. Your top teeth and bottom arch have a complex relationship, and correcting one half means the opposing arch won’t have shifted to align with your new jaw placement.

Those misaligned teeth can lead to a bad bite (called a malocclusion), which can cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even speech issues. And let’s face it, nobody wants that!

You Probably Won’t End Up Saving Money

You might be thinking, “Well, if I’m getting only bottom braces, surely I’ll save half the money, right?” Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The cost of metal braces isn’t just about the brackets and wires; it’s also about the expertise and time of your orthodontist. So, whether you’re aligning one arch or two, you’ll still need the same attention from your orthodontist. Ultimately, single arch treatment will save you little (if any) money.

You’ll Probably Be Back for Round Two

We often see that patients who initially opt to straighten teeth with single-arch treatment will return to fix their other arch. (And remember that the most attractive smile matches!)

When you get braces, you aren’t just treated for cosmetic purposes. You’re improving the health and function of your smile, too. When you skimp on orthodontics, you’ll likely create more problems down the road – ones requiring more care. So, save yourself the extra trips and get both arches treated simultaneously.

The Clear Solution for Troublesome Top Teeth & More

If your main concern is how braces will look, don’t worry! We have some invisible heroes in orthodontics: Invisalign clear aligners and clear braces. These options offer the same great results as traditional braces but with a much more discreet appearance. So, you can work on that award-winning smile without anyone even noticing!

Fixing Your Top & Bottom Teeth with Great Smiles Orthodontics

While getting braces on just your top or bottom teeth might seem like a quick fix, there are better paths to that perfect smile. At Great Smiles Orthodontics, we’re all about creating beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Remember, every smile is unique and deserves a personalized plan. So, let’s work together to find the best solution for your Great Smile!

Invisalign Aligners at School

Summer is officially on the way out, and new notebooks, heavy textbooks, and colorful pens are on the horizon for kids and parents– plus, you have the challenge of how to handle Invisalign at school! Invisible aligners like Invisalign require consistent wearing to be effective. The school year is starting soon (or might have already begun for some!), so there’s a new task on the list for some families. If you started orthodontic treatment during the break, now you’re diving headfirst into something many parents struggle with – managing Invisalign aligners at school!

Let’s face it. Juggling academics, extracurriculars, and social life is tough enough for our kiddos, pre-teens, and adolescents. Throw in something as high-maintenance as Invisalign, and things can get tricky. But fear not because we’ve got expert advice to help your child easily sail through their Invisalign journey at school!

My Child Forgets to Wear Their Invisalign Aligners. What Can I Do?

Everyone forgets things – especially putting Invisalign trays back in after a snack or drink. Your child must wear their aligners 20-22 hours daily for effective treatment. But what happens when the bell rings at the end of lunch and those aligners aren’t in place? How do you handle Invisalign at school? There are a few things you can do to fix this.

• Spend the weeks before school (and the weekends) making sure that wearing aligners becomes part of their daily routine. Like brushing your teeth or packing homework, popping in your Invisalign aligners should become a habit.
• Get a bright case for your child’s aligners to sit in during their lunch period. Help them decorate it in a fun, unique way – stickers and permanent markers are a good start! This case is the key to keeping aligners safe and making them memorable. Be sure it has their name on it, too, in case the aligners are ever lost.

How Do You Handle Cleaning Invisalign at School?

Hygiene is so essential for a healthy smile when you’re using Invisalign! Encourage your child to rinse the aligners every time they take them out. And, of course, brushing and flossing after snacks and meals is vital to keep away cavities and gum disease. 

Packing a small cleaning kit for school is a game-changer. Your tooth-care to-go kit should include a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. We also recommend adding some dental wax for sore gums and new trays.

My Kid is Self-Conscious About Their Aligners. Help!

The teenage years are tough, even when you aren’t worried about how your smile looks with braces or aligners. Adding on orthodontic treatment can be emotionally challenging, and it’s normal for your child to feel a little self-conscious. Remind your child that Invisalign is a temporary phase for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Plus, they are virtually invisible, so chances are, most people won’t even notice them!

Help your little one get more comfortable talking and smiling with the trays. You can practice in the mirror at home. Always bring Great Vibes and positivity to these sessions so your teen can start the school year with confidence!

Can My Child Eat at School with Invisalign?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Invisalign is that there are no dietary restrictions. However, your child must remove their aligners while eating and brush their teeth before putting them back in.

What About Sports and Extracurricular Activities?

Invisalign shouldn’t interfere with your child’s sporting activities. Unlike traditional braces, there’s no risk of a broken wire or bracket. Your child can simply replace the aligners with a sports mouthguard for protection for contact sports.

Navigating the school year with Invisalign doesn’t have to be daunting. With some preparation and a positive attitude, your child can successfully manage their Invisalign treatment while also enjoying their school life. Every step on this journey brings them closer to that perfect smile!

When to See an Orthodontist versus a Dentist

While most people understand that dentists and orthodontists take care of teeth, they don’t always know the difference between these two professionals. However, when you’re planning to start braces treatment, it’s good to clearly understand the best person to visit to reach your smile goals! 

Today, we’re going to break down how these smile experts differ and answer the most crucial question from our patients: why should you go see an orthodontist instead of a dentist?

Oral Health with Great Vibes: What is a Dentist?

