I've had braces I'm not so pleased with the results. My teeth are perfectly straight but I still have somewhat of an overbite?

Question

my orthodontist say that if i want my top teeth to go back more i have to take FOUR TEETH out and that that is the only way. im 13 and ive had my braces for three years.... also my retainer does not fit anymore because i stopped wearing it should i be concerned

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

In all likelihood your overbite is not the result of protruding upper teeth but rather a retrusive lower jaw. This of course would have to be verified by your doctor but overwhelming percentages are in favor of a retruded lower jaw vs. protruding upper teeth. A retruded lower jaw can be easily brought forward thus eliminating your overjet; which you call an overbite (your orthodontist would never recommend extracting teeth to correct an overbite). This is easily done with a simple removable appliance. Three years in braces and still not finished should rarely if ever happen. Good luck!

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

Hate to hear that you have been in braces for 3 years and still not done!  Nowadays there is an extreme trend in orthodontics to avoid tooth extractions at all cost...even when they really should be done.  This can lead to excessive protrusion of the anterior teeth and an unstable result.  As much as I like to avoid extractions sometimes it is the right thing and the ONLY way to retract protrusive teeth.At this time I would get a second opinion (avoid any doctor who says he or she never extracts teeth and has some secret way of doing orthodontics...extractions are just a tool..used correctly for the right problem it is the right thing to do

I've had braces I'm not so pleased with the results. My teeth are perfectly straight but I still have somewhat of an overbite?

Answers (2)

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I've had braces I'm not so pleased with the results. My teeth are perfectly straight but I still have somewhat of an overbite?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.