To answer shortly, yes, it’s absolutely possible in some cases to do Invisalign on only the bottom teeth (or only the top teeth). In orthodontic terms, that’s called single-arch treatment, meaning we’re actively moving teeth in just one arch. However, and this is the part we say gently but firmly in our West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Indiantown offices, your top and bottom teeth don’t live separate lives. They work as a team every time you chew, talk, and swallow.
So, while bottom-only Invisalign can be a smart, efficient option for the right person, it can also backfire if we ignore the bite. Let’s dive deeper the way we would during a consultation at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics: what single-arch treatment really means, when it works, what risks you need to know, and what the cost typically looks like here in Florida.
What Is Invisalign Single Arch Treatment?
Invisalign single arch treatment means we’re using clear aligners to straighten only the upper teeth or only the lower teeth, instead of treating both arches at the same time. You’ll still go through the same overall process, digital scan, custom aligners, periodic check-ins, but the active movement happens in only one arch.
Now, you may be wondering, “If my bottom teeth are the only ones that look crowded, why would I ever treat the top?” Great question, and it’s exactly why single-arch Invisalign is appealing. Most people who ask about bottom-only aligners are looking at mild to moderate crowding in the lower front teeth, the classic “bottom teeth got tight over time” situation. Often, it’s something you notice in photos, when flossing gets annoying, or when one tooth starts sneaking behind another.
Here’s the key reality: moving the bottom teeth can change how the top teeth contact them. Even small shifts can affect your bite relationship (overbite, overjet, midlines, and how the back teeth fit together). That’s why the decision isn’t “Do you want bottom-only Invisalign?” It’s “Can we safely and predictably do bottom-only Invisalign without creating new bite problems?”
And yes, sometimes we can.
Also, Invisalign isn’t just “cosmetic trays.” The aligners apply controlled forces and are designed to be worn most of the day, typically 20 to 22 hours daily, for predictable movement. If that wear time sounds intense, don’t worry, we’ll talk later about how people actually succeed with it in real life.
One more insider detail: even in single-arch cases, we often use strategic tools like attachments (those small tooth-colored bumps), “chewies” to seat aligners fully, and sometimes a passive aligner or retainer on the opposite arch to help stabilize the bite. The goal is always the same: straighten what you want to straighten without accidentally breaking the bite.
When Do Cases For Top Or Bottom Teeth Only With Invisalign Work?
Bottom-only Invisalign can work beautifully, but the best candidates tend to share a few traits. Think of it like remodeling just the kitchen: it can be amazing if the rest of the house is structurally sound. If the foundation is off, you don’t start with new countertops.
- When bottom-only Invisalign is often a great fit
If your upper teeth are already well-aligned and your bite is stable, single-arch Invisalign can sometimes be an efficient solution, especially for mild to moderate lower crowding, small spacing issues, or relapse after braces (that “my teeth shifted after I lost my retainer” moment).
We also look for cases where the bite relationships are already functioning well. If your top and bottom teeth fit together nicely and we’re mainly correcting alignment within one arch, single-arch treatment may be reasonable.
Furthermore, single-arch treatment is often more successful when the movements are modest, think minor rotations, small space closure, or gentle alignment improvements rather than major bite corrections. Clear aligners can be extremely effective, but like any tool, they’re best when used within the right indications and with good compliance.
- The biggest “green light” scenarios we see in Florida
In our Florida practices, especially with busy professionals and parents in Wellington and West Palm Beach, single-arch Invisalign requests usually fall into a few common patterns:
Sometimes it’s a patient who had braces years ago and now has minor shifting on the bottom. Sometimes it’s a teen or college student whose lower incisors are crowding as growth finishes. Sometimes it’s an adult who says, “I don’t need perfection, I just want the bottom front teeth to stop overlapping so flossing isn’t a wrestling match.”
If flossing is your pain point, here’s the solution while we’re fixing alignment: use a Waterpik daily plus floss threaders or interdental brushes to get between tight contacts without shredding floss. Those tools can be a lifesaver during treatment and before treatment.
- What we evaluate before approving a single-arch plan
This is where orthodontists earn their keep. We don’t just look at “crooked teeth.” We evaluate bite contacts, jaw relationships, spacing, tooth shape, gum health, and how your teeth track when you close.
We also evaluate whether your “bottom-only” concern is actually caused by something bigger, like an overbite that’s pushing lower teeth inward, a crossbite, or crowding that’s a symptom of arch width issues.
On the other hand, if the top teeth look “fine” but your bite is off, treating only the bottom can be like fixing one gear in a machine that’s out of alignment, it might spin, but it won’t run smoothly for long.
The Risks of Using Invisalign Only on the Top or Bottom Teeth
Let’s talk about the risks openly, because single-arch Invisalign is one of those ideas that sounds simple until the bite gets involved.
Risk #1: Bite changes you didn’t sign up for
The most common risk is that moving one arch changes how your teeth come together, which can create new bite interferences. This might feel like: “My teeth don’t fit the same,” or “I’m hitting on one side,” or “My front teeth touch but the back teeth don’t.”
That last one is especially important, because aligners cover the teeth in plastic, and changes in vertical contacts can happen during clear aligner therapy. Researchers have looked closely at how aligners can influence molar position and vertical relationships during treatment.
