When getting braces, it's common for orthodontists to place the top braces first. You might be wondering why this is the case. 

In this article, we’ll explain why the top braces are applied before the bottom ones, the advantages of this method, and how it contributes to the overall effectiveness of your treatment.

Why do orthodontists put top braces on first?

Orthodontists put top braces on first because the upper teeth often need more adjustment. This ensures that the top and bottom teeth align properly as treatment progresses.

Key Takeaways

• Placing top braces first helps with better alignment of the bite and overall tooth movement.
• The upper teeth typically have more influence on the alignment of the lower teeth.
• The top and bottom braces work together to achieve the desired smile, but starting with the top teeth often makes the process smoother and more efficient.

Understanding the Importance of Braces in Orthodontic Treatment

Braces are designed to correct alignment issues in your teeth and jaw, helping you achieve a healthier and more attractive smile. 

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the bite, straighten crooked teeth, and address issues like overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth.

A key part of the process is how the braces are applied to your teeth. 

Your orthodontist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, and the placement of the braces is a critical first step in that plan. 

Typically, your orthodontist will begin by placing the top braces before moving on to the bottom. But why is this the standard procedure?

Why Top Braces are Placed First

There are several reasons why orthodontists often place the top braces before the bottom ones. Below are some of the most important factors to consider.

The Upper Teeth Have a Greater Impact on Bite Alignment

The upper teeth play a more significant role in the alignment of your bite than the lower teeth. 

In most cases, the top teeth need to be aligned first to create a stable foundation for the bottom teeth. 

Properly aligning the upper teeth will help ensure that the bottom teeth move into the correct position as well.

Example: If the upper teeth are not properly aligned, it can affect how the lower teeth come together. 

Aligning the upper teeth first allows the orthodontist to guide the lower teeth into the correct position more effectively.

Easier Access to the Upper Teeth

When placing braces, the upper teeth are generally more accessible than the lower teeth. 

This is because the top row of teeth is more exposed, making it easier for the orthodontist to place the brackets and wires. 

The lower teeth, on the other hand, are more difficult to access due to their position in the mouth. This makes the process of placing the top braces less complicated.

Example: Placing the top braces first helps the orthodontist work with better visibility and access, allowing for a more efficient treatment process.

Top Teeth Often Require More Movement

In many cases, the upper teeth need more significant movement to correct alignment issues, such as rotating or pushing them back into place. 

By placing the top braces first, the orthodontist can focus on achieving the necessary movements at the beginning of treatment. 

Once the upper teeth are properly aligned, it becomes easier to address the positioning of the lower teeth.

Example: If the top teeth are crowded or overlapping, aligning them first gives the orthodontist time to straighten them before focusing on the lower teeth.

The Benefits of Placing Top Braces First

Now that we’ve discussed the reasons why top braces are placed first, let’s look at some of the benefits this approach provides.

Better Control Over Treatment

Placing the top braces first allows the orthodontist to establish better control over the overall treatment. 

By addressing the upper teeth first, the orthodontist can ensure that the foundation is properly set, making it easier to move the bottom teeth into the correct position once the upper teeth are aligned.

Benefit: With the upper teeth properly aligned, it’s easier to adjust the bite and ensure that both rows of teeth come together correctly.

More Efficient Treatment Process

Starting with the top braces can make the treatment process smoother and faster. 

Since the upper teeth have a greater impact on the overall alignment of your bite, getting them aligned first makes it easier to move on to the lower teeth. 

This can reduce the time needed for adjustments and potentially shorten the overall treatment time.

Benefit: With the top braces in place, the orthodontist can make adjustments to the bottom braces more easily, leading to a more streamlined and efficient process.

Improved Aesthetic Results

Achieving the correct alignment of the top teeth before addressing the bottom teeth helps ensure a more attractive final result. 

Since the upper teeth are typically more visible when you smile, aligning them first helps achieve a balanced, symmetrical appearance. 

This sets the stage for a better overall aesthetic outcome.

Benefit: Placing the top braces first helps create a more symmetrical smile, giving you more noticeable and lasting results once treatment is complete.

When Do the Bottom Braces Get Placed?

Once the upper teeth are properly aligned, your orthodontist will move on to the bottom braces. 

Typically, the process of placing bottom braces is less complex because the upper teeth have already been aligned, and the lower teeth can now be moved into place.

The timeline for placing bottom braces varies depending on your individual treatment plan, but this is usually done after a few weeks or months of wearing the top braces. 

The amount of time it takes for the top teeth to align will depend on your specific dental needs.

What Happens After Both Sets of Braces Are in Place?

Once both sets of braces are installed, your orthodontist will work with you to monitor the progress and make necessary adjustments. 

The brackets and wires will be tightened periodically to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. 

Depending on your progress, the treatment plan may change, but the goal remains the same: to achieve a straight, healthy smile.

Example: You might need to wear rubber bands or other appliances to help guide the bite into the correct position. 

These additions will be used to help correct alignment and ensure that the top and bottom teeth work together as they should.

When Should You Expect Results?

Orthodontic treatment times can vary widely depending on your age, the severity of your misalignment, and the type of braces you have. 

On average, most people wear braces for 18 to 24 months. 

However, some individuals may require a longer treatment time, especially if there are more complex alignment issues.

After the braces are removed, you may need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why do orthodontists start with the top braces?

Orthodontists typically start with the top braces because the upper teeth have a greater impact on the alignment of the lower teeth, and they are easier to access.

2. How long does it take to place the top and bottom braces?

The process of placing both the top and bottom braces typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of your case. The total time to achieve full alignment varies.

3. Can I expect to see results immediately after getting braces?

While you may see some minor improvements early on, it typically takes several months to see noticeable changes as the braces gradually shift your teeth into position.

Conclusion

Orthodontists place top braces first because the upper teeth have a more significant influence on the overall alignment of the bite. 

By starting with the top teeth, the orthodontist can create a solid foundation for the rest of the treatment and achieve better, more efficient results. 

Understanding the reasons behind this step in the process helps you better appreciate how braces work to create a healthier, more attractive smile. 

If you have any concerns about your orthodontic treatment, it’s always best to consult with your orthodontist to ensure you’re on the right track.