Orthodontic treatment, also known as braces, is a dental approach that repositions the teeth and bite into their ideal alignment. The goal is not only to correct aesthetic concerns such as protrusion, underbite, misalignment, spacing, or crowding, but also to improve chewing function, create a more even smile, and restore confidence. Because the upper and lower arches work closely together, orthodontic treatment is typically carried out on both arches at the same time. However, in certain mild cases, single-arch orthodontic treatment can still be effective. This decision should be based on a thorough examination by a qualified dentist. This article shares a real clinical case at Herident Dental Clinic, where a patient chose single-arch orthodontics to optimize the outcome of restoring missing teeth.

Article Content

The patient's initial condition

A male patient visited Herident Dental Clinic seeking to replace a long-missing tooth 36 with a dental implant. However, during the comprehensive examination, the dentist found that the patient’s oral condition was more complex than initially expected. The patient was diagnosed with a Class I occlusion, but with mild crowding in both arches and spacing in the upper arch. Tooth 36 had been missing for a long time, leading to over-eruption of the opposing teeth 25 and 26 into the edentulous space. Over-eruption into an unreplaced missing-tooth space is a common issue in long-standing tooth loss and can significantly complicate planning for future restorative treatment.

Detailed Diagnosis and Treatment Planningị

After a thorough evaluation, the dental team at Herident provided a detailed diagnosis:

Class I occlusion.
Mild crowding in both arches.
Spacing in the upper arch.
Long-standing loss of tooth 36.
Over-eruption of teeth 25 and 26, reducing the restorative space for tooth 36.

Recognizing that full orthodontic treatment on both arches might not be the most optimal or cost-effective option in this case—especially since the primary goal was to restore tooth 36—the dentist discussed and proposed a treatment plan focused on the upper arch. The decision to proceed with single-arch orthodontic treatment on the upper arch was made in order to:

Intrude the over-erupted teeth (25 and 26) to recreate the space needed for restoration of tooth 36.
Realign the upper anterior teeth for a more even alignment.
Partially close the spacing in the upper ar

This plan not only addresses the immediate concerns but also establishes a solid foundation for future implant placement at tooth 36.

Single-Arch Upper Braces Treatment with Fixed Brackets

The treatment process was carried out according to standardized steps under the close supervision of an orthodontic specialist at Herident.

Impressions and diagnostic imaging: The dentist took an impression of the patient’s upper arch and obtained the necessary X-rays to analyze the jawbone structure, tooth positions, and the bite relationship in detail.
Detailed treatment planning: Based on the collected data, the dentist developed a comprehensive treatment plan, including bracket placement, applied forces, the direction of movement for each tooth, and the estimated treatment duration.
Bracket placement: Brackets were bonded to the surfaces of the upper teeth using proper technique. Appropriate archwires and orthodontic auxiliaries were then used to apply controlled forces to move the teeth.
Regular follow-up visits: The patient returned according to the scheduled appointments, typically every 2 to 4 weeks, for the orthodontist to monitor tooth movement, adjust the applied forces, and change the archwires. Throughout this process, teeth 25 and 26 were gradually intruded into their ideal position, while other teeth were guided to close spacing and create a more harmonious dental arch.
Debonding and retention: Once the teeth reached the desired positions, the brackets were removed. The dentist may prescribe a retainer to help stabilize the teeth in their new alignment.

With this approach, the patient’s entire single-arch upper orthodontic treatment was completed in under one year.

Treatment Outcomes and Dental Implant Restoration

After less than a year of consistent upper-arch bracket treatment, the outcome exceeded the patient’s expectations. The upper dental arch became well-rounded and evenly aligned, with no remaining crowding or spacing. More importantly, teeth 25 and 26 were repositioned into their proper alignment, recreating the necessary and ideal space for restoration of the missing tooth 36.

With the space successfully re-established, the patient, Tạ Điệp Viễn Phương, proceeded with dental implant placement to replace tooth 36. The implant restoration was completed successfully, providing a new tooth that is strong, aesthetic, and fully harmonious with the dental arch. The patient not only regained a confident smile but also achieved a healthy dentition with stable, functional chewing.

Expert Advice from Herident

The case of Mr. Tạ Điệp Viễn Phương demonstrates that single-arch orthodontic treatment can be an effective solution in mild malocclusion cases with a clearly defined treatment goal. However, this decision should only be made by a qualified dentist after a thorough clinical evaluation.

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for single-arch orthodontic treatment, as it requires an accurate assessment of the bite, the degree of misalignment, and the treatment objectives before making a decision. If you are considering replacing missing teeth—especially with dental implants—be proactive in discussing with your dentist whether orthodontic treatment can be combined to optimize both aesthetic and functional outcomes. In addition, proper oral care during and after orthodontic treatment is key to maintaining stable, long-lasting results.

The clinical case of Mr. Tạ Điệp Viễn Phương clearly demonstrates that single-arch orthodontic treatment can be a smart and effective solution in certain situations, especially when the goal is to restore missing teeth and enhance smile aesthetics. At Herident Dental Clinic, we take pride in our team of specialists in orthodontics, ceramic restorations, and dental implants, continually striving to deliver personalized treatment plans that maximize effectiveness and patient satisfaction. If you are experiencing dental or bite issues, or would like to improve your smile, please do not hesitate to contact Herident for a detailed consultation and examination.

Book a consultation today to receive a personalized, detailed treatment plan from Herident’s experts!