Dentists are the first point of contact for most oral health concerns. There are general dentists (often called family dentists because they serve all ages) as well as pediatric dentists who specialize in working with kids. Dentists take a holistic approach to oral health and treat everything from decayed teeth to gum disease. Dentists provide essential services like cleanings and fluoride treatments – but they can also help fix up your smile with fillings or extractions. These oral health experts are always on the lookout for cavities and gum problems; much of their time is spent teaching their patients how to prevent dental disease. They have extensive training from dental school but only specialize in areas like orthodontics or pediatric dentistry if they pursue additional schooling. So, the next time you show off a healthy smile, thank a dentist for keeping your mouth in check!

When to See a Dentist

Going to the dentist is crucial for maintaining your smile. Here are just a few reasons why you might visit the dentist:

• Routine Checkup
• Cleanings
• Fluoride Treatments
• Cavities or Dark Spots
• Tooth Pain
• Sore or Bleeding Gums
• Fillings or Extractions
• Teeth Whitening

Alignment with Great Vibes: What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are technically dentists, but they are specialists who have mastered the art of perfecting your bite and teeth alignment, ensuring that your smile looks top-notch and functions correctly too! No quick fixes here – orthodontists devise personalized treatment plans for you, your bite, and your smile. These dental professionals are experts in all things related to teeth, jawbones, facial bones, and soft tissue, making them the go-to for anyone needing dental alignment or braces. After two or more years of studying at an accredited dental program, orthodontists have the knowledge and experience to correct the movement of teeth, jaws, and beyond. With an orthodontist on your side, you can be confident that your smile is in good hands!

When to See an Orthodontist

Orthodontists are more specialized, so you only need to share your smile with one if you have bite or alignment issues. 

• Crooked Teeth
• Extra Dental Space
• Misaligned Jawbones
• Overbite, Underbite, or Crossbite
• Crowding or Protruding Teeth
• Early Interceptive Orthodontics for Children
• Difficulty Eating or Speaking

And, of course, you’ll always want to visit an orthodontist for any issues or questions related to braces, clear aligners, or retainers!

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist or an orthodontist in Asheville, Waynesville, Marion, or Sylva, NC, it’s time to check out Great Smiles! With over 40 years of incredible dental and orthodontic work under our belts, you can trust our team to ensure you and your little one have a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Does my baby need a frenectomy?

It can be challenging to tell when our smallest children are having trouble, whether it’s a slight fever, a tummyache, or something more significant. Since babies can’t tell us what’s wrong, we must pay close attention to little changes and signs indicating pain, struggles, and discomfort. This is especially the case in today’s topic – tongue/lip ties and their treatment, frenectomies.

Tongue and lip ties can be tough for parents, especially when you don’t know what to watch out for. That’s where our guide comes in. Today, we will take a closer look at frenectomies, when we need them, and how they can help you and your little one.

What is a Frenectomy Procedure?

In your mouth, little pieces of skin attach your tongue, cheek, and lip to the inside of your mouth. This small piece of connective tissue (called a frenulum) can cause many issues for babies and kids when it develops abnormally. When this skin is too long, thick, or short, it makes a lot of things more challenging or even painful. This is when we restore function with a life-changing procedure: a frenectomy.

A frenectomy for infants, often known as a “tongue-tie release,” is a simple yet specialized procedure designed to fix issues and discomfort caused by lip ties or tongue ties.

The doctor carefully detaches or removes the frenulum under the tongue or lip that’s causing problems. This quick and straightforward procedure can make a world of difference in helping your little one do the essential things in life – like breastfeeding and learning to talk! 

Signs that Your Little One Has a Tongue or Lip Tie

Tongue and lip ties can be hard to spot, especially with a young child who can’t tell you when they are uncomfortable or struggling with day-to-day activities. In fact, for some children, tongue ties and lip ties are diagnosed until they’re old enough to talk and start school! However, signs will still tell parents that it’s time to call their pediatric dentist for an exam. Here’s what to pay attention to.

Nursing Problems: When the frenulum doesn’t develop properly, it can prevent your infant from curling or flaring their lips during nursing. Swallowing can also be painful or difficult. This doesn’t just mean your baby will struggle to gain weight – it can also mean lousy sleep, colic, gassiness, and reflux!

Difficulty Learning to Talk: Struggling with speech is a big sign that your child needs a frenectomy. An untreated tongue or lip tie can significantly impact speech, but this is also something that won’t show up right away.

Open-Mouth Breathing: If your child sleeps with their mouth open, it could be caused by a lip tie. Not only will this impact their sleeping, but it can also lead to tooth decay and respiratory issues.

Discomfort for Mom: Babies aren’t the only ones who feel the impact of nursing problems. Breastfeeding can be painful with a baby who can’t correctly nurse, and mothers may even notice nipple trauma, infection, and mastitis. 

Does My Infant Need a Frenectomy? 

A frenectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure that corrects issues that lead to difficulty speaking, breastfeeding, eating, and more. If a medical professional diagnoses your infant with a tongue tie or lip tie, a frenectomy could be life-changing depending on the tongue or lip tie’s severity.

This safe, painless, and minimally invasive surgery offers a lifetime of benefits for mothers and children! Happy smiles start with a healthy mouth. Whether your baby needs a frenectomy is something that you’ll cover with your doctor or pediatric dentist during a frenectomy consultation. If you are uncertain about your little one undergoing surgery, speak with your doctor about the benefits of frenectomies and the side effects of tongue ties.

And, of course, speak with our team at Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to set up a frenectomy consultation. While simple for your baby, frenectomies can’t just be performed by anyone. Our own Dr. Bill and Dr. Stephanie have specialized training and education, making them uniquely qualified to perform this procedure! And we use a CO2 laser to perform frenectomies so moms and babies can enjoy an easier, painless, and safer treatment.