Does Pulling out Good Teeth when Getting Braces Have Disadvantages in the Future?

Question

I'm 13 and may be getting braces soon. I have to pull out two of my teeth in order to make room for the other teeth.  So will pulling out the teeth cause certain disadvantages in the future?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Sometimes there just isn't any way around it, but most of the time permanent teeth don't need to be pulled.  It may take longer for treatment, but the end result is better.  Disadvantages to pulling teeth is that airways can be affected and facial aesthetics are altered.  TMJ issues are debatable, but there is strong opinions that pulling teeth leads to TMJ problems as an adult.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Sometimes there is  no choice but to remove 2 teeth on the top due to limited space.
In most cases though you have 2 choices. Either to remove teeth to gain space OR move the upper teeth back. I prefer a second option. It obviously avoids pulling teeth and discomfort associated with it. Treatment might take longer, but long term results are better.

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS · Answer

To answer your question directly, yes, there can be future negative consequences of having permanent teeth removed.  Traditional orthodontists believe that bicuspid extraction approach is best when teeth are crowded, however there can a better way to treat teeth like you have.  The problem typically is not that a person with crowding has too many teeth, or that the teeth are too big.  The problem is that they have narrow (underdeveloped) jaw structures.  If they are left narrow and underdeveloped, then teeth extractions become necessary in order to straighten the teeth.   By correcting the facial structures with special orthopedic expanders, the narrowness of the jaws can be corrected gaining space for all the teeth, thus eliminating the need for the teeth extractions.  With this approach the patient also end up with a much more full smile.  Other benefits like better breathing through the nose, healthier jaw joints (TMJ) and even better spinal alignment are possible with this approach as well.

Doug Depew, DMD, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Having teeth removed in order to straighten the teeth is sometimes necessary. Your orthodontist will carefully evaluate your case to be sure it is needed. They take into consideration things like the amount of crowding, the way the front teeth support the lips, and the amount of overbite.  In most cases there are few long term disadvantages.  Any disadvantages are more temporary - primarily dealing with the appearance of the space.  As your treatment progresses, the space will close.  And when your braces are taken off, you or anyone else will not be able to tell you are missing teeth without counting them.

Does Pulling out Good Teeth when Getting Braces Have Disadvantages in the Future?

Answers (4)

Answer: You will be fine.

Answer: You will be fine.

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Everything you need to know about Braces

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Does Pulling out Good Teeth when Getting Braces Have Disadvantages in the Future?

Answers (4)

Answer: You will be fine.

Answer: You will be fine.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

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