Metal Mouth Message Board

I got braces about three days ago and the orthodontist had told me I needed to get two teeth extracted. I've very worried about the extractions and how my face will look after. Anytime I talk to anyone about my getting braces they are surprised and say that they thought my teeth were fine. Even the orthodontist said my severe overbite was hidden very well and it was surprising to him. This makes me think the extractions will have a negative impact on my facial features. Has anyone had really bad luck with the extractions or any have any suggestions for what I can do?

I have heard of a few people who believe their face has changed but the vast majority (including myself) have been fine!

One of the major considerations for extraction of two upper teeth is whether you are happy with the position of your upper lip.

There are two scenarios:

1. Your upper lip is protrusive and lower jaw is in the right place. Removing two upper teeth will bring your upper teeth back to meet your lower one, leaving you with an improved bite and profile.

2. Your lower jaw is deficient and upper jaw is in the right place. Extracting teeth would leave your profile "dished in". To correct this problem, lower jaw surgery to advance the lower jaw would yield the more ideal results.

I'm not sure which is the case 1 or 2...I've posted a couple pictures of my lower jaw before braces. What do you think?



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I was just wondering if anyone had any more thoughts on this. I have my first checkup with my ortho since getting braces on this up coming Wed and I'm sure he'll bring up the extractions.

cgraziat wrote:I was just wondering if anyone had any more thoughts on this. I have my first checkup with my ortho since getting braces on this up coming Wed and I'm sure he'll bring up the extractions.

Based on your picture, i don't think extractions is the way to go. As Dr. Tam said.. if your upper lip is fine (and it looks fine to me) but your lower jaw is too far back, you should get jaw surgery to bring it forward.. it'll help your jaw line and make your chin stronger. I wouldn't do the extractions if i were you.

Thanks for bumping this thread. I never saw your photos.

I'd agree that your upper lip is in a pretty good position, so we're looking at scenario 2. Extracting two upper premolars in this type of situation is matching up the occlusion without regards for the facial profile. Another possibility is to line up your teeth and "settle" for having an overjet, but straight teeth, particularly if many people don't see it.

Hope this helps!