For millions of children, teens, and adults, orthodontic treatment is the ideal way to correct a long list of dental conditions. Conditions such as crowding, spacing, crossbite, and overbite can influence your ability to speak and chew. The position and appearance of your teeth can also impact your outward appearance, your facial profile, the fullness of your lips, as well as your self-confidence. It’s no secret that there’s a very strong connection between your physical appearance and the way that you feel about yourself.

If your orthodontist determines that braces are right for you, your treatment plan may include tooth extraction. Your treatment plan will be customized to meet specific goals and may require the removal of one or more teeth. This is best accomplished al at once at the oral surgeon with comfortable sedation. Although tooth removal is not always a part of the orthodontic process, it’s an option that can sometimes improve the final outcome of your treatment. Removing even a single tooth can create enough space to reposition the remaining teeth.

For some patients, primary (baby) teeth may need to be removed prior to having the braces placed. For other patients, one or more permanent teeth may need to be taken out.

Of course, there are varying philosophies on this subject, and each orthodontist must determine when or if tooth extraction is necessary for each patient. In fact, without a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, it is impossible to predict which teeth (if any) will need to be removed. Once the determination has been made, your oral surgeon will become an important part of your team. Your orthodontist and your oral surgeon will work together, communicating on your behalf in order to provide you with the very best dental care possible.

If you have been informed that you should have teeth extracted prior to getting braces, find out more about the next step by contacting the office of Dr. Steven Koos DDS, MD, at 312-328-9000 today to schedule a consultation.