I've made a big decision....help me follow it through! PICS

[SapphireJen]

Hi there,

I was braced Mar 2006 - so it has almost been a year and my teeth have straightened out very well.

The problem is I have a overjet that has been made worse in the that time, so finally, even thought I thought I'd never say these words....

I have decided to have my four bicuspids extracted <CRY> This will apparently lengthen my treatment by approx a year.

I figure that I only have one chance to get this right, and my teeth are so huge anyway, I'm sure I won't notice a few gone once the gaps have closed.

A few questions -

1. I am dreading the extraction gaps. I have a very wide smile, so I'm sure my gaps will be more noticeable. Do you think this is possible?

2. Also with powerchains, anything you can do to avoid staining. I have wire ties at the moment, is there anything that is equivalent?

3. What changes can I expect to my profile?

Anyway have added some photos - these helped me make my decision.

Front front - not so noticeable in pics



Normal smile from side



With lips pulled back - hideous!!



Thanks in advance for your support!

[Kat]

Just a laymen speaking here but I think you are making the correct move.
I think from what I've seen in the past the extractions you won't have a problem with the gaps.
You know powerchains...clear or color ligs I would dread that color choice as well, I did hear a lady talking to the ortho about this same matter (She had her teeth extracted already) and he said he could rig up a couple springs and wires so she didn't have to use the powerchains. I guess he figured in her case all would be well.
Face changes, I would think not to much, my teeth are bucking/flaring out at the moment so they could place the bottom brackets and the only difference that I have because of this reason is my lips seem to have the pouty look a bit. Look like from your pics you have nice full lips and something tells me all will be great in the end for you with your decision.
You're on the right track.

[Lisa65]

Your teeth do look nice but I can see what you mean about the flaring. As you say your teeth look quite big so even with extractions you should still have a wide smile but without the overjet.

I would think that the front teeth should move back quite quickly to help minimise the extraction gaps once they have space to move, so hopefully you won't have big gaps for too long.

Good luck with it.

[nimo]

The thing about extraction gaps is that it's not the same as when you don't have braces and you have these huge holes in your mouth. People see your braces, and they know those gaps are there for a reason. Sure, they're not pleasant to have (I had two huge gaps, and now I'm down to one), but I find they're easier to deal with than my previously obnoxiously screwed up smile.

[Pirate Wench]

WOW....you made a huge decision! If your ortho has been included in the decision, then I think you have made the right one. Once your gaps are closed then the ortho will be able to work on your over jet. The extractions will give your ortho enough room to work everything.

I think the only profile difference will be a flatter look to your lips because your teeth push them out a bit now.

Good luck....

[wmastin]

The thing about extraction gaps is that it's not the same as when you don't have braces and you have these huge holes in your mouth. People see your braces, and they know those gaps are there for a reason. Sure, they're not pleasant to have (I had two huge gaps, and now I'm down to one), but I find they're easier to deal with than my previously obnoxiously screwed up smile.

Nodding in total agreement!

I had one tooth (#5 I think) pulled prior to braces due to a fracture. Braces partially went on, then I pulled the corresponding tooth on the other side. One week afterwards, they finished bracing the top and added power chains across the gaps. They really don't jump out at you like they would if you weren't in braces.

[Natalie]

i have to agree with nimo about the gaps without braces thing too. i had 4 extractions before my braces were put on because i was supposed to wear a removable appliance first. i hated having the gaps but i managed to speak and smile in a way that no one really noticed them, even my new boyfriend didn't notice for MONTHS and then he only noticed a gap at the bottom because i was sticking my tongue in it (don't ask haha). when i got the braces on i became much less self concious becaue like has already been said - if anyone notices the gaps they're obviously there for a reason. since i got my braces i started to smile much wider than before because i wasn't stressing about peope thinking i had teeth missing. the funny thing is though since this time i have noticed (or people have pointed out) other people with gaps that i would never have even noticed anyway if i wasn't so teeth obsessed now!

[storker]

you're making a BIG mistake. no question. long term, bicuspid extractions have a very negative impact on facial aesthetics and structural stability. there is more and more collaboration between orthodontists, osteopaths and chiropractors in managing the fallout from these type of extractions. by that i mean, neck pain, back pain, headaches, breathing problems and relapse over time that looks really bad. additionally, more information is pointing to the importance of having all of your teeth and good health. some orthodontists are even re-opening the gaps and putting in implants in order to resolve the chronic problems that can come from extractions!

my recommendation is to get a second, third or even fourth opinion; or until you find an ortho who can fix your problem without pulling teeth. bicuspid amputation is a very backward and out-of-date intervention!!!!!

look at the video on the damonbraces.com website that shows some of the problems from these conventional techniques.

[SapphireJen]

To everyone that replied - thanks for your advice and support.

I just want to say that I definitely did not make this decision on my own, it was guided my ortho. I would also like to add that all the orthos I went to (four of them) recommended extractions and only one dentist (without orthodontic qualifications) told me not to have extractions.

Storker, would like to know whether you are talking from past experience?
I would be interested in knowing if anyone else has experienced any of these side affects that you mention?

[MsViola]

Good luck sapphire. I think your smile looks great!! I hope everything works out for you. I will be watching to see how it turns out. I am going to be in the same position eventually and I don't know what to do. We are playing the "wait and see" game. As of today, if my teeth looked as good as yours when it comes my time I would ask the Ortho to do the best he could with the remainder of my overjet (it doesn't look hideous to me) and keep my teeth. Of course, I may change my mind as things go along. I just have a phobia of pulling teeth. I have just now consented to let them remove my wisdom teeth because 3 are impacted. Keep us posted.

Take care!

[MsViola]

Please excuse the double post!

[MsViola]

[nahky]

quote"storker"you're making a BIG mistake. no question. long term, bicuspid extractions have a very negative impact on facial aesthetics and structural stability. there is more and more collaboration between orthodontists, osteopaths and chiropractors in managing the fallout from these type of extractions. by that i mean, neck pain, back pain, headaches, breathing problems and relapse over time that looks really bad. additionally, more information is pointing to the importance of having all of your teeth and good health. some orthodontists are even re-opening the gaps and putting in implants in order to resolve the chronic problems that can come from extractions!

my recommendation is to get a second, third or even fourth opinion; or until you find an ortho who can fix your problem without pulling teeth. bicuspid amputation is a very backward and out-of-date intervention!!

Am I the only one that find this post from storker a tad odd? First post, joined today, and making big alarming statements. Anyways...

I commend you on taking on the steps to getting exactly what you want Jen. As everyone has said, your smile is looking awesome.

I remember i used to have teeth that flared out. The braces has really helped. several months of or years of braces for a lifetime of perfect smiles/teeth/bite, definately worth it.

You have nicely shaped teeth, it'll look good.

[ellebee]

Have you considered tooth shaping? If your teeth are made slightly narrower your flaring could be reduced.

I think you look fine as is. Who pulls back their lips that much?

If you have bicuspids removed, will your bite become off and will your top teeth clear your lowers?

Good luck whatever you decide.

Elle

[platinum]

Your teeth look very nice!
I would not remove any teeth and continue treatment....
I have read stories about gaps opening in other forums., Propably too much as I am not going to let anybody to extract healthy teeth!