24 y/o, Do I need upper premolar extractions to correct overbite/overjet with braces? (photos)

Question

I'm 24, recently began traditional braces Tx to correct my bite. My ortho said I have about a 3mm overbite & overjet & that in order to recede the teeth far enough to correct this I need to extract 2 upper 1st premolars. I'm not 100% sure about this because of the potential negative side effects (breathing, TMJ, sunken face, unpleasant profile). I just want the best possible results for my case all things considered. I would like to get a second professional opinion on this matter. Thank you!

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

I would advise strongly against extracting bicuspids and retracting teeth. You have a beautiful, broad smile that would be ruined by extracting and retracting. You are also correct to be worried about the adverse effects on your airway. Remember, your face overlays your teeth, if you retract teeth you are also retracting your face. There is absolutely no argument that extracting bicuspids and retracting teeth would allow you to end up with an ideal overjet but at what cost? In my opinion, that cost would be far too high to justify this course of treatment.Good luck!

Raj Kumar, BDS, LDSRCS · Answer

You have a great set of teeth with some mild crossbite or crowding of the upper premolars. The overjet seems to be about 5mm.My advice woudl be arch expansion with some enamel stripping and Invisalign. I have done many cases such as this and worse without extracting teeth.

Hasan Othman, DDS, MS, PhD · Answer

I don't think any orthodontist can answer the question just by looking at these pictures.  If you are not comfortable with the treatment plan or extraction you can always seek a second or third opinion.  I assure you will get different ideas and treatment plan.  You just have to find the one that matches you expectations and you are comfortable with, good Luck.

24 y/o, Do I need upper premolar extractions to correct overbite/overjet with braces? (photos)

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24 y/o, Do I need upper premolar extractions to correct overbite/overjet with braces? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

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