Aligners for Straightening Only the Bottom Teeth

An Overview of Aligners for Bottom Teeth Only

In recent years, clear aligners have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces for adults seeking to straighten their teeth. Aligners are thin, custom-made plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gradually shift them into place over time. While most aligner brands are designed to move all of the teeth, some patients may only want to target alignment issues on the bottom arch. In these cases, specialized aligners for bottom teeth only can be an effective and affordable solution.

This guide will provide an overview of how aligners for bottom teeth only work and outline the potential advantages and considerations of choosing this targeted teeth straightening approach. Well also review some of the top aligner brands that offer bottom teeth only options for adults in 2023.

How Do Aligners for Bottom Teeth Only Work?

Aligners focused only on the bottom teeth employ the same incremental shifting technology as traditional comprehensive aligners. Each set of trays is custom-manufactured using 3D imaging technology to match the contours and anatomy of your unique smile.

The main difference is that aligners made for bottom teeth only will only apply gentle pressure to the bottom arch, moving those teeth into a straighter position over time. The top tray acts as a retainer, holding those teeth in place while the bottom teeth are adjusted.

As with other aligner brands, new sets of trays are worn for 1-2 weeks before progressing to the next stage of treatment. Most bottom teeth aligner plans consist of between 10-25 trays worn over 6-12 months until the desired position of the bottom teeth is achieved.

When Are Aligners for Bottom Teeth Only Appropriate?

Aligners that only focus on straightening the bottom teeth may be a good option for individuals with the following dental issues or goals:

• Mild to moderate crowding or spacing on the bottom: Aligners are highly effective at correcting crooked, crowded, or spaced out bottom teeth. This enables you to improve the aesthetics or bite alignment of your bottom smile without having to move the top teeth.
• Protruding bottom front teeth: If your bottom front teeth stick out farther than your top front teeth, aligners can help bring them back into a more recessed position.
• Crossbite of bottom back teeth: Crossbites occur when top and bottom teeth are misaligned, causing them to overlap incorrectly when you bite down. Aligners for the bottom teeth can sometimes resolve this issue.
• Preparation for braces on top: Some orthodontists will recommend starting with bottom aligners first to prepare for traditional braces on the upper arch later on.
• Limited budget: Bottom aligners typically cost less than plans that move both arches, making them more affordable for those on a tight budget.

Its important to meet with an orthodontist first to determine if bottom aligners alone can achieve your specific treatment goals.

The Pros and Cons of Aligners for Bottom Teeth Only

Heres an overview of some of the key advantages and potential disadvantages of aligners designed to move just the bottom teeth:

Pros:

• Less expensive: Since aligners for one arch are easier to manufacture, they are usually more budget-friendly than moving both arches.
• Lower maintenance: You only have to focus on keeping one arch of aligners clean and well-cared for.
• Fewer overall trays: Shorter treatment plans with fewer sets of aligners may increase compliance and convenience.
• Targeted treatment: Allows you to focus on straightening just the problematic arch.
• Natural-looking: Clear aligners are discreet and hard to notice during treatment.
• Removable: Aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking, brushing, and special occasions.

Cons:

• May not fully optimize the bite: Moving just one arch of teeth may not entirely fix bite issues like overbites, underbites or crossbites.
• Less dramatic improvement: Youll likely see a subtler enhancement compared to aligning both arches.
• Potential shifting after treatment: Retainers may be needed indefinitely to keep finished results stable.
• Not a complete orthodontic solution: Most orthodontists recommend plans that include aligning both arches for more comprehensive care.

Top Aligner Brands for Bottom Teeth Only

If you and your orthodontist determine that bottom teeth aligners are the right solution for you, there are several aligner companies to consider that offer arch-specific plans. Here is an overview of a few leading aligner brands that can treat just the bottom teeth:

Candid

Candid offers clear aligners for both comprehensive and minor tooth movements through teledentistry. For bottom teeth only, Candid provides a 10-aligner Leftovers plan that straightens bottom teeth in just 5 months.

Cost: $1,900 total ($95 per month for 20 months)

Average treatment time: 5 months

Remote or in-office: Hybrid model with at-home impressions and dental monitoring

SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub sells aligners directly to consumers to straighten mild to moderate issues. Their NightOnly Clear Aligners focus exclusively on the bottom arch.

Cost: $1,850 total ($99 per month for 18 months)

Average treatment time: 4-9 months

Remote or in-office: Fully remote model with at-home impressions

Byte

Bytes HyperByte treatment plans combine clear aligners with vibrational technology. For bottom teeth, they offer a Basic 4 month plan.

Cost: $1,895 total ($95 per month for 20 months)

Average treatment time: 4-6 months

Remote or in-office: Remote model with impression kits

Align Technology

The makers of Invisalign offer Invisalign Express 5, which includes up to 5 sets of aligners for minor teeth straightening. This can be used for bottom teeth only.

Cost: Varies based on local orthodontists pricing

Average treatment time: Less than 6 months

Remote or in-office: In-office aligner model

Orthodontist-Prescribed Aligners

Many orthodontic practices now offer their own digitally fabricated, custom-made clear aligner products for patients. Talk to your orthodontist about receiving less expensive aligners molded specifically for your bottom teeth.

What to Look for in Aligners for Bottom Teeth

If you decide to pursue aligners for your lower teeth only, keep the following factors in mind as you evaluate different products and dental providers:

• Consult with a specialist: Partner with an orthodontist to determine if bottom aligners alone can achieve your goals.
• Treatment plan: Look for an aligner company that provides a customized treatment plan mapping out how your teeth will move.
• Monitoring: Seek aligners that include progress monitoring and modifications from a dental professional.
• Type of material: Look for brands using the highest grade (and most stain-resistant) materials.
• Comfort: Seek patient reviews and testimonials related to aligner comfort and fit.
• Cost: Balance affordability with doctor oversight and brand reputation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.