If your bite starts feeling off during treatment, here’s the solution: don’t ignore it and hope it magically resolves. Call us. We can adjust the plan, add specific movements, modify attachments, or use refinements to guide the bite back into harmony.
Risk #2: Posterior open bite (back teeth not touching)
This is the classic “my back teeth aren’t touching anymore” complaint some aligner patients describe. It can occur for multiple reasons, including the way aligners interface with the chewing surfaces and how teeth intrude or erupt during treatment.
Now, should this scare you away from Invisalign? Not at all. It should simply remind you that aligners are a medical device and bite management matters, especially in single-arch plans, where we’re changing one side of the equation while the other stays relatively stable.
Here’s the solution if we see bite-opening tendencies: we plan proactively. That can include using a passive aligner in the other arch, staging movements differently, using elastics in select cases, or adjusting the strategy to protect posterior contacts.
Risk #3: Limited improvement if the “real” problem involves both arches
Sometimes the bottom teeth are crowded because the bite relationship is pushing them into a tight space. If we straighten only the bottom without addressing what’s causing the crowding pressure, results can be limited, or relapse can be more likely.
If relapse is your worry (and honestly, it should be, because teeth love to wander), here’s the solution: wear your retainers exactly as prescribed after treatment. Invisalign treatment success is heavily influenced by compliance, both during aligners and after, with retention.
Risk #4: Tracking problems if aligners aren’t worn enough
Aligners need consistent wear time to keep teeth moving predictably. Invisalign and the clear-aligner literature commonly emphasize that aligners must be worn most of the day, often around 20–22 hours, for best results.
If your pain point is, “I’m busy, I snack, I talk for work, I forget,” here’s the solution: build a simple routine. Keep aligners in except for meals. Drink water with them in. If you drink coffee or iced tea, take them out, rinse, and put them back in quickly. Use a wear-time tracker app if needed. It’s not about perfection, it’s about consistency.
Risk #5: Gum irritation or recession if teeth are pushed outside the bone envelope
This is less common, but it’s real. If lower teeth are already leaning forward or the gums are thin, aggressive alignment can push teeth into a zone that’s not ideal for gum health.
Here’s the solution: we evaluate gum thickness, bone support, and tooth position before planning movement. Sometimes the “best orthodontic plan” includes a conservative approach, IPR (gentle enamel reduction between teeth), or choosing braces for better control. And if periodontal concerns exist, we coordinate with your dentist or periodontist.
What Is the Cost of Single-Arch Invisalign Treatment?
Let’s talk money honestly, because you deserve real expectations.
In Florida, traditional braces typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, and Invisalign usually falls between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on case complexity.
At Freedman & Haas, we offer flexible 0% interest financing and low monthly payment plans to make this affordable for families.
Now, where does single-arch Invisalign fit? Often, single-arch treatment can cost less than full comprehensive Invisalign, but it’s not always “half the price,” because a big portion of what you’re paying for is professional planning, monitoring, refinements, and retention, not just the plastic.
Here’s a realistic way to think about it: single-arch cases are often associated with “limited” Invisalign packages (like Invisalign Express/Lite/Moderate categories depending on the case and provider approach). Consumer-facing pricing guides commonly place limited aligner options in the lower ranges compared to comprehensive treatment, with some sources citing Invisalign Lite around the low-to-mid thousands and Express in a lower bracket for minor movements.
Also, Invisalign’s own guidance emphasizes that cost varies based on case complexity and aligner needs and is often comparable to braces.
So what should you expect in West Palm Beach? For many mild single-arch alignment cases, especially bottom-front crowding or relapse, families often see pricing that lands below comprehensive Invisalign. However, if we need refinements, attachments, bite management, or significant movement within that one arch, the fee can move upward.
To make it tangible: if your case truly fits a limited aligner approach, you might see a lower-cost band than full Invisalign. If it’s more complex (even in one arch), it may fall closer to comprehensive Invisalign pricing.
And here’s the part we never want you to miss: we don’t design treatment around “cheap.” We design it around “stable.” If bottom-only Invisalign is stable and safe, fantastic, we’ll pursue it. If it risks bite issues or relapse, we’ll explain why and recommend a better long-term plan.
Also, if cost is your pain point right now, here’s the solution: ask us about financing early. We can often structure this into a manageable monthly plan.
Conclusion
So, is it possible to only get Invisalign aligners for the bottom teeth? Yes, sometimes. Bottom-only Invisalign (single-arch treatment) can be a great option when the upper teeth are already well-aligned, the bite is stable, and the movements needed are modest. But because your bite is a two-arch system, single-arch treatment has real risks, including unwanted bite changes and posterior contact issues, and it requires careful orthodontic planning and monitoring.
If you’re in West Palm Beach, Wellington, or Indiantown, the best next step is simple: let us evaluate your bite, your crowding, and your goals, and then we’ll tell you, clearly, whether bottom-only Invisalign is a smart move or whether treating both arches will give you a healthier, more stable result.
And when cost comes up (it always does), remember: in Florida, traditional braces typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, and Invisalign usually falls between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on case complexity. At Freedman & Haas, we offer flexible 0% interest financing and low monthly payment plans to make this affordable for families.
Ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for bottom-only Invisalign? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics in West Palm Beach, Wellington, or Indiantown, and we’ll map out a plan that fits your smile, your lifestyle, and your budget.