Are there alternatives to having teeth removed for braces?

Are There Alternatives to Having Teeth Removed for Braces?

When you’re thinking of getting braces or Invisalign to have your teeth straightened, it’s possible that your orthodontist will recommend to you that you have one or more teeth removed in order to accommodate the application of braces. While the extraction of a tooth is a procedure that’s typically used in order to save the tooth in question, this procedure can also be applied to orthodontic treatments in certain situations. Having a tooth removed is never something that a person looks forward to, which is why you may want to be aware of any alternatives that will allow you to avoid having your teeth removed.

Situations Where an Orthodontist May Remove Teeth for Braces

When you are attempting to have your teeth straightened with braces or an Invisalign treatment, it’s possible that your orthodontist will tell you that the only way for you to be able to have your teeth straightened with braces is by first having one or more of your teeth removed. The most common reason as to why this procedure is recommended by an orthodontist is because of overcrowding, wherein the teeth are too close to each other, resulting in you or your child’s teeth being protruded. By extracting a tooth, this provides your teeth with more room for them to erupt properly. If your lip position isn’t ideal, your orthodontist might also recommend that a tooth is extracted in order to improve the overall appearance of your lips.

Another common situation where a tooth removal may be recommended by your orthodontist is due to an imprecise jaw position that’s so severe that your bite is substantially off. The removal of your tooth in this instance is likely the best option to prepare you for braces. By far the most prevalent reason for the removal of a tooth when preparing for braces is in order to create the proper spacing for these braces, which allows the orthodontist to move the teeth to their proper positioning. The extraction of a tooth also provides the orthodontist with the ability to correct various flaws around the teeth that would otherwise be impossible to accomplish if all of the teeth were left in. While there are a variety of alternatives to having one or more teeth removed when preparing to obtain braces, a tooth extraction may be the preferred option for you.

If you have questions about the removal of your teeth and if any alternatives can be used in place of this method, the best source of information will be your orthodontist, as they will be able to identify all treatment options open to you as well as whether one would be more effective than another, which is important advice to listen to when the end goal is having your teeth straightened. It’s also important that you don’t avoid having your teeth straightened with braces or Invisalign due to the need for a tooth extraction or similar procedure, as the issues within your mouth may only worsen over time if left untreated.

The Usage of Dental Surgery As an Alternative

One of the primary reasons that you may wish to opt for a tooth removal when recommended by your orthodontist is that the main alternative that can be used in place of an extraction is that of dental surgery. There are a wide range of dental surgeries and procedures that can be used for the correction of the majority of issues that tend to call for a tooth removal. For instance, there are many times where a pronounced overbite can be more readily corrected with surgery than with any other treatment option, as this surgery involves either the sliding of the top row of teeth backwards or the moving of the jaw forward. If you’re wary of having a surgery done on your teeth, opting for a tooth extraction may be preferable to you.

If the reason for the tooth extraction is to make more room for the eruption of other teeth when preparing for braces, you may want to consider a dental surgery that’s known as tooth slimming, which is an extensive process that calls for the grinding of your teeth on both sides so that these teeth can be slimmer and will afford your other teeth more room to grow. This occurs naturally with everyone, but you may want to consider this type of procedure if your child needs braces and this procedure would allow for that. There are also instances when the orthodontist will recommend that a temporary anchoring device is placed over your teeth to help provide enough pressure to move your other teeth to their proper position. Although this option isn’t for everyone, it can be used in placement of a full tooth extraction.

There are also times when these surgeries could allow you to avoid braces altogether, while the removal of certain teeth in your mouth by your orthodontist typically only corrects the immediate problem wherein you will still require braces in order for your teeth to be properly straightened. In general, the best way to identify which of these options is best for you is to first speak with your orthodontist and make sure to ask any questions you have that would help to ease your worries.

Call Marin Ortho Today

If you live in Larkspur, Calif., then you can schedule an appointment at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics where we have three orthodontists to help you, including:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will have a consultation with you to discuss your treatment that might include:

• Braces – WildSmile brackets and wires in fun colors
• Damon Clear – clear brackets
• Retainers – to keep teeth in place after treatment
• Invisalign – customized plastic aligners

Our patients are treated using the Wow Smiles system that creates a unique smile for your face. Call us today at 415-459-8006 to schedule your first appointment.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200 Larkspur, California 94939

Phone

415-459-8006