When people think about getting braces, they usually imagine a full set of brackets on all the teeth. But not everyone needs complete orthodontic treatment. Some individuals have only one crooked tooth, one tooth that’s slightly rotated, or one tooth that sticks out more than the others.
This often leads to the question:
“Can we get single braces for teeth?”
Or in simpler words:
“Is it possible to put braces on just one tooth?”
The short answer is:
Yes, you can get braces for a single tooth—but not in the way most people think.
While it is possible to correct one misaligned tooth, the treatment usually involves more than just putting a single bracket on that one tooth. Orthodontics relies on controlled forces, and that often requires involving multiple teeth.
This article explains everything you need to know about single-tooth braces, when they are recommended, how they work, alternatives, costs, and what to expect from treatment.
Is It Possible to Get Braces for Just One Tooth?
Yes, it is possible—but with limitations.
You can straighten one tooth, but:
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Orthodontists rarely attach braces to just one tooth.
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To move even a single tooth, they usually need to attach brackets and wires to at least a few surrounding teeth for support.
Why?
Because braces work by applying controlled pressure through an archwire. For that force to work effectively, the wire has to be anchored to multiple teeth—not just one.
Imagine pulling a single tree with a rope tied around just one weak branch. It won’t work. But if the rope is tied around several strong branches, the system becomes stable.
Similarly, braces need anchorage.
When Are Single-Tooth Braces Recommended?
Orthodontists may recommend single-tooth correction in the following cases:
1. One Rotated Front Tooth
A tooth that has rotated slightly due to crowding or shifting.
2. One Tooth That’s Slightly Forward or Backward
Sometimes one canine or incisor sticks out compared to others.
3. Minor Gaps Around One Tooth
If spacing is minimal and isolated.
4. Post-Relapse Correction
If a tooth moves after not wearing retainers, only one or a few teeth may need adjustment.
5. Slight Misalignment After Dental Work
For example, after losing a baby tooth early or after a filling that caused shifting.
How Do Single-Tooth Braces Work?
Even if only one tooth needs movement, braces usually involve:
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Brackets on that tooth
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Brackets on a few adjacent teeth
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A thin archwire
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Elastic bands or coil springs (if needed)
Why more than one bracket?
Because the wire needs support to apply force.
With only one bracket, nothing would happen—the tooth has no direction or anchor to move against.
Are Partial Braces an Option?
Yes.
If you don’t need full-mouth correction, you can get partial braces, which target only a section of your mouth.
Types of partial braces:
1. Upper Partial Braces
Used when only the upper front teeth need correction.
2. Lower Partial Braces
Used when only lower teeth need minor alignment.
3. Single-Arch Braces
Either the entire upper or lower jaw.
4. Limited Braces (Partial Front Braces)
Usually 4–6 teeth in the front.
Partial braces are commonly used for:
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Small gaps
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Slight crowding
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Minor rotations
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Post-orthodontic relapse
They provide faster results and are less invasive than full braces.
How Long Does Single-Tooth or Partial Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies depending on severity, but usually:
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Minor correction: 3–6 months
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Moderate correction: 6–12 months
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Severe single-tooth issues: Rarely more than 12 months
This is much shorter than full-brace treatment, which typically takes 1–2 years.
Do Single-Tooth Braces Hurt?
Just like regular braces, you may feel:
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Mild pressure
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Tightness
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Slight soreness
These symptoms are temporary and usually resolve within a few days.
Because fewer teeth are being moved, discomfort may actually be less compared to full braces.
Can Clear Aligners Straighten a Single Tooth?
Absolutely—clear aligners are often the best option for correcting one tooth.
Benefits include:
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Nearly invisible
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Removable
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Comfortable
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No metal brackets
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Customized to move only the teeth that need adjustment
Aligners can treat:
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A single crooked tooth
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One rotated tooth
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Minor gaps
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Slight relapses
Aligners use more detailed digital planning and can target individual teeth without braces.
