Are Extractions Necessary for Smaller Mouths Needing Braces?

One would think that in 2020 the old dental question of whether or not tooth extraction for orthodontic purposes would be better answered by now, however, “to pull the tooth or not pull the tooth, that is the question!” To this day there are still orthodontic factions that are split between these two choices.

The choice however is purely personal and should be open and honestly discussed between doctor and patient after a thorough oral examination has been conducted and fully analyzed. Although a doctor’s recommendation is most likely the best course, patients do have a say.

In today’s modern world, is tooth extraction really necessary? Sometimes, yes, it is. Although technology and advancement in medicine has come a long way in the past few decades, there are still somethings that older remedies still work the best for. Sometimes extraction for a tooth is needed because your mouth has become severely overcrowded. Too many teeth may not all be able to fit inside the dental arch and extraction then becomes a necessity. Remember, proper teeth alignment has to have enough space and room for teeth to move over to their final destination.

Another reason extraction may be needed is from a misalignment between the upper and lower jaw, causing the patient to have an overbite or underbite. In extreme instances, to allow the proper position of alignment between the two, a removal of one or two teeth may be needed to counter the bite asymmetry. Some patients find that they need to undergo corrective surgery on their jaws to fix their bites and enhance their aesthetic results after braces, however, most of the time surgery could have been avoided with extraction. If you also have a highly protruding tooth, a diseased tooth, teeth that may have been fused to the bone, or even those born with extra teeth (yes it happens!) your doctor may discuss the possibility of extraction with you.

No two cases are ever the same and you feel comfortable with anyone that is dealing with your health and well-being. Make sure to discuss with your orthodontist openly and honestly about any questions or concerns you may have.

There are still some doctors who are against extraction for many reasons such as it can compromise the smile and facial features of a profile. Teeth are responsible for supporting muscles in the face, by pulling too many teeth, it narrows and flattens the face. You may also be extending the life of orthodontic treatment by using extraction as it takes even more time for teeth to reposition and align thanks to having to move a much further distance apart. There are alternatives to tooth extraction for orthodontic care such as headgear and expanders that fit up into the roof of your mouth.

In short, to answer the question, yes and no. In some cases tooth extraction is the right course in treatment, but in others it should probably be avoided at all costs. If you are looking for your Orlando orthodontist, look no further than Baptiste Orthodontics!