4 Premolar Extractions. Is there anyway to expand my mouth so I can breathe better?

Question

I had 4 Bicuspids extracted for braces when I was 14-15 (currently 18) . I currently have a couple of problems with my health. I have a collapsed arch/narrow smile and to make matters worse 4 of my wisdom teeth are coming in , shifting my teeth . I was wondering is there anyway to expand my mouth so I can breathe better? Can my wisdom teeth substitute my previous molar extractions ? Surgery makes me really uneasy . Is it possible to push the teeth forward and is this an good idea? -Thanks.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

Unfortunately, yours is a very common problem with bicuspid extraction orthodontics. The bad news is that your medical problem will only get worse over time. The good news is that your collapsed airway can be addressed but it must be done by a doctor who understands the relationship between tooth movement and airway/TMJ health. Not every doctor understands this relationship (clearly the one who extracted your four bicuspids didn't). Look for a doctor who can speak to your specific problem and you should be able to fix your medical condition before it gets any worse.Good luck!

4 Premolar Extractions. Is there anyway to expand my mouth so I can breathe better?

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