Some people might think they can start braces immediately, and for some, that could be the case. However, others may need to take additional steps to ensure a solid beginning to their orthodontic treatment. Today, Mack Orthodontics will explain this question: Will I need to have my teeth extracted for me to get braces?
Breaking Down Extractions
First, let’s look at the two main types of extractions patients may need. Remember that our team doesn’t perform these extractions ourselves; instead, we’ll work closely with a local dental professional or oral surgeon.
1. Simple Extraction
- What It Involves: This procedure is performed when the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be easily accessed by a dentist. The tooth can typically be loosened and removed with minimal effort and recovery time.
- Common Reasons: Simple extractions are often needed for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or overcrowded but otherwise fully erupted.
2. Surgical Extraction
- What It Involves: Surgical extraction is required when a tooth is not easily reachable. It is more usually complex, requiring an incision, sectioning the tooth, or removing some bone.
- Common Reasons: Surgical extractions are commonly performed for wisdom teeth, teeth broken below the gum line, or teeth that have not yet erupted.
Do I Need An Extraction Before Braces?
The short answer is it depends. As with every element of your personalized treatment plan, Dr. Mack will discuss the decision regarding extractions with you and make it. Rest assured, this will be a well-informed choice, and our office has more experience with this manner of collaboration than most. Here are some common reasons why extractions might be recommended:
- Crowding: If your teeth are overcrowded and there isn’t enough space in your mouth to properly align them, we may recommend removing one or more teeth to create the needed space. This is often the case with premolars (bicuspids) before starting braces.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth, which haven’t erupted properly or are stuck in the jawbone, can interfere with your orthodontic treatment as your teeth try to shift into their desired positions. We can identify impacted teeth easily through x-rays. Many patients are initially made aware of this during their wisdom teeth extractions, but Dr. Mack might provide you with a head start!
- Alignment and Bite Issues: In some situations, extractions might be suggested to address severe bite issues like overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Removing certain teeth can improve overall alignment and significantly enhance your bite, especially if some teeth are protruding.
- Facial Aesthetics: Extractions may be considered to improve facial proportions and symmetry. This can be an effective and somewhat immediate way to achieve more balanced facial features.
- Tooth Damage or Decay: If you have a tooth or teeth that are severely damaged or decayed beyond repair, it may need to be extracted before beginning orthodontic treatment.
Explaining the Process
Mack Orthodontics is determined to prepare our patients for potential extra steps in treatment, including this one! So here’s a brief outline of what an extraction process might look like in the broader timeline of your orthodontic treatment with us.
- Assessment and Recommendation
- Evaluation: Our team will evaluate your dental structure and orthodontic needs to determine if extractions are necessary. If they are deemed beneficial for your treatment, we will proceed accordingly.
- Coordination with Oral Surgeons or General Dentists
- Referral: We will refer you to an oral surgeon for the extraction or, if appropriate, to your current general dentist. Rest assured, you will be well cared for throughout the process.
- Communication: Mack Orthodontics maintains close communication with our dental partners to ensure that extractions are performed in a manner that supports your overall orthodontic treatment plan.
- Post-Extraction Care
- Monitoring: After your extraction(s), whether simple or surgical, we will closely monitor your recovery and ensure that you have adequate healing time before resuming orthodontic treatment.
- Treatment Planning: We will then incorporate your post-extraction progress into your comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan to achieve a beautiful new smile!
Building a Strong Foundation
We know that the idea of having teeth removed can be daunting, but we hope this blog has clarified why extractions are sometimes necessary for optimal orthodontic results. If extractions are recommended, you can trust that Mack Orthodontics will handle the process with the highest level of care and expertise. Our practice is known for delivering outstanding results, and we would love to be a part of your orthodontic journey. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, visit us at our Burlington or Hillsborough office to start your smile transformation!