While people may be able to start braces right away, others might need to take additional steps to ensure a strong start to their orthodontic treatment. This can include certain procedures outside of our office. Today, Ollins Orthodontics will explain some of our patient’s questions: Will I need to have my teeth extracted to get braces?
What Are Extractions?
Let’s begin by exploring the two primary types of extractions that our patients might need. It’s important to note that our team won’t perform these extractions ourselves; instead, we’ll collaborate closely with a local dental professional or oral surgeon and help oversee the process with you.
1. Simple Extraction
- What It Involves: This procedure is used when the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be easily accessed by a dentist. The tooth is typically loosened and removed with minimal effort and a quicker recovery time.
- Common Reasons: 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 required when a tooth is not easily accessible. This more complex procedure may involve making an incision, sectioning the tooth, or removing some bone.
- Common Reasons: Surgical extractions are often performed for wisdom teeth, teeth broken below the gum line, or teeth that have not yet erupted.
Do I Need An Extraction Before Braces?
It’s possible! As with every element of your personalized treatment plan, the decision regarding extractions will be discussed with you and made by Dr. Gabriel or Dr. Bruce. 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 to properly align them, we may recommend removing one or more teeth to create the necessary room. This is often done with premolars (bicuspids) before starting braces.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth, which haven’t fully erupted or are stuck in the jawbone, can interfere with your orthodontic treatment by obstructing the movement of other teeth. X-rays can easily identify impacted teeth. Your doctor might bring this to your attention early, even before wisdom teeth extractions.
- Facial Aesthetics: Extractions may be recommended to improve facial proportions and symmetry. This can be an effective and relatively quick way to achieve more balanced facial features.
- Tooth Damage or Decay: If you have teeth that are severely damaged or decayed beyond repair, they may need to be extracted before beginning orthodontic treatment.
- Alignment and Bite Issues: In some cases, extractions might be advised to correct 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.
Reviewing the Process
At Ollins Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to making sure our patients are well-prepared for every step of their treatment, including for potential extractions. Here’s a brief overview of what the extraction process might involve as part of your overall orthodontic journey with us.
- Assessment and Recommendation Evaluation: Your doctor will begin by assessing whether extractions are necessary based on your dental structure and orthodontic goals. If we determine that extractions will benefit your treatment, we will move forward with the process.
- Coordination with Oral Surgeons or General Dentists Referral: You will be referred to an oral surgeon or, if suitable, your general dentist for the extraction. Rest assured, you’ll receive excellent care throughout your procedure process.
- Communication: Ollins Orthodontics will maintain close communication with your dental care providers to ensure that the extractions align with and support your overall orthodontic treatment plan.
- Post-Extraction Care Monitoring: After your extraction, whether simple or surgical, we will carefully monitor your healing and ensure that you have enough recovery time before continuing with your orthodontic treatment journey.
- Treatment Planning: Once you’ve healed, we’ll integrate your progress into your comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan to help you achieve a beautiful new smile!
Setting You Up for Success
We understand that the idea of having teeth removed can be a bit scary, but we hope this blog has clarified why it may be a vital step for some patients. Rest assured, if an extraction is needed, we’ll make sure it’s done with the utmost care and precision. Ollins Orthodontics is known for delivering outstanding treatment results, and we’d love to be a part of your orthodontic journey! Whether you’re a new or returning patient, we invite you to visit us at our Nutley office.
