Am I a Class I or Class III? Do I really need 4 extractions?

Message

#1 Post by **HeatherJ** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:03 pm

I am wondering, has anyone else been told by different orthodontists that they have different bite classes?

I had an underbite as a child, but this was corrected with an appliance, though I still have a very prominent chin. I have been told since then that I have a Class III bite with crowding on the lower jaw. During several consulations before getting braces, some orthos suggested extractions for 2 lower bicuspids plus jaw surgery, and others suggested just 2 extractions.

Last week, I got braces put on by an orthodontist who now insists I have a Class I bite (not Class III) and she wants to have 4 bicuspids extracted (upper and lower, not just the 2 lower). I know that bite class is determined by how the molars fit together, and based on my situation I still think I am a Class III. Anyway, I think it's clear the lower bicuspids have to come out due to the crowding, but there is no crowding upstairs, and I'd rather not have extractions I don't need.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

#2 Post by **Bekah** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:37 am

I think it is a little odd that the orthodontist changed the treatment plan AFTER you got you braces on!

I had extractions, but I DIDN'T have a strong chin and the extractions are fixing my profile...........I am sorry that I can't help.

I just wanted to comment that I did read your question and if anyone can help you, it will be the people on this forum!

I hope all go well

#3 Post by **HeatherJ** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:29 am

My ortho told me today (3 weeks into treatment) that I can choose whether to have just 2 lower premolars extracted, or go ahead with extracting the 2 uppers as well, either at the same time or later. She said we could go either way because the top teeth are not crowded, but leaving the teeth on top in will result in a less than ideal bite. This is because the upper and lower canines will not slide together perfectly like a key in a lock. She also said that leaving in the upper premolars won't really change the aesthetic result or cause medical issues.

Has anyone else been in this situation?

#4 Post by bb » Wed Mar 17, 2010 10:22 am

I was also to have the same 4 teeth extracted but my bottom weren't crowded so my ortho opted to keep them and extract the upper bicuspids. So I have more teeth on the bottom than on top.

#5 Post by **HeatherJ** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 10:55 am

Did you regret it or suffer from any ill effects, other than simply knowing there are more teeth on the bottom? My ortho said if I only extract two, then it may cause abnormal wear on some teeth later.

#6 Post by bb » Thu Mar 18, 2010 11:28 am

I've still got 6 or more months left of treatment but my ortho never mentioned that there would be any problem with wear or anything.

I was totally willing to go through with the extractions, it was my ortho who changed her mind and said we could work with just 2 upper extractions.