Can you move bottom teeth?

[Tamiel34]

I have a gap on the bottom where I had a molar pulled when I was a teenager. My wisdom tooth came in on that side. My ortho said I would need and implant or a bidge because it's almost impossible to move those teeth in an adult. He wants me to have the wisdom tooth pulled to have an even amount of teeth on each side. I really hate the thought of having to pull a perfectly healthy tooth. I know I'm 35 and I'm not expecting to have it as easy as my 15 yr. old, but it is possible to move the bottom teeth? Has anyone had any gaps close on the bottom?

[phanta]

Hi Tamiel,
I had 3 molars taken out at different ages (10, 12 and 20). Before starting my treatment I had 1 more extraction, for an even number of teeth in all quadrants.

Before committing to my treatment, I went in for 5 consultations. Doctor #2 suggested spacing teeth out and putting in an implant. I was set against that and very happy I got more consultations.

There's a way for them to close molar gaps with microimplants which are titanium screws. Normally to change position of just one tooth, all others will be affected, too. Microimplants help move teeth even if all others are in a more-or-less OK relationship to each other. With microimplants your teeth are tied to the screws and rely on them for movement, and not so much on other teeth.
If you'd like, you can find more details about my treatment in my blog with pictures (don't want to sound like a broken record about my treatment )

[shoshiaf]

A lot of people have extractions and then get braces to move bottom teeth. I'm actually surprised that the ortho told you it was impossible. Teeth take longer to move as an adult, mainly because your jaw bones aren't growing anymore, but it is definitely possible to move teeth (bottom teeth included) as an adult.

Dozens of people on this board are also around the age of 35 and they can testify to this because several of them have had extractions on the bottom and are now wearing braces to close the gaps.

Sorry you received such a disappointing explanation from your orthodontist. I hope you find what you're looking for.

[phanta]

Shoshia,
that doctor #2 I consulted said that while it's possible to try closing my spaces, there's a high chance of my bottom teeth tipping inwards too much due to my lower jaw being bigger than the upper, or something like that.

I just think that not all doctors know new methods, and not everything can be treated in conventional ways.

[bracesafter40]

I have a gap on the bottom where I had a molar pulled when I was a teenager. My wisdom tooth came in on that side. My ortho said I would need and implant or a bidge because it's almost impossible to move those teeth in an adult. He wants me to have the wisdom tooth pulled to have an even amount of teeth on each side. I really hate the thought of having to pull a perfectly healthy tooth. I know I'm 35 and I'm not expecting to have it as easy as my 15 yr. old, but it is possible to move the bottom teeth? Has anyone had any gaps close on the bottom?

My Ortho had me pull my pre-molar (#21) on the lower left side as I need to have some movement on the bottom. Power chains will be applied later I'm told.
The extraction story is here - http://bracesafter40.blogspot.com/2007_ ... chive.html
The pictures are here - http://bracesafter40.blogspot.com/2007_ ... chive.html

I'm 41; age is no barrier.

[skyclad]

When I was pregnant with my son I had my last molar pulled due to decay, then when I was pregnant with my daughter I had the other last molar pulled for same reason. Then my wisdom teeth came in but pointing forward instead of up like normal. My ortho is going to try to pull them into the blank spots but made no promises as he said wisdom teeth were very unpredictable.

[dugsmom]

When I was a kid both of my lower 2nd molars were pulled. Since then my bottom teeth have drifted, a couple have rotated, and the last molar has tipped. My regular dentist does orthodontic work too so I asked him if he could fix my teeth. He did the exam and said that he could...that he'd pull the last molars into the empty spaces...
I decided to go to an ortho and he told me the same thing...that he would be able to fix my bottom teeth...he'd pull them into the empty spaces BUT he'd have to extract 2 of my upper bicuspids (one on each side). I also have a crossbite so I think that's why he'd pull those teeth (he'd only pull if I don't get surgery). So to answer your question, yes it is possible to move bottom teeth (at least that's what I was told).

[dena]

It doesn't seem like that's impossible, but it may be a balance thing--maybe he thinks the balance of your teeth will be upset with that particular molar gone. But you should definitely get another opinion if you don't want to go that way. It seems that with teeth, or all medical procedures, there is just one way to do it. I saw three orthodontists when I was deciding on braces and each one had a completley different plan for straightening my teeth.