Some people assume they can just jump right into getting braces, and they might be right. But for others, there are some additional steps that need to be taken to lay a strong foundation for orthodontic treatment. Today, Innovative Orthodontics will answer the following question: Will I need to have my teeth extracted before braces?
Understanding Extractions
First and foremost, let’s examine the two distinct types of extractions that patients can be candidates for. It’s important to note that our team usually won’t be performing the extraction, but we will collaborate with a local dental professional.
1. Simple Extraction
- What It Means: This type of extraction occurs when the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be easily accessed by a dentist. This usually means the tooth can be loosened and gently removed quite quickly.
- Common Reasons: Simple extractions are often necessary for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or overcrowded but still fully erupted.
2. Surgical Extraction
- What It Means: A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is not easily accessed. If the tooth has broken off at the gum line, is impacted (lodged in the jawbone or under the gums), or has not fully erupted, this can necessitate a surgical extraction. This can be more invasive, requiring an incision, cutting down the tooth, or bone removal.
- Common Reasons: Surgical extractions are common for impacted wisdom teeth, teeth that are broken below the gum line, or teeth that have yet to erupt.
Do I Need An Extraction Before Braces?
The short answer is maybe. As with every other aspect of your custom treatment plan, this type of choice will be discussed with you and determined by Dr. Waters or Dr. Clayton. We can promise you that it will be a highly informed decision. Here are some of the typical reasons extractions might be recommended:
- Crowding: If your teeth are crowded and we don’t have sufficient space in your mouth to align them correctly, our Innovative Orthodontics team may recommend removing one or more teeth to create the necessary space. This is a fairly common reason for extractions prior to applying braces, particularly for the premolars (bicuspids).
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth are another common concern. These teeth haven’t erupted properly or are stuck in the jawbone, and can cause some issues during your treatment process. We can determine if teeth are impacted through x-rays.
- Alignment and Bite Issues: In some cases, we may suggest extractions to resolve severe bite issues, like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Sometimes, having certain teeth taken out can help achieve a better overall alignment and drastically improve your bite, including when they protrude from the mouth.
- Facial Aesthetics: Sometimes, extraction is about enhancing facial proportions and symmetry. It can be an effective means of making a dramatic change.
- Tooth Damage or Decay: If a tooth is significantly damaged or decayed to a point where it cannot be restored, we might need it to be extracted before starting orthodontic treatment.
Visualizing the Process
Innovative Orthodontics wants to try to prepare our patients for many outcomes, including this one! So here’s a brief outline of what an extraction process might look like in the timeline of your orthodontic treatment.
- Assessment and Recommendation
-
- Evaluation: Our doctors will initially assess whether any extractions are necessary based on our evaluation of your anatomy and our orthodontic goals. If we believe it will benefit your orthodontic treatment, we will move forward with initiating an extraction.
- Coordination with Oral Surgeons or General Dentists
-
- Referral: We will refer you to oral surgeons who perform the extractions, or we might even send you to your existing general dentist. Either way, you’ll be in great hands.
- Communication: We work closely with our dental colleagues to make sure that extractions are performed in a way that supports the overall orthodontic treatment plan.
- Post-Extraction Care
-
- Monitoring: After your simple or surgical extraction(s), we will monitor your healing process and take the proper amount of time before resuming treatment.
- Treatment Planning: Finally, we will integrate your post-extraction alignment into your broader orthodontic treatment plan to ensure the best possible results.
Making Space
Extractions aren’t always necessary, and it depends a lot on your personal dental development and what we’re trying to achieve with braces for you. But rest assured that if it is necessary, we’ll ensure it’s done right. Innovative Orthodontics is renowned in our region for excellent service, and you’ll get to experience that firsthand! You can come visit us at our Savannah, Rincon, or Pooler office.