Braces Q&A
72%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
33 Reviews
Bracesbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Braces Cost: $3,850

Learn about Braces

357 people and 119 doctors are talking about Braces

Get Free Email Updates

Can I Fix my Mild Crowding Without Extraction of Bicuspids?

asked 8 months ago by cara12 in london
Latest answer by Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD
Question viewed 822 times
Tags: crowded teeth, bicuspid, bruxism, extraction

i am 23 years old and cosidering getting braces for my crowded teeth so that my smile and face can be more symmetrical. so far i hav visited two orthos who say i need extraction yet i do not want to extract my healthy teeth. i plan on visiting other orthos to get a second opinion but i would like to know what you think. i've attached some pics of my teeth. my bottom row of teeth are perfectly straight with no crowding at all and my top teeth have a bit of crowding. ps: i grind my teeth at night

8 answers to Can I Fix my Mild Crowding Without Extraction of Bicuspids?

+3

Tooth extractions shouldn't be needed

There are very few situations where removing teeth is needed to correct mild crowding. There are ways to create the space needed to align teeth without removing teeth. Seek another opinion as I believe that removing the teeth could be detrimental. Some people don't believe there is a correlation between the bite and grinding but you say that you grind your teeth. Removing your teeth and retracting the remaining teeth to align them and close the new gaps... more
Martin Frankel, DDS

Toronto Cosmetic Dentist
+3

Mild Crowinding without tooth extractions

Short Answer: yes, you can treat a mildly crowded case with out extraction Long Answer: There is usually little reason to ever extract a tooth on a mildly crowded case, even if there is a bite issue. That said crowding is a factor as well as bite and overall aesthetic desired result when finally determining if teeth will be extracted or not. If you are even moderately crowded there are other ways to create space without pulling teeth.
Jacqueline Demko, DDS, MSD

Chesterfield Orthodontist
+2

No Extraction Needed

Congratulations on getting your teeth straightened. No extractions should be needed and you may be able to shorten the overall time in braces since the problem is not very severe. Keep them really clean, wear any elastics the need really well and you should be done before you know it. The pictures you included were really very helpful.
Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD

Phoenix Orthodontist
+2

Get Some More Opinions

I totally agree with the doctors below that in your case, extractions should not be necessary and may lead to spaces being left once the case is completed if the space you need is less than the size of the teeth being extracted. You should have a few more consultations with younger orthodontists or those that are well trained in non-extraction orthodontics before making any final decisions. Two things to keep in mind are that you may have a larger overjet (that is, the... more
Gary Nack, DDS

Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Crowing doesn't mean bicuspid tooth extractions are necessary

Follow me on this. Although traditional orthodontics accepts bicuspid extractions as necessary when crowding of the dentition is present, extractions are becoming less and less popular in recent years. This is for many reasons, but a primary one is that the public (patients) don't want extractions of good permanent teeth. Also evidence has shown that extractions can lead to many unwanted side effects. Orthodontists have worked hard at solving this... more
Kent Lauson, DDS, MS

Denver Orthodontist

www.aotmj.com

+1

Mild crowding and extraction

Mild crowding alone does not justify extraction. I like to treat my patients without extractions when possible. Some cases do require extraction to improve the bite or facial esthetics (lip and face balance).
Hasan Othman, DDS, MS, PhD

Lombard Orthodontist
+1

Mild Crowding without extractions

Yes. In fact, with our Damon system, you can correct mild to moderate and sometimes severe crowning without extractions of bicuspid. Extraction of four permanent teeth (bicuspids) used to be the standard of care in about 30% to 40% of our patient. However, now with the latest technology, the Damon system, we are now able to fit moderate or even severe crowning without having to take out permanent bicuspids. This allows for fuller broader smile that will last a... more
Ron D. Wilson, DMD

Gainesville Orthodontist
+1

Extractions for mild crowding

For a decision to be made more information would be necessary. I would look at your cephalometric x-ray to determine if your front teeth are flared forward. If that is the case I too would recommend extractions because I do not like crooked or straight teeth that appear "flared.'' In my office I would still considering non-extraction if the patient insists with the understanding that the teeth will be aligned but may appear "flared". more
Michael Minars, DMD

Miami Orthodontist

Ask a question