Regretting extractions

[willyw]

I'm a 31 year old man who got braces 3 months ago to fix a relatively minor issue with one croocked side incisor in my upper mouth. Basically all the other teeth, as well as the bite, was perfect as it was. The orthodontist was unsure about the need for extractions, as it was only a matter of 1 mm of space needed. He decided for it though, and I regrettably didn't question his decision at all (I got second thoughts the day before the extractions, but then I felt it was too late). So I went ahead and extracted two first pre-molars.

After some research this seem completely unneccessary. Making 1 mm of space should be easy with some shaving, right? He didn't even mention the possibility.

Now that I've had the extractions the consequence look completely out of proportion to the original problem. In fact the original problem tooth is already nicely in line with the others now, and the reason I need another year+ with braces are these huge extraction gaps

I'm not even sure how he'll manage to close them, as I don't have any overjet to speak of. And I'm also concerned about the aesthetic consequences.

What do you guys think? Could it have been a good decision to extract? The dentist seem very "old school".

Obviously I'm just gonne have to go through with this now anyway, but I just needed to vent a little. And also advise anyone else contemplating braces to do some research and question things before proceeding with extractions.

W

[kirjax]

I do have to say alot of "old skool" dentist will opt for the extraction because it's a lot of what they did in the past. My first consult the guy was about mid 60's and suggest 4 extractions. Next consult ortho was in his 40's and opted for no extractions. I was told there was a possibility I'd need to have IPR (which is the shaving) in between the teeth to make room but I haven't had that. If you saw how crooked my bottoms were u would be shocked to know I didn't have anything done! Even I was! So I guess the answer is no extractions are not always necessary that's why numerous consults are always better. But it is what it is now so I guess you just have to suck it up. A year will pass quickly and in the end I am sure it will all work out fine.

[danish]

why don't you tell your ortho that you are worried and ask him the questions mentioned here: 1) what were the reasons for extractions and 2) how does he intend to close the extraction gaps in your upper mouth with only little room to do so . These are reasonable questions. Unless he is a fool he should be able to give you some satisfactory information. If he is unwilling/unable to elaborate or if you don't trust him any longer I would be looking for a new ortho. After all, it's your teeth (and your money).

Orthodontics can be a complex matter, so sometimes the obvious solution in the eyes of an non-expert to a specific problem may not be the best solution in terms of securing the best and most satisfying end result. I know that I sometimes have been wondering why my ortho did this and not that at adjustments. However, so far he has been able to provide me with satisfactory information and not given me any reason to distrust his abilities and knowledge.

Good luck

Danish

[UGHBRACES]

Are your wisdom teeth in yet?

[isobelleo]

Hi Willy... not an expert, and I think you probably need an expert opinion, but when I was a teen I was told if I wanted a brace I'd need 4 extractions. So I didn't get it done.

I'm now 27 and having the inman aligner fitted soon, and my dentist made a point of telling me that while extraction was an option if using conventional braces, it'd be a last resort because saving healthy teeth is their guiding principle.

I'm having IPR done to take 1mm in total from the edges of my 4 front teeth. I would seriously question your dentist's decision to remove teeth, but like I said, he's the professional, not me. I'd have been far too much a wuss to consider extractions anyway, though!

[Wobblydeb]

Good post by danish. Definitely ask the questions - you may get very valid answers as to why he is following this course of action. Hopefully it will set your mind at ease.

My own guess is that he is keeping the result even. I would definitely ask though about the alignment between the two jaws though once your upper arch is reduced.

[Rio UK]

I've been wondering this myself. I had 2 extractions and now im thinking about how the gap is going to close. My teeth are getting quite straight but yet i still have these huge gaps!!

[sherilynn23]

The benefit to having 4 extractions, for me, was that it not only allowed all of my teeth to straighten but it also allowed for my whole bite to move backwards...I had a bit of a protruding profile...and now I think I have a great profile. the gaps were noticible for the first 6 months and completely closed about 15 months into treatment. One ortho wanted jaw surgery to open my palate...my current ortho opted for 4 extractions. i took the lesser of two evils and it was not bad at all. I am very happy with my results thus far and only 3 more months until they are removed. oh by the way I am 24 and yes it was a little wierd having 4 wholes in my mouth and having to greet clients/policy holders face to face but most adults are more intrigued by the braces...we arent little kids anymore no one will make fun of the gaps