Braces and tooth extractions

[Tubfwjkwm]

Ok. So I'm getting braces put on next month on the 8th. Mines came to a total of 5500+ with insurance covering 2000 of it. I've already sign the contract, and put a 700 down payment on the braces. Anyways, my orthodontists said I will need to get 4 tooth extracted(2 from the top and 2 from the bottom).

The problem is I've already gotten 3 permanent adult tooth extracted. One from the upper left and one from the lower right (when I was in 8th grade). I believe in 2007 closing into 2008, I had an wisdom tooth extracted from the lower left. Counting up my total number of teeth I have right now, I have 14 on the bottom and 15 on top (29 all together).

Does it make any sense for her to extract anymore teeth to make room for braces? Also, If you don't mind me asking, for anyone who has ever have braces and along with getting their teeth extracted to make room, how many teeth do you have as of right now? I mean getting braces is to fix a person's smile, but what kind of a smile are you left with if you have no teeth to show for?

Thankyou

[bobo]

Well, I had my four extractions before my brace, and ortho did a percise measuring before telling you which teeth you are extracting. She has to make sure that space created by extraction = teeth overlap, so that the two can make even.

I think your orth must noticed that you are missing some teeth, and already taking account for those space. You choose this ortho, and you got to believe in her. If you still not sure, give her a call telling her your concern, and that will be the best way to deal with it.

Good luck!

[Denise]

I only had two teeth extracted for my braces, and four certainly does sound like a lot given that you've already had two taken out - but there must be some reason that she wants to take so many out. You are paying her a lot of money to do this job and she should explain to you in a manner with which you are comfortable, exactly why she chose to remove so many and why those teeth in particular. My ortho sat me down and went over my xrays and my entire treatment plan, and where all the teeth would eventually move and why he wanted those two particular teeth gone. I felt very informed when I left. No one here can really tell you why she chose that many, since we don't know specifics of your treatment plan, but please call your ortho and make an appointment to meet with her again and express your concerns. It is, after all, your mouth and if you're uncomfortable with that many extractions then she should be aware of that. Best of luck to you and I hope you get answers very soon!!

[Tubfwjkwm]

Well, I had my four extractions before my brace, and ortho did a percise measuring before telling you which teeth you are extracting. She has to make sure that space created by extraction = teeth overlap, so that the two can make even.

I think your orth must noticed that you are missing some teeth, and already taking account for those space. You choose this ortho, and you got to believe in her. If you still not sure, give her a call telling her your concern, and that will be the best way to deal with it.

Good luck!

Thanks Bobo. Yeah, she measured my teeth and such as well (Of course). Just wanted someone's perspective on it. There will be some grannies out there with more teeth than me.

[Tubfwjkwm]

I only had two teeth extracted for my braces, and four certainly does sound like a lot given that you've already had two taken out - but there must be some reason that she wants to take so many out. You are paying her a lot of money to do this job and she should explain to you in a manner with which you are comfortable, exactly why she chose to remove so many and why those teeth in particular. My ortho sat me down and went over my xrays and my entire treatment plan, and where all the teeth would eventually move and why he wanted those two particular teeth gone. I felt very informed when I left. No one here can really tell you why she chose that many, since we don't know specifics of your treatment plan, but please call your ortho and make an appointment to meet with her again and express your concerns. It is, after all, your mouth and if you're uncomfortable with that many extractions then she should be aware of that. Best of luck to you and I hope you get answers very soon!!

Thanks Denise.

That made me feel so much better. I'll be sure to ask her about my treatment next time. Guess i'm just a little bit scared of getting 4 teeth extracted.

[Sunny]

There's nothing wrong with being a granny ... and many granny's are having ortho treatment for the first time.

When you choose your ortho, it's important to trust that person ... then sign and pay. If you've chosen well, be confident that this person will make the best decisions about what's needed in your mouth ... then you need to follow their instructions carefully to make sure the results turn out as they should.

Extractions are not common these days, but sometimes they are still necessary and the ortho should take into account the size of the jaw, the size of the teeth and the persons bite.

It's not uncommon for people who've needed extractions for ortho treatment and had their wisdom teeth removed, to have six teeth in each quadrant, which means 12 in each arch and 24 in total.

If you're not sure about the extractions, give your ortho a call and explain how you're feeling. Ask why you need these four teeth removed and explain you're feeling a bit nervous about it. It's good to ask your ortho questions and to take an interest in your treatment.

Good luck!

[Tubfwjkwm]

There's nothing wrong with being a granny ... and many granny's are having ortho treatment for the first time.

When you choose your ortho, it's important to trust that person ... then sign and pay. If you've chosen well, be confident that this person will make the best decisions about what's needed in your mouth ... then you need to follow their instructions carefully to make sure the results turn out as they should.

Extractions are not common these days, but sometimes they are still necessary and the ortho should take into account the size of the jaw, the size of the teeth and the persons bite.

It's not uncommon for people who've needed extractions for ortho treatment and had their wisdom teeth removed, to have six teeth in each quadrant, which means 12 in each arch and 24 in total.

If you're not sure about the extractions, give your ortho a call and explain how you're feeling. Ask why you need these four teeth removed and explain you're feeling a bit nervous about it. It's good to ask your ortho questions and to take an interest in your treatment.

Good luck!

Lol. I'm just saying some Grannies out there will have more teeth than me. :P Thank You Sunny. That was very well put and informative. Also really reassure me about my orthodontist. Thanks.

[ajs2294]

Well you cant exactly count the wisdom tooth as most people have them extracted during their life time anyway. And 4 teeth isn't necessarily high it just depends on treatment placed, there cases of people having 8 removed. Chances are your ortho knows what they are doing!

Best of Luck with your treatment.

I can also say that I only have 28 teeth 2 of which are baby teeth, and Ive never had extractions!

[NarcoAngel]

I will have 24 teeth when my ortho treatment is complete.

[Coffeeguy]

It is important to note that for some orthodontists extraction is a natural "step one." It's the old school way of doing things. In many cases, extractions are not necessary. Some orthodontists say that extractions are never necessary. It is going to have a lot to do with how and when your orthodontist was taught and their personal philosophy. I would get a second and third opinion. You can never just assume, as one person wrote, that the ortho "knows what they are doing." Be proactive in your treatment: get informed, stay informed, ask questions and get multiple opinions.