Why do lower teeth get more crooked over time?
One cause often cited is the forward force of the molars concentrating on the lower front teeth. The four lower front teeth meet at the very front of the dental arch, and the molars push forward little by little throughout life. There are several theories, such as changes in gum tissue and slow rotation of the lower jaw, so we don’t pin it on one thing. Many people come in saying, “My lower front teeth overlap more every year.”
The lower front teeth are bathed in a lot of saliva, so tartar builds up easily, and when they overlap they are even harder to clean, which easily leads to gum inflammation. If there is no discomfort and the gums are calm, we may just monitor them, but if the gums swell often, I recommend aligning the teeth.
When is partial orthodontics for the lower teeth possible?
The common condition is that the molars already bite together well. The back must be stable so that moving only the front does not unsettle the whole arch. If one front tooth sticks out slightly, the crowding is mild, or there is a small gap, we align the teeth with partial orthodontics.
| What to check | Partial orthodontics | Full orthodontics |
|---|---|---|
| Crowding | Mild and limited to the front row | Misalignment extends to the molars |
| Bite | Molars are stable | Deep bite or the whole bite is off |
| Space | The jaw provides a little room | Not enough room within the bone |
When is it not okay to correct only the lower teeth?
If the upper teeth deeply cover the lower teeth or the bite itself is off, aligning only the bottom changes the path of closing, so the front teeth collide or shift to one side. If only certain teeth are moved when the jawbone lacks space, the neighboring teeth get pushed outward, and the gums can recede because the alveolar bone cannot hold up.
Pulling only the lower teeth can throw them out of line with the upper teeth. When a clinician narrows the scope out of ambition, it is ultimately the patient who bears the burden, so I don’t say it is always possible. How to thinly reshape between teeth when space is slightly lacking is covered in the article on interproximal reduction.
How long does partial orthodontics for the lower teeth take?
Mild crowding is usually aligned within 3–6 months. The degree of crowding, the space that needs to be made, and the condition of the alveolar bone decide the exact time. Pushing too fast or going too slowly both strain the gums. It is better to move the teeth with an appliance suited to each person, at the pace the bone can accept.
With clear aligners, you need to wear them around 20 hours a day, excluding meals and brushing. If that is hard to keep up, brackets are better. After treatment, teeth tend to move back to where they were, so a fixed retainer is often bonded to the inside of the lower front teeth.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
I don’t say it is partial orthodontics just from a photo of the lower front teeth. I start by looking at how much the upper front teeth cover them and whether the molars close together, then review an intraoral scan, a bite examination, and a CT if needed, before deciding between partial and full. If I judge partial treatment to be difficult, I recommend full treatment. Partial treatment is not easier than full treatment. The more the scope is narrowed, the greater the force the remaining teeth receive.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Orthodontic diagnosis | ₩100,000 |
| Partial orthodontics MTA | ₩1,800,000 |
| Clear aligners (Seraphin) | ₩2,500,000 |
| Fixed retainer | ₩300,000 |
Prices are as of September 2026, and other items are on the full fee schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Does orthodontics hurt a lot?
While the teeth are moving, they may feel sore or hurt for a few days at a time. When fewer teeth move over a shorter distance, as in partial orthodontics, the discomfort also tends to be less.
How long do I need to wear a retainer?
Teeth tend to move back to their original positions even after orthodontics, so the principle is to keep retention for a long time. A fixed retainer stays bonded and is checked regularly, and if it comes off or breaks, it is rebonded right away.
Can adults have partial orthodontics for the lower teeth?
If the gums and bone are healthy, it is possible regardless of age. If there is gum disease, that is treated first.
Are there food restrictions during partial orthodontics for the lower teeth?
If brackets are bonded, hard or sticky foods can knock the appliance off, so it is better to avoid them. Clear aligners are taken out for meals, and after eating you brush and put them back in.
