Adults can sometimes have braces fitted only to their top teeth, but single-arch treatment is not suitable for every bite.
Top-only braces or aligners may work where the upper teeth have mild crowding, small gaps or minor relapse from previous orthodontic treatment, while the lower teeth and overall bite are already stable.
However, the upper and lower teeth must continue to meet correctly after treatment. If moving only the top teeth would create or worsen an overbite, underbite, crossbite or uneven contact, an orthodontist may recommend treating both arches instead.
Quick Answer: Yes, adults can sometimes get braces or Invisalign on their top teeth only. This is known as single-arch orthodontic treatment. It is most suitable where the lower teeth are already well aligned and moving the upper teeth will not adversely affect the bite. Both rows of teeth must still be assessed before treatment is recommended.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Braces can sometimes be fitted to the top teeth only
- Single-arch treatment is generally limited to suitable mild cases
- The lower teeth and bite must still be examined
- Top-only treatment may not be appropriate for significant bite problems
- Fixed braces and Invisalign can both be considered in selected cases
- Fitting upper braces first does not necessarily mean only the upper teeth are being treated
- Even one visibly crooked tooth may require movement of several neighbouring teeth
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What Does It Mean to Have Braces on the Top Teeth Only?
Orthodontic treatment involving only the upper or lower row of teeth is commonly described as single-arch treatment.
Top-only treatment focuses on moving the upper teeth without actively straightening the lower arch. Depending on the case, this may involve:
- Fixed metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign
- Limited or partial braces fitted to selected teeth
The aim may be to close a small gap, align mildly crooked front teeth or correct relapse following previous braces.
Although only the top teeth may receive braces or aligners, the orthodontist must still examine both arches. The upper teeth cannot be planned safely without considering how they meet the lower teeth.
When May Top-Only Braces Be Suitable?
Braces on the top teeth alone may be considered where the concern is mild and the existing bite is already healthy.
Potentially suitable situations include:
- Mild upper crowding: a small amount of overlap affecting the visible front teeth
- Small gaps: limited spacing between otherwise well-positioned upper teeth
- Orthodontic relapse: upper teeth that have moved after previous braces because retainers were not worn
- Minor rotations: one or two upper teeth that need relatively limited movement
- Cosmetic smile-line concerns: where the lower teeth are already aligned and the bite is stable
Suitability depends on more than how straight the teeth look from the front. The orthodontist must also assess:
- Overbite and overjet
- How the back teeth meet
- Available space in the upper arch
- Jaw relationship
- Tooth wear
- Gum and bone health
- Previous orthodontic treatment
Can adults have top-only braces?
Yes. Age does not automatically prevent an adult from having single-arch orthodontic treatment.
The important factors are dental health, bone support, treatment complexity and whether the proposed tooth movement can produce a stable bite.
Adults with active gum disease, untreated decay or significant tooth wear may need other dental care before braces or aligners can begin.
When Are Braces Needed on Both Top and Bottom Teeth?
Treating both arches may be necessary where the upper and lower teeth need to move together to maintain or correct the bite.
Top-only treatment may not be appropriate where there is:
- A significant overbite
- An underbite
- A crossbite
- An open bite
- Moderate or severe crowding
- Spacing affecting both arches
- A mismatch between the upper and lower dental arches
- Uneven contact between the teeth
- Tooth movement that requires space to be coordinated across both arches
Moving only the upper front teeth can sometimes make them look straighter while causing the bite to fit less effectively. A stable result must account for appearance, function and long-term tooth contact.
Why does bite balance matter?
The upper and lower teeth work together whenever you bite, chew or swallow.
If the upper teeth are moved forwards, backwards or sideways without accounting for the lower teeth, this may create:
- Uneven pressure on individual teeth
- Premature tooth contact
- Difficulty biting certain foods
- Increased tooth wear
- A less stable orthodontic result
This is why an orthodontist may recommend full treatment even where the patient is mainly concerned about the appearance of the top teeth.
Why Do Orthodontists Sometimes Put Top Braces on First?
Having the upper braces fitted first does not necessarily mean that only the upper teeth will be treated.
Orthodontists sometimes fit braces in stages as part of a planned full treatment. The upper brace may be placed first to:
- Begin aligning crowded upper teeth
- Create space before lower braces are fitted
- Allow the bite to open sufficiently for lower brackets
- Reduce the risk of the upper teeth biting directly onto lower brackets
- Make the first appointment shorter and easier to manage
- Coordinate upper and lower tooth movement at different stages
The lower brace may then be added at a later appointment once the upper teeth have started moving.
