While some people can begin braces immediately, others may need to take additional steps, including certain procedures outside of our office, to ensure a strong start to their orthodontic treatment. Today, Thacker Orthodontics will explain this question: Will I need to have teeth extracted before braces?
What Are Extractions?
Let’s start by discussing the two main types of extractions that our patients might require prior to orthodontic treatment. It’s important to note that our team won’t perform these extractions ourselves; instead, we’ll work closely with a local dental professional or oral surgeon and walk you through the process.
1. Simple Extraction
- What It Involves: This method is used when the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be easily accessed by a dental professional for extraction. The tooth is typically loosened and removed with minimal effort and a quicker recovery time than a surgical extraction.
Common Causes: Simple extractions are often necessary for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or overcrowded but have fully erupted.
2. Surgical Extraction
- What It Involves: A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth is not easily accessible by your doctor. This can involve an incision, sectioning the tooth, or removing some bone.
- Common Causes: Surgical extractions are often performed for wisdom teeth, teeth broken below the gum line, or teeth that have not yet erupted.
Will I Need An Extraction Before Braces?
It’s possible, and you probably won’t be able to tell on your own! Like every aspect of your personalized treatment plan, the decision about extractions will be discussed with you and Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan. This final choice will be well-informed, and our offices have extensive experience in this area of collaboration. Here are some common reasons why extractions might be recommended:
- Crowding: If there’s not enough space in your mouth to properly align your teeth due to overcrowding, we might recommend removing one or more teeth to create the necessary room. This is often done with premolars (bicuspids) before starting braces.
- Facial Aesthetics: Extractions may be suggested to improve facial proportions and symmetry. This can be an effective and relatively quick way to enhance the balance of your facial features.
- Impacted Teeth: Teeth that haven’t fully erupted or are trapped in the jawbone can obstruct your orthodontic treatment by hindering the movement of other teeth. X-rays can help identify impacted teeth, and your doctor might address this issue early, sometimes even before wisdom teeth extractions.
- Tooth Damage or Decay: Teeth that are severely damaged or decayed beyond repair may need to be extracted prior to starting orthodontic treatment.
- Alignment and Bite Issues: In certain cases, extractions might be recommended to address severe bite issues, such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Removing specific teeth can improve overall alignment and significantly enhance your bite, especially if some teeth are protruding.
The Process of An Extraction
At Thacker Orthodontics, we are committed to ensuring our patients are fully prepared for every phase of their treatment, including any potential extractions. Here’s a brief overview of what the extraction process might entail as part of your overall orthodontic journey with us.
1. Assessment and Recommendation
- Evaluation: Your provider will start by evaluating whether extractions are needed based on your dental structure and orthodontic goals. If we determine that extractions will benefit your treatment, we will proceed with the necessary steps and planning.
2. Coordination with Oral Surgeons or General Dentists
- Referral: We will refer you to an oral surgeon or, if appropriate, your general dentist for the extraction. Rest assured, you will receive top-quality care throughout the procedure!
- Communication: Thacker Orthodontics will keep close communication with your dental care providers to ensure that the extractions are coordinated with and support your overall orthodontic treatment plan.
3. Post-Extraction Care
- Monitoring: After your extraction, whether simple or surgical, we will closely monitor your recovery to ensure you have sufficient healing time before resuming orthodontic treatment.
- Treatment Planning: Once you have healed, we will incorporate your progress into your comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan to help you achieve a stunning new smile!
Setting You Up for Success
We know that the thought of having teeth removed can be kind of scary, but we hope this blog has shed light on why it may be an essential step for some patients. If an extraction is necessary, we will oversee it with the highest level of care and precision.
Thacker Orthodontics is known in Ohio for achieving exceptional treatment results, and we look forward to being part of your orthodontic journey! Whether you’re a new or returning patient, we warmly invite you to visit us at our Cincinnati or Hillsboro offices.