Will Bicuspid Extraction Cause TMJ?

asked 1 year ago by 5375anon
Latest answer by Robert Waxler, DMD, MS
Question viewed 1,821 times
Tags: bicuspid, extraction, overbite, overcrowding, overjet, TMJ

After a number of consultations for braces (all recommended Damon), I have been informed by multiple ortho that the extraction of four bicuspid is necessary to adequately address my bite alignment (don't remember if its class I or class II malocclusion), and overbite/deepbite, overjet, crowding and bi-maxillary protrusion. But after doing a little bit of research online, it seems like such an extraction will cause TMJ? Is this true, even if the teeth were to be aligned properly after extraction?

5 answers to Will Bicuspid Extraction Cause TMJ?

Extracting bicuspids is RARELY the best treatment option

Extracting teeth would only be recommended if crowding is a major problem. However, extracting four bicuspids almost always creates excess space that requires upper front teeth to be pushed too far back and arch width to be decreased in order to close the excess space. You must also remember that your face covers the teeth so if you pull your upper front teeth back too far your lower face goes with it. This will often cause your nose to appear large. The doctor who moves your teeth... more

Brad Lockhart, DDS
Tustin Cosmetic Dentist

Bicuspid extractions can cause TMJ

If orthodontic extractions are recommended, it typically is because of either an overbite or crowding is present. Both crowding and overbites are the result of the upper jaw being too narrow. This also sets up the trapping of the lower jaw into a retruded position which is the primary reason for a TMJ Dysfunction to occur. If it is not corrected at the time of orthodontics, then the TMJ problem can surface later, potentially even years... more

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS
Denver Orthodontist

www.aotmj.com

Extractions do NOT cause TMJ.

There are multiple documented causes of TMJ disorders (TMD). The most common include a bad bite, stress, tooth grinding, trauma, and oral habits such as constant gum chewing. Extraction of one or more teeth is not among those causes. But if the extraction leads to teeth shifting (or being shifted by a doctor) in a way that the bite doesn't fit properly, than you could realistically develop TMJ symptoms. There are thousands of patients treated every day with... more

Doug Depew, DMD
Atlanta Orthodontist

www.depewsmiles.com

Extractions and TMJ

If the orthodontic treatment is well done there is absolutely no scientific proof that extraction of premolars cause TMJ problems. This does not mean that TMJ problems can not occur after extraction treatment but that this is no morelikely to occur than if the patient was treated without extractions. Unfortunately, some dentists and orthodontists use the fear of TMJ problems to promote their nonextraction orthodontic philosophy....when in doubt ask for the scientific proof of what... more

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS
Saint Louis Orthodontist

Extractions for braces is less common today

It used to be standard, pull all 4 first premolars and place braces. This practice is less common for a variety of reasons, including anecdotal evidence of TMJ issues and sleep apnea complications. Many orthodontists quote studies stating that teeth have nothing to do with TMJ issues, so it IS debatable. However, there are strong opinions against those studies, so one must decide for themselves. If your case is of severe crowding, then pulling teeth may be the only... more

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

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