When can only the front teeth be straightened?
Partial orthodontics for the front teeth is possible when the molar bite is fine and the problem is only in the front teeth. Partial orthodontics attaches appliances to just a few front teeth and moves them a short distance.
- When one or two front teeth are slightly rotated or misaligned forward or backward
- When there are gaps between the front teeth
- Mild crowding, where trimming slightly between the teeth creates enough space
- When the front teeth have shifted back a little after previous orthodontics
When is partial orthodontics for the front teeth not possible?
If the cause of the crooked front teeth lies in the jawbone or the molar bite, partial orthodontics isn’t enough. If only the front teeth are forced into place, the upper and lower teeth collide or the teeth quickly shift back.
- A protruding mouth: teeth often need to be extracted and pulled back (Do teeth need to be extracted to correct a protruding mouth?)
- A deep bite, where the upper and lower front teeth overlap deeply, or an underbite, where the lower teeth sit in front
- Severe crowding with a large shortage of space
- When the molar bite itself is misaligned
How long does partial orthodontics for the front teeth take, and how much does it cost?
Partial orthodontics for the front teeth usually takes 3–8 months. The distance to move is short and fewer teeth have appliances attached, so both the timeline and the cost are lower than full orthodontics.
| Item | Wonjin Dental price |
|---|---|
| Orthodontic diagnosis | ₩100,000 |
| Partial orthodontics (MTA) | ₩1,800,000 |
| Clear aligners (Seraphin) | ₩2,500,000 |
| Retainer (fixed, clear, removable) | ₩300,000 each |
These are Wonjin Dental’s published fees as of September 2026, and cosmetic treatment items include VAT. Other items can be found in all fees.
How is space made for front tooth straightening?
Space for partial orthodontics of the front teeth is mainly created by trimming slightly between the teeth. Room is gained by thinly trimming about 0.1–0.5mm per contact point, or by tilting the front teeth slightly forward. If space is so short that teeth need to be extracted, partial orthodontics isn’t suitable. The amount trimmed is kept within the thickness of the enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth), so lingering sensitivity is rare.
When overlapping teeth are straightened, a small dark gap sometimes appears between the gums. It’s good to know this before starting: it can shrink as the gums fill in a little, and if it remains, there is also the option of filling the gap with composite.
Can I straighten my front teeth with porcelain veneers instead of orthodontics?
If the misalignment is very mild and the shape or small gaps are the main concern, porcelain veneers can also make the teeth look even. But aligning badly crooked teeth with porcelain veneers requires grinding that much more, so in that case we first move the teeth into position with orthodontics.
Wonjin Dental’s Brinate is placed on the teeth without grinding, so we don’t place it if the teeth protrude forward or if there is a skeletal protruding mouth. Moving the teeth into position with orthodontics first and then refining the shape often means touching the teeth less.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
Wonjin Dental is a clinic focused on front teeth, so in a front-tooth consultation we compare orthodontics, Brinate and tooth contouring in one sitting. After checking the molar bite as well with an orthodontic diagnosis, we tell you whether moving only the front teeth is enough.
If partial orthodontics fits, we guide you to partial orthodontics (MTA); if the whole bite is the problem, to full orthodontics or clear aligners. Orthodontics is handled by Dr. Soyeon Kim, our orthodontist.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a retainer after partial orthodontics for the front teeth?
Yes. Even teeth moved a short distance have the same tendency to shift back, so in many cases a fixed retainer is attached behind the front teeth or a clear retainer is worn at night.
Can I straighten only my lower front teeth?
Lower teeth can also be treated with partial orthodontics if the conditions are right. However, the lower teeth have less space, so more trimming between the teeth may be needed. Straightening the lower teeth also changes how they meet the upper teeth, so whether to treat them together with the upper teeth is decided at the diagnosis.
Does partial orthodontics for the front teeth hurt?
It is common to feel soreness for about 2–3 days after the appliance is attached or adjusted, and to find it uncomfortable to bite with the front teeth. It usually eases on its own, and in the meantime you can eat soft food with your molars.
