Will my face shape change? Complicated case with 4 extractions required

[sweeneydude]

Hi all,

I'm trying to sort out my teeth for both vanity reasons and for long term health. I recently went to the orthadontics and the guy there was pretty genuine, I also googled the hell out of him so understand he's plenty qualified..

I do have X ray photo's etc and all other photo's but I can't post as I haven't done enough posts.

I really really do not want my face shape to change as it's absolutely fine as it is, and it's making me reconsider going through orthadontics as I will need 4 extractions and 2.5 years of braces.
I will have ceramic on top and normal traintracks on bottom.

My case is: You present with a class 2 division 2 incisor relationship on a skeletal 2 base. With an average maxillary mandibular plane angle. The overjet is positive at 4mm while the overbite is increased and complete. There is moderate crowding in the upper and lower arch. The upper center line is correct and the lower centre line is displaced to the right. The left molar relationship is class 1 and the right molar relationship is class 1/2 unit class 2. your ll8 is the only third molar remaining.

Treatment: To have upper and lower fixed appliance to align both arches, it will be necessary to extract four pre molars to create space to relieve crowding. Will have to use a temporary anchorage device to reduce the overbite. Will then need a fixed retainer after this..

Does this make sense? I have quite a narrow and defined face and I really don't want orthadontics braces to ruin it!

Thanks for your help!

[zojkabe]

Yes, extractions will change the shape of your face.
Look at this different approach, especially if you have a narrow face:
http://orthotropics.com/
A bit oldschool ( there's much more on YT) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqV6JqHehoo

[sweeneydude]

I had a look at that thanks for the link.

It seems to be only for very young children? I'm 25 right now...

[sirwired]

Yes, that "orthotropics" link is only for children.

Ignore scare-mongering on extractions. It is NOT inevitable that they will change the shape of your face. Yes, sometimes they are done needlessly, but this is by no means common. Sometimes there just isn't enough room in the arch, and extractions are sometimes how you create that space. There's a popular thread here showing celebrities who have had extractions done (it's obvious if you know what to look for... http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... 13&t=46445)

Get multiple opinions if it will help you feel more comfortable, but let each ortho come up with their own plan... my sticky on avoiding quackery and malpractice has advice on how to do this, and things to watch out for.

[Lovespain5]

Maybe in your case it will be better to use the Herbst appliance as you don't suffer from bimax protrusion.

[giamia101]

I do not think extractions should be required to patients who not suffer from bimaxillary protrusion. You should find a functional orthodontist who is able to expand the mouth rather than immediately require extractions.

iaortho.org is a good website to find one in your state.