Will I get top and bottom braces at the same time?
Some patients have both arches fitted during the same appointment, while others begin with one arch first.
The sequence depends on the bite, treatment plan, type of braces and the orthodontist’s preferred staging. Starting with top braces alone is often a temporary phase rather than the final treatment arrangement.
Why did I only get top braces?
There are two main possibilities:
- You are having planned single-arch treatment because only the upper teeth need safe correction
- Your full treatment is being phased, with lower braces due to be fitted later
Your orthodontist should be able to explain which applies and when any lower treatment is expected to begin.
What Types of Braces Can Be Used on the Top Teeth?
Several orthodontic systems may be considered for suitable single-arch cases.
| Treatment | Potential Use | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Controlled movement of crowded, spaced or rotated upper teeth | Visible but strong and precise |
| Ceramic braces | Adults wanting a less noticeable fixed brace | Suitability depends on the bite and required movement |
| Invisalign | Mild alignment, spacing or relapse | Must be worn as directed and planned around both arches |
| Partial fixed braces | Limited movement involving a small group of teeth | Not appropriate where wider bite correction is needed |
The shortest or least visible option is not automatically the most suitable. Treatment should be selected according to the movement required and the effect on the bite.
Can You Get Invisalign for Top Teeth Only?
Yes, Invisalign can sometimes be prescribed for the upper teeth only.
Top-only Invisalign may be considered for:
- Mild crowding of the upper front teeth
- Small spaces between upper teeth
- Minor relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
- Limited cosmetic adjustments where the lower arch is stable
However, an Invisalign plan still needs to account for how the upper and lower teeth meet. In some cases, aligners may need to be worn on both arches even where most of the visible movement is taking place in the top teeth.
Is top-only Invisalign cheaper?
Single-arch Invisalign may cost less than comprehensive treatment in some cases, but it is not necessarily half the price.
Clinical assessment, digital scans, treatment planning, aligner manufacture, review appointments and retainers may still be required. The exact fee depends on the treatment package and complexity rather than simply the number of arches.
How long does Invisalign for top teeth take?
Limited cases may take several months, while more involved tooth movement can take longer. The number of aligners, patient compliance and biological response all affect the timeframe.
Your treatment plan should provide a personalised estimate after the required scans and assessment.
Can You Get Braces for One Tooth?
It may be possible to correct a single visibly crooked tooth, but treatment rarely involves moving that tooth completely in isolation.
The tooth may need space to rotate, move forwards or move backwards. Creating that space can require movement of neighbouring teeth or, in some cases, the wider arch.
Possible approaches include:
- Partial fixed braces
- Limited Invisalign treatment
- A short course of aligners
- Full-arch treatment where the bite or available space requires it
Can one front tooth be straightened?
Yes, but the cause of the misalignment must first be identified.
A front tooth may appear crooked because of crowding, tooth size, lack of space, previous relapse or the position of the opposing teeth. Straightening it safely may therefore involve more than attaching a brace to that single tooth.
Can braces be fitted to only a few teeth?
Partial braces can sometimes be fitted to a small group of teeth for limited movement. This is only appropriate where the movement will not destabilise the bite or create problems elsewhere in the arch.
How Is Single-Arch Treatment Assessed?
Before recommending top-only braces or aligners, the orthodontist will examine both arches and how the teeth meet.
The assessment may include:
- Examination of the teeth and gums
- Digital scans or impressions
- Photographs
- Bite records
- X-rays where clinically necessary
- Review of previous orthodontic treatment
- Discussion of cosmetic and functional goals
The proposed result should be assessed not only from the front but also from the sides and at the back of the mouth.
How Long Do Top-Only Braces Take?
Some limited single-arch cases can be completed more quickly than full orthodontic treatment, but there is no standard timeframe.
Treatment length depends on:
- The number of teeth requiring movement
- The type and distance of movement
- The amount of space available
- The brace or aligner system used
- Patient attendance and compliance
- How the teeth respond biologically
A mild relapse case may take several months, while more complex upper-arch movement may take a year or longer.
How Much Do Braces for the Top Teeth Cost?
Single-arch treatment is sometimes less expensive than treating both arches, but the cost is not normally reduced by exactly half.
The same clinical work may still be required for:
- Orthodontic assessment
- Digital records and treatment planning
- Brace or aligner manufacture
- Adjustment and review appointments
- Retention after treatment
At Whites Dental, complete orthodontic treatment typically ranges from £2,795 to £4,295, depending on the brace system and complexity. A personalised quote is required for limited or single-arch treatment.
