My son is 6 years old and has a slight underbite. His dentist has suggested extracting the top 4 teeth and 2 of the bottom teeth (he has already lost the front 2 bottom teeth). Is this a common practice? What do you suggest as the treatment?
Answers (2)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Based on just those three photos alone I can't advise you one way or another, but I can tell you a bit about some of the concerns you voiced:
Can't Smile Big - Part of what you might be describing might the dark spaces on either side of your teeth between your lips when you smile...
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...
The orthodontic treatment is first to align teeth and prepare you for jaw surgery. Then the jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is completed. Following a 6-week healing period, the final orthodontic movements are completed. At this tiime, it is ok to proceed with implant replacement of the...