Yes, you can get braces for only specific teeth; this is known as partial or limited orthodontic treatment. This established technique focuses solely on the teeth requiring adjustment, rather than placing brackets and wires on every tooth. Partial treatment addresses localized issues, such as minor aesthetic concerns or specific functional problems. This limited scope typically leads to a shorter timeline and reduced overall cost compared to comprehensive full-mouth orthodontics.
What Defines Partial Braces
Partial braces are defined by the limited number of teeth involved in the movement process. Unlike full braces, which treat the entire upper and lower arches to adjust the bite, partial treatment typically involves only the four to eight teeth needing correction. This approach is often confined to just one arch, such as the upper front teeth.
The mechanical difference from full braces is that the appliance is anchored to a few back teeth, but the brackets are only applied to the teeth targeted for movement. This technique allows the orthodontist to apply controlled, gentle pressure exclusively to the misaligned segment. The goal is to achieve specific tooth movement without affecting the alignment of the remaining teeth, which may already be in a desirable position.
Clinical Scenarios Where Partial Braces Are Used
Orthodontists recommend this targeted approach when the patient’s primary bite relationship is stable and only certain teeth need realignment. One common indication is correcting minor aesthetic issues, such as a single rotated tooth or a small gap between the two front teeth. Adults who had full orthodontic treatment in their youth often seek limited treatment to correct minor dental relapse, which is the slight shifting of teeth that occurs over time after braces are removed.
Partial braces are also frequently utilized as a pre-prosthetic alignment procedure to prepare the mouth for restorative work. This involves moving a tipped or crooked tooth into an ideal position to create the necessary space for a crown, bridge, or dental implant. For example, if a missing tooth has caused an adjacent tooth to drift into the gap, limited braces can upright the drifting tooth and ensure proper parallel root positioning for successful implant placement.
Treatment Duration and Maintenance
Because fewer teeth are involved in the movement, the duration of partial orthodontic treatment is significantly shorter than full treatment. While comprehensive braces can last 18 to 36 months, limited treatment generally requires only three to nine months to complete the required movement. Regular adjustment appointments are still necessary, typically occurring every four to eight weeks, to ensure the wires are applying the correct biomechanical force.
Following the active phase of treatment, the use of a retainer is necessary to maintain the limited correction. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions (relapse). To prevent this, a retainer, which may be removable or permanently bonded to the back of the teeth, must be worn as directed by the orthodontist. This retention phase preserves the new alignment achieved by the partial braces.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Since partial braces use fewer materials and require less clinical chair time, the cost is typically less than a full course of orthodontic treatment. The price can vary depending on the number of teeth treated and the complexity of the movement. Patients should discuss the estimated treatment fee with their provider during the initial consultation.
Insurance coverage for partial treatment can be complex and depends heavily on the policy’s terms. Most dental insurance plans offer a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontics, often ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, and coverage is more reliably available for minors. For adults, coverage may be limited or denied if the treatment is classified as purely cosmetic rather than medically necessary to correct a functional problem. Reviewing the policy details with the provider is the only way to determine the extent of financial assistance for limited orthodontic care.