Typical complete orthodontic treatment costs £2,795–£4,295. The price of top-only treatment depends on the brace type, tooth movement and complexity.
Visit our braces cost guide for current fees and payment information.
Can you pay monthly for braces?
Eligible patients may be able to spread the cost of qualifying orthodontic treatment through dental finance.
Whites Dental currently advertises:
- 0% finance over eligible shorter repayment terms
- Longer-term payment options where available
- Finance subject to status, affordability and lender approval
The exact payment options depend on the agreed treatment cost and finance terms available at the time of application.
What Happens After Top-Only Braces?
Retainers are normally required after orthodontic treatment to reduce the risk of the teeth moving back towards their previous positions.
Depending on the treatment plan, retention may involve:
- A removable retainer worn according to the orthodontist’s instructions
- A fixed retainer attached behind selected teeth
- A combination of fixed and removable retention
Retainer wear is particularly important in relapse cases, where teeth have already moved following previous orthodontic treatment.
Top-Only Braces at Whites Dental London
Whites Dental provides adult orthodontic consultations and teeth-straightening treatment from two Central London clinics.
Whites Dental Waterloo
172 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8ER
Telephone: 020 8616 0590
The Waterloo clinic is convenient for patients travelling from South Bank, Blackfriars, London Bridge and surrounding areas.
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
52B Kendal Street, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
Telephone: 020 3576 2325
The Marble Arch clinic is convenient for patients travelling from Paddington, Edgware Road, Marylebone, Mayfair and across Central London.
An assessment allows the orthodontic team to determine whether only the upper teeth need treatment or whether both arches must be coordinated to protect the bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top-Only Braces
Can you get braces on just the top teeth?
Yes. Top-only braces may be possible where the lower teeth are already well aligned and moving the upper teeth will not adversely affect the bite.
Can adults get braces on their top teeth only?
Yes. Adults can be suitable for single-arch treatment, provided their teeth, gums and bite are healthy enough for the proposed movement.
Do you need braces on both top and bottom teeth?
Not always. Both arches are normally treated where they need to move together to improve alignment or correct the bite. A suitable mild case may only require one arch.
Why do orthodontists put top braces on first?
Upper braces may be fitted first to begin alignment, create space or prevent the upper teeth from biting onto lower brackets. Lower braces may then be added as part of a phased full treatment.
Will I get top and bottom braces at the same time?
Possibly. Some patients have both arches fitted together, while others begin with the top or bottom brace first according to the treatment plan.
Can you get Invisalign for top teeth only?
Yes, in selected mild cases. The lower teeth and bite must still be assessed to ensure upper-only movement will remain stable.
Can you get braces for one tooth?
Sometimes, but neighbouring teeth may also need to move to create space and maintain the bite. Partial braces, aligners or full-arch treatment may be recommended.
Are top-only braces cheaper?
They may cost less in some cases, but not necessarily half as much as full treatment. Planning, clinical reviews, appliances and retainers are still required.
Are top-only braces faster?
Limited treatment can sometimes be faster, but duration depends on the amount and type of tooth movement required.
Can top-only braces make an overbite worse?
They can affect the overbite if the upper teeth are moved without accounting for the lower arch. This is one reason a full bite assessment is essential.
Can I start with top braces and add the bottom brace later?
Yes. Many full treatments are phased, with the lower brace fitted after the upper teeth have begun moving. This should be part of the orthodontist’s treatment plan rather than an informal change later.
Can I choose to treat only the top teeth?
You can explain that preference, but the orthodontist should only recommend it where the result will be clinically safe, functional and stable.
Unsure whether you need braces on one or both arches? An orthodontic consultation allows the team to assess your bite, explain the suitable options and provide a personalised treatment and cost estimate.
Ask About Braces for Your Top Teeth
Related Braces and Teeth-Straightening Guides
- Can Adults Have Braces?
- How Much Do Fixed Braces Cost?
- Invisalign Treatment in London
- Metal Braces in London
- Ceramic Braces in London
Author
Dr Deepa Chopra
Principal Dentist & Clinic Founder
GDC registration number: 124489
Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Membership of the British Dental Association
Restorative Dentistry from Tipton
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Areas of Expertise: 20+ Years Dentistry Experience. General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Veneers, Root Canals, Crowns, Dentures, Gum Disease, Hygienist Services, Emergency Dental Services & Teeth Whitening.