Limited (Partial) Braces in Utah

Limited (Partial) Braces are an efficient and cost-effective treatment option for correcting specific dental concerns in children during early development. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we recommend partial braces when only a small number of teeth — often the front upper or lower teeth — require adjustment, rather than full-arch correction.

Often used as part of Phase I Orthodontics, limited braces focus on short-term intervention to fix problems before they escalate. This can include spacing issues, slight misalignments, or early crowding. By addressing these concerns while the jaw is still growing, we can improve both aesthetics and oral function — while reducing the need for more extensive treatment later.

Unlike comprehensive braces that involve brackets on all the teeth, limited braces are applied only to a select area of the mouth. This may involve:

• The four to six front teeth
• Only the top or bottom dental arch
• Teeth adjacent to newly erupting permanent molars
• A combination of baby and adult teeth in transitional dentition

This approach offers the flexibility to correct key issues in growing children while their bite is still evolving. It can also be used to prepare the mouth for other treatments, like space maintainers or habit appliances, when alignment must be addressed first.

Once our orthodontic specialists determine that limited braces are the right solution, we will:

1. Take diagnostic X-rays and digital impressions
2. Apply brackets to the designated teeth
3. Monitor progress through regular adjustments (every 4–6 weeks)
4. Remove the braces once alignment is corrected
5. Provide a customized retainer or holding appliance to preserve results

This process is tailored to your child’s stage of dental development, and it complements other elements of Phase I space and growth management.