Alternatives to Single Braces
Depending on your situation, you may not need braces at all. Here are common alternatives:
1. Clear Aligners
Great for single-tooth movement and relapse cases.
2. Dental Bonding
Fixes minor cosmetic issues like:
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Small gaps
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Slight rotation
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Uneven edges
Bonding does not move the tooth—it reshapes its appearance.
3. Dental Veneers
Used when:
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The misalignment is very slight
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The patient wants instant results
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Cosmetic improvement is the main goal
Veneers cover the front surface of the tooth but don’t move it.
4. Contouring / Enamel Shaping
Dentist gently reshapes the tooth to appear straighter.
Works only for very minor cases.
5. Retainers Only
If the tooth shifted slightly, a retainer may be enough to reposition it.
Single Braces vs. Full Braces: Key Differences
| Feature | Single/Partial Braces | Full Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth treated | Only targeted teeth | Entire mouth |
| Treatment time | 3–12 months | 12–24 months |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Minor issues | Complex issues |
| When used | Mild alignment | Major crowding/bite issues |
Can Single Braces Fix Bite Problems?
No.
Single-tooth braces cannot correct:
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Overbite
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Underbite
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Crossbite
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Open bite
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Severe crowding
These issues require full orthodontic treatment.
Single braces are meant only for cosmetic or minor alignment changes.
Are Single Braces Only for Adults?
No.
Both adults and teenagers can get single-tooth or partial braces, depending on the type of issue.
However:
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Adults often prefer clear aligners for single-tooth correction.
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Kids may require broader treatment because their teeth are still developing.
Cost of Single-Tooth Braces
The cost varies based on:
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Location
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Severity
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Type of appliance
General estimate:
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Partial braces: Lower than full braces
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Aligners: More than partial braces but more aesthetic
Even though only one tooth moves, the planning and appliances still cost money.
What to Expect During the Process
Here’s what your treatment journey might look like:
1. Consultation
Dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays or scans.
2. Treatment Planning
A plan is created to determine how the tooth will move.
3. Appliance Fitting
Depending on your case:
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Partial braces are attached, or
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Aligners are provided
4. Monthly Adjustments
For braces, you’ll visit for tightening and progress checks.
Aligners require fewer visits.
5. Retainer at the End
Once the tooth is in position, a retainer prevents relapse.
Relapse is common if retainers are not worn.
Benefits of Single-Tooth or Partial Braces
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Faster results
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Less noticeable
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Lower cost
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Less discomfort
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Short treatment duration
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Great for minor corrections
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Can prevent the need for full braces
Limitations of Single Braces
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Cannot fix bite issues
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Not suitable for severe misalignment
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May require multiple teeth to anchor movement
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Retainers must be worn afterwards
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Only suitable for selected cases
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can braces move just one tooth?
Yes, but supporting teeth are needed to anchor the movement.
2. Do single-tooth braces work faster?
Yes, treatment is usually shorter because only one area moves.
3. Can aligners fix only one tooth?
Yes. Aligners are often the best choice for isolated alignment problems.
4. Is the process painful?
Mild discomfort is normal, but it’s temporary.
5. Will the tooth move back after treatment?
It might if you don’t wear retainers consistently.
6. How long does correction take?
Anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on the issue.
Final Verdict: Can We Get Single Braces for Teeth?
Yes—you can correct a single tooth using braces or aligners.
However, most cases require partial braces rather than literally placing a bracket on just one tooth. This ensures proper anchorage and control over tooth movement.
If you have:
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One crooked tooth
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One tooth out of alignment
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Minor spacing
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Slight rotation
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Post-relapse shifting
…then single-tooth orthodontic treatment is absolutely possible and often very effective.
The best way to know which option suits you—partial braces, clear aligners, veneers, or bonding—is to consult an orthodontist who can evaluate your bite, jaw alignment, and dental structure.
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