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Tooth Extraction for Braces

By April 1, 2022 August 15th, 2023 No Comments
a dentist choosing the tool for work

Introduction

Sometimes it’s necessary to give up something in order to get something. If you desire a more appealing and straighter smile, this may be the case. Crowding happens when the dental arch has too many teeth. The most common cause of tooth misalignment is a lack of space.

Before braces can be used to remedy this, your orthodontist may need to clear space so that teeth may move, adapt, and remain straight. They may do so by extracting teeth. Those who wish to shift their teeth but don’t want them to be visible are good candidates for this operation. The pointed teeth behind your eyes are the most common candidates for
extraction.

The target teeth are usually removed before braces are applied. Your gums will be able to recover as a result of this. It’s
also an opportunity to save the bone that supported the removed teeth. This is because the stresses exerted by your teeth encourage bone formation when you chew. 

When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone is left without stimulation and is prone to shrink in size.

Overall, having teeth extracted for braces isn’t anything to be afraid of. In fact, there’s reason to rejoice since it
suggests the braces will perform considerably better.

Why is Tooth Extraction Needed for Braces?

Tooth extraction is required in certain orthodontic instances to provide the optimum outcomes, such as straight teeth and a healthy grin.

Pulling teeth is only done if it is absolutely necessary: before suggesting an extraction, your orthodontist will evaluate all other alternatives for achieving a healthy smile. Extraction is a very safe and efficient approach to help align the teeth correctly for people who have additional teeth or too much crowding to fit all of them in.

People are often apprehensive about having their teeth pulled. Your extraction experience will be pleasant and successful, allowing you to attain the healthy smile you deserve, thanks to careful monitoring from an experienced orthodontist and a skilled extraction technique by a certified dentist or oral surgeon.

a woman showing her braces

Ready for a confident, healthy smile?

You shouldn’t be alarmed if your orthodontist recommends removing teeth before you have braces installed. This is a quite common procedure that can make the braces experience so much better and effective for your mouth.

In reality, removing one or two teeth before getting braces allows the rest of your teeth to migrate into a new, straighter position.

a smiling teen boy with braces

Overcrowding

Your teeth may protrude if they are overcrowded. Teeth are often extracted and braces are worn to provide more room for your teeth to emerge through the gums. This is usually successful in youngsters under the age of 16, before their jawbone hardens to the point that it can no longer be adjusted.

What causes your teeth to be overcrowded? Scientists have also pondered this. For years now , studies have shown that our jaws are shrinking but our teeth remain full size.

The research says that humans used to chew on unprocessed or stone-ground grains a lot more, which resulted in huge, powerful jaws and worn-down teeth.

So, maybe our packed smiles are the consequence of improved dental hygiene and the consumption of softer prepared meals. It’s the cost of eliminating grit from your everyday diet. It’s a fairly common issue that millions of people encounter every year.

Repositioning

The location of your jaw may indicate whether you have an underbite or an overbite. Teeth extraction may be required if the bite is severely wrong. If braces are to get the job done of straightening your smile, your doctor might need to remove some teeth so the job can be effectively done.

The only options to fix overbite without braces would be to undergo orthognathic surgery or to use Invisible Aligners. 

Is It Safe?

Teeth extraction for braces is, in fact, quite safe. Orthodontists are well-versed in dealing with difficult instances that need tooth extractions. They will only allow the extraction of teeth that are absolutely required for developing a healthy, attractive smile and a proper bite. Only a small fraction of orthodontic cases need tooth extraction.

What are The Benefits?

If you have underlying dental issues that may impair the quality of your ultimate outcomes, there are several advantages to removing teeth for braces. One of the key advantages is that it gives your orthodontist more area to deal with when it comes to aligning your teeth. Removing teeth for braces may help you reach your desired results sooner, but our dentists will discuss this with you during your consultation and treatment.

a smiling young woman with braces visiting the dentist

By removing teeth for braces, you may be able to choose from a variety of braces for your therapy. Braces have gone a long way in recent years, owing to groundbreaking orthodontic treatments, and there are now a variety of solutions based on your desired outcomes and lifestyle. Traditional braces, which employ a metal bracket and wire, are still an option, but if you’re having your teeth straightened as an adult, you’ll probably prefer a more subtle choice.

Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?

You should not experience any discomfort during the extraction if you get local anesthetic. You may have some pain or discomfort after the anesthetic wears off, but this is readily addressed with over-the-counter pain relievers such Advil or ibuprofen. To promote optimal recovery, follow your dental professional’s instructions. Most uncomplicated extractions heal quickly, so the discomfort should subside in a day or two.

How Many Teeth Are Typically Removed?

If tooth extraction is required for braces or Invisalign therapy, your orthodontist will carefully determine which teeth and how many teeth must be removed. On average, they may extract one to four teeth depending on the condition of your mouth and the need for adjustment. Asymmetry instances, in which the teeth are not uniformly split in your face, sometimes need the removal of an odd number of teeth. The exact figure is determined on your circumstances.

a dentist holding a removed tooth in the pliers

Alternatives to Removing Teeth

Extractions are seldom recommended by orthodontists unless they are the only option. There are a few alternative options for making space in the mouth without having to remove teeth.

The most prevalent is a procedure known as palate broadening. To produce extra jaw space, a specific gadget is used to move and split the parts of the roof of the mouth apart. Because a child’s palate has not yet fused, this is a frequent procedure.

Adults may also benefit from it. If you’d prefer not have your teeth removed before obtaining braces, talk to your orthodontist about the options and their benefits and drawbacks before making a choice.

Conclusion

As you can see, having some teeth removed for your braces can be an important and helpful step in the process to finally having the sort of smile you have always wanted.

Removing teeth for braces is something that is commonplace and totally normal and done millions of times a year for all sorts of patients. And while there may be a little pain related to the healing process, the actual procedure itself it painless and easy and can be done within just an hour or two.

Ready for a confident, healthy smile?

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