When people think about orthodontic treatment, they often picture straightening their top teeth, the ones most visible when they smile. But for many patients, crooked bottom teeth are just as important to address. At Beecroft Orthodontics, we frequently see patients who are happy with how their upper teeth look, but are concerned about crowding or shifting on the bottom.
So why does this happen—and is it worth fixing?
Why Do Bottom Teeth Get Crooked?
Your bottom teeth, especially the lower front ones, are small, tightly spaced, and work hard every day. Because of their size and position in the jaw, they’re more prone to:
Crowding as your jaw changes with age
Shifting due to wisdom teeth or late growth spurts
Relapse after braces (especially if a lower retainer wasn’t worn regularly)
Bite pressure from upper teeth pushing on them over time
In contrast, the upper teeth tend to be a little larger and are supported differently within the upper jaw, which often allows them to remain straighter—even if the lower teeth shift.
Why Focus on Just the Bottom Teeth?
You may be wondering: If my top teeth look fine, do I really need treatment for just the bottom?
Focusing on only the bottom teeth is a common and sometimes very reasonable option, especially for patients who:
Had braces years ago and only their lower teeth relapsed
Are experiencing mild or moderate crowding that’s slowly getting worse
Want to improve the overall balance of their smile without a full treatment plan
In some cases, we can offer limited orthodontic treatment that focuses exclusively on the bottom arch using either braces or clear aligners. This kind of targeted care is more affordable, less time-intensive, and still delivers meaningful improvements in both function and aesthetics.
However, it's important to remember that your top and bottom teeth work together when you chew, speak, and smile. So, before starting any lower-only treatment, we evaluate your bite to ensure aligning your bottom teeth won’t negatively impact your upper teeth or jaw function.
Why Straighten Your Bottom Teeth?
Even if your lower teeth aren’t the first thing people see, they still matter. Misalignment in the bottom arch can lead to:
Increased wear on certain teeth
Difficulty cleaning, leading to plaque buildup and gum issues
A shifting bite that affects your top teeth over time
Jaw discomfort or even headaches
And let’s be honest—your smile feels better when all of your teeth are in harmony.
How We Treat Crooked Bottom Teeth at Beecroft Orthodontics
We create customized treatment plans for every smile. For crooked lower teeth, options include:
Braces on just the bottom arch
Invisalign® Clear Aligners for targeted correction
In-House Clear Aligners for less severe cases
Wire adjustments and retainers for very mild crowding
You’ll get a full bite analysis during your free consultation, so we can make sure a bottom-only plan is right for you.
Your Smile Deserves Attention—Top and Bottom
Crooked bottom teeth may be subtle, but the impact they can have on your oral health and confidence is anything but. Whether your upper teeth are perfectly aligned or you just need a small adjustment below, we’re here to help.
📍 Beecroft Orthodontics proudly serves Fredericksburg, Stafford, and the surrounding communities. With flexible financing and a patient-first approach, we make it easy to take the next step.
Schedule your free consultation today
Let’s talk about your bottom teeth, your bite, and your best smile—top to bottom.
