Thinking About Getting Braces w/ Extractions

Message

#1 Post by **KLC** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 8:46 am

Hi Everyone!

I am in my early 30's and thinking about getting braces (for the 2nd time). I have seen a couple of different orthodontists already who have all said the same thing... 4 extrations (one on each side... the tooth next to each "canine" heading towards the back of my mouth) and braces for probebly 18-24 months (it is just me or has everyone been told in their initial consultation 18-24 months? lol).

I wanted to see if anyone else on here had 4 extractions and how it fit in with the braces? Did you get the braces on first and then the extractions or did you get the teeth removed first? And how did it effect your speech? I have a job where I talk to people all day long, don't want to sound like I am learning how to speak for the first time

Lastly, anyone on here from the Washington, DC area? I would love to get a recommendation for an orthodontist.

Thanks so much, seems like a GREAT group!!

#2 Post by **Broham** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:33 am

Hey KLC,

I am having extractions done for my braces this afternoon. I am getting the braces put on Monday. I will tell you how it went!

Good luck!

Amy

#3 Post by **KLC** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:55 am

I'm not sure which I am more impressed with... the fact that you are doing it or that you found someone to perform the extractions on a Saturday! How many teeth are you getting extracted?

Please let me know how it goes and I wish you the best of luck!!

#4 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 11:10 am

I had my 1st pre-molars extracted and then braces. My initial estimated treatment length was 36 months. But it looks like I may have an early release. Not sure how early though.

#5 Post by **sparkles** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 11:43 am

Hi KLC
I didn't have 4 teeth extracted but I did have one top premolar extracted. My orthodontist said to get the extarctions done at least 2 weeks before braces went on. It actually worked out something like 3-4 weeks as I had exams 1-2 weeks before braces.

First few days of braces, my speech was a bit lispy. And since then I've had the odd day, like yesterday, where my speech went off (teeth must've been moving or something) but it settles and no one has misunderstood me yet.

Good luck!

Fay

#6 Post by **KLC** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 12:08 pm

Thanks for the great responses everyone!

Miss Smiley, I hope you do get an early release! That sounds like the greatest gift ever!

Fay, thanks so much for the information! Not sure how I feel about having 4 gaping holes in my mouth with nothing to somewhat cover it (like a wire) for 2 weeks but I guess it just comes with the territory!

This group is great. I have been joking with my friends that I was going to start a local support group but I feel like I will get enough support from everone on here!

#7 Post by **Broham** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:32 pm

Hello all!

I had my extractions done this afternoon and I'd like to report that all is well. I have virtually no pain (my headache this morning was worse!) and it only took the dentist 20 min to do. It does feel strange to have four big holes in my mouth but now I am excited to see the changes that are to come!

Thanks,

Amy

#8 Post by **Faerydust** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 8:05 pm

I had my extractions done after my braces were on. Had 2 upper premolars and 2 lower wisdom teeth out. The gaps left by my extractions do not affect my speech.

It's my 2nd time in braces too! My ortho said my treatment is probably going to take 24 months minimum.

#9 Post by **OhNicole** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 8:25 pm

I haven't had my teeth out yet but the plan is for upper 1st bicuspids and lower 2nd bicuspids to come out after braces are on. My braces go on in two weeks and I don't have an extraction date yet. I'll keep you posted if you're still considering it in a couple weeks.

#10 Post by **KLC** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:44 am

Once again, thanks everyone for your replies!

Amy- congrats on the successful extractions! How are you feeling today? Hopefully still no pain!

I am happy to hear that some people did get their braces on first and then got their teeth extracted. Any sort of camoflauge (even if it just a wire) will help me feel better with this whole process.

I am kicking myself... if I had just done this whole thing when I first started thinking about it, I'd practically be done by now. Isn't that the way it always is, though!

Thanks again everyone! Enjoy the rest of the weekend and stay cool (it's in the high 90's here!)

#11 Post by **Broham** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:51 pm

Hello all!

More than 24hrs after my extractions and I feel fine, not much pain. I was quite hungry this afternoon but I have had a decent soft food supper and am feeling better. Now I just have to look forward to the braces tomorrow!

Thanks,

Amy

#12 Post by **CCS56** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 10:32 am

Hi KLC! I'm in a similar situation to you - late 20's, needed braces for a 2nd time, and 4 premolars extracted. I had my extractions 8 weeks ago, then was fitted with braces 2 weeks later. The extractions definitely affected my speech for the first week - mostly because the extraction sites were very tender. After 2 weeks, I pretty much adjusted back to normal, then got braces and started lisping again for another 2 weeks.

#13 Post by **KLC** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 5:25 pm

Hi Everyone!!

Amy- I am so glad you were doing ok last night after your extractions on Saturday. How did today go??? I hope everything went well and that you are feeling ok! Just think... you are two HUGE steps closer to being done!

CCS56- Thanks so much for the message. I am afraid that I won't be able to talk properly either! I have the great advantage of being able to work from home when need be, maybe I can stretch it out for two weeks- lol! How was it having the holes in your mouth without braces?

Thanks for sharing everyone!

#14 Post by **lilypea** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:46 pm

I'm relieved to hear that other people have had braces put on before their extractions as well.

I got my brackets on Monday (without archwires) and will be having 4 bicuspids removed. My ortho's reason for putting brackets on first was to make doubly sure that the oral surgeon didn't remove the wrong teeth, as I'm having 3 first bicuspids and 1 second bicuspid removed (it has a filling and is thus weaker). I was a little irritated that I'd have to tolereate the brackets and bands poking around my mouth for a month for no major reason, but I guess it's not so atypical. I'm just so anxious to get it all going!

Thanks!

#15 Post by **KLC** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:45 pm

So I had my first real appointment today, the appointment that says, "OK, I am doing it and you are going to my orthodontist!" (I saw about 4 different orthos, hoping someone would give me a different diagnosis, no such luck!)

I found out today the plan is to put brackets on first, then the wires on a week later and not do the extractions for a couple of months. He said he likes to wait.... to make sure people were certain they wanted to go through with the extractions once they had some time to get used to the braces. It's easier to take the braces off than to fill the holes

He said I could do clear brackets on the top and on bottom but would probably only do them on the teeth that show when I talk and smile, metal on the back teeth. He said I could always switch from clear to metal on the bottom (my bottom teeth tend to show more when I talk) if I decide to. No cost difference and no real time difference.

It all sounds like a decent plan to me but did anyone else get their brackets on first and then wires a week later? I understand why but I almost think that is going to look worse, just brackets. Oh well, I really need to let the appearance thing go, it's going to get worse before it gets better- lol!