Can orthodontic treatment correct only the upper teeth?

In general, orthodontic treatment may rarely involve correcting only the upper teeth, but this is subject to strict conditions. In most cases, it is still recommended to correct both upper and lower teeth simultaneously. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Whether only the upper teeth can be corrected depends on whether the dental issue is limited solely to the upper teeth and whether the occlusion (bite) between upper and lower teeth is normal. For example, if there is only mild misalignment in the upper teeth—such as slight tilting of individual teeth—and the lower teeth are well-aligned with proper interdigitation of cusps and fossae during biting, without significant protrusion or retrusion of teeth, correction of only the upper teeth might be considered after professional evaluation by a dentist.

However, most people's dental problems are accompanied by abnormal occlusion. For instance, while the upper teeth are protruded, the lower teeth may also have spacing issues, or misaligned upper teeth may prevent proper咬合 between upper and lower arches. In such cases, correcting only the upper teeth would disrupt the existing occlusal balance, potentially leading to reduced chewing function, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort—including joint clicking, pain—or even worsening misalignment of the lower teeth. These situations require simultaneous correction of both upper and lower teeth to achieve a stable and functional bite through precise tooth positioning.

The decision to correct only the upper teeth should not be made independently. A comprehensive examination at a reputable dental clinic is necessary, and an orthodontist must develop a personalized treatment plan based on the specific alignment and occlusal relationship. Arbitrarily choosing single-arch orthodontics may compromise treatment outcomes and even lead to new oral health problems.