Extraction gap

[Random]

Hey guys, I just got my first premolars extracted on the bottom of both sides and have a few questions. Closing this gap is basically going to be the whole treatment. How long does it usually take to close a 9mm gap on both sides? When they try to close the gap won't my k9 teeth move back and create a gap between my front teeth and the k9? My next appointment is in a few weeks so I can't really ask but I'm so curious I can't stop thinking about it :(

[kennyandrew85]

Dont worry, they will probably put powerchains on.

This sounds like some metal chain but its just elastic bands between each teeth pulling them all together so they don't spread apart. Or sometimes they use wire ties which is basically a thin wire holding the teeth in place so only the others can move, I am currently in these now.

I had 4 premolars extracted in April 2011, the bottom left gap has closed, the top right gap is almost closed and the other 2 have a few mm to go! 18 months and still have gaps!

So it can take a very long time depending on how they are done, with me we have focused on pulling the back teeth forward which take longer to move.

[JillD]

When they try to close the gap won't my k9 teeth move back and create a gap between my front teeth and the k9?

This is where I am right now. My extraction gap on the right side is closed, but I have a new gap between my front teeth and the canine. My doctor told me that it is what is supposed to happen. I believe the gap will close once my doctor does something to pull my front teeth in. The main focus of my treatment is pushing in my front teeth (slight buck teeth).

[trisportgirl]

I only had one tooth pulled (an incisor on the bottom), and I think it took about 2 months for the gap to close halfway and another 4 to close completely. Power chains definitely make it go faster, and it's normal to get some extra gaps between other teeth as they move around. Take pictures because you won't believe how fast they can move!

[Random]

Thanks for the replies :) Hopefully I can get these off before summer next year. I got one more question about getting a bridge, will I be able to bite down into foods like burgers or chicken after getting a bridge on my front top teeth?

[trisportgirl]

I can't speak for a bridge on the top, but I had a bridge on the bottom when I was about 12 and it didn't affect me at all from a functional perspective. I'd guess you'll be fine to bite into things with just a bridge.

[EbonyQ]

I extracted a premolar 9 months ago and have 2 mm left. We have not used anything to close it (power chain, elestics,etc), just letting it close natural. Don’t know when those last two mm will close