Looking at your child’s smile and wondering if you can just fix those crowded bottom teeth while leaving the straighter top alone? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions we hear from parents right here in Carlsbad. At Hulse Orthodontics, we completely understand that feeling: orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and every family wants to keep it as simple, comfortable, and effective as possible while still giving their child a healthy, confident smile that lasts.
In short, yes—treating only the bottom teeth is possible in certain situations, but for most kids and teens, addressing both arches together usually delivers the healthiest bite, the most balanced look, and the longest-lasting results.
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Why the Bottom Teeth Often Crowd Up More
The lower teeth tend to show crowding earlier and more noticeably. The lower jaw is usually a bit smaller, and permanent teeth often come in larger than the baby teeth they replace. That extra pressure can make the front lowers overlap, twist, or shift forward.
The upper arch typically has more natural space, so it might look fairly even even when the overall bite isn’t perfect. We see this pattern every day with families in our office. Parents often point to the bottom and say, “The top looks fine—can we just fix the bottom?” It makes total sense from a quick glance.
But orthodontics goes beyond appearances—it’s about how everything fits and functions together for biting, chewing, and lifelong oral health.
When Treating Just the Bottom Teeth Can Work Well
There are definitely cases where focusing on the lower arch alone makes good sense:
- The upper teeth are already well-aligned.
- The bite feels stable and comfortable.
- The lower crowding is mild enough that movement won’t throw off the overall fit.
In those situations, our team might suggest traditional braces, clear braces, or even clear aligners like Invisalign just on the bottom. This approach can sometimes be a little shorter and more budget-friendly.
We’ve had teens who were thrilled with how quickly their lower smile improved—one 15-year-old even high-fived the team every visit because she could keep rocking her favorite lip gloss without upper brackets in the way!
Why We Usually Recommend Treating Both Arches
That said, straightening only the bottom teeth can sometimes lead to unintended shifts. Without the upper teeth guiding them properly, the lowers might flare forward slightly or move in ways that affect the bite.
Over time, this could contribute to uneven wear, mild jaw discomfort, or extra challenges keeping things clean. Our team always prioritizes a functional bite that stands the test of time—not just a quick cosmetic fix that might need revisiting later.
One memorable case stands out: a 13-year-old boy came in determined to do bottom-only treatment because his top looked “perfect” to him and his parents. Our digital scans revealed a subtle crossbite—the upper teeth were actually nudging the lowers sideways. Treating just the bottom would have made it worse and likely required more work down the road, instead, we planned a gentle full-arch approach that balanced everything comfortably.
After more than two decades helping families achieve beautiful, healthy smiles, We have seen firsthand that while single-arch treatment has its place in the right cases, some of the most rewarding transformations happen when families trust us to address the full picture and see results they never imagined were possible.
What Happens at Your Free Smile Assessment
When you bring your child in for a complimentary smile assessment, our team takes the time to:
- Capture digital photos and 3D scans for a complete view.
- Check how the top and bottom teeth meet during biting and chewing.
- Evaluate jaw growth patterns (especially important for growing kids and teens).
- Listen closely to what bothers your child most about their smile.
From there, we give honest, straightforward guidance—whether single-arch treatment is a good fit or if a comprehensive approach would serve them better. No pressure, just clear information to help you decide with confidence.
A Few Things You Can Do Right Now
While you’re deciding on timing, pay extra attention to those crowded lower teeth—they’re harder to clean and more prone to plaque buildup. Keep up twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, and watch for any signs like food getting trapped easily or slight discomfort when chewing.
We can share specific cleaning techniques and tools during your consultation to make it easier.
The AAO recommends every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7—even if treatment isn’t needed right away, early insight helps us plan the best timing. For more on that, take a look at our page on braces for children and teens.
Ready to Talk It Through?
If those bottom teeth are on your mind (or your child’s), we’d love to talk it through with you. Our team is here to answer every question and make sure you feel completely comfortable with the next steps.
Call or text us at (760) 448-1344 or schedule a free smile consultation here. Our Carlsbad office is warm, welcoming, and ready to help—no obligations, just friendly support.
Important Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional orthodontic advice. Always consult your orthodontist for personalized guidance about your smile, treatment options, and oral health. If you have concerns, please contact Hulse Orthodontics directly.
Dr. Cameron Hulse grew up in Southern Orange County, California. While in his own orthodontic treatment in high school, Dr. Hulse realized how much his new smile changed him and decided he wanted to improve other’s teeth and smiles. Dr. Hulse pursued his dream and completed a BS in Zoology at Brigham Young University. Then he was selected to attend the University of Southern California’s prestigious School of Dentistry where he received his D.D.S.. After Dental School, he switched coasts and completed his orthodontic residency at Jacksonville University where he received his CAGS.