Getting teeth removed before braces?

[Kim]

I am missing my lower left premolar (i think?) and am getting braces within the next month. My ortho said he could make the gap bigger so I can fit an implant in, but it would be very expensive. My other option is to remove 3 more teeth (one from bottom, two from top) to even it out and then get my teeth straightened.

I don't have much money, so taking the route of removing 3 teeth would be cheaper for me. I don't know what to do because I'm worried my results won't be as nice if I get 3 healthy removed (vs. implant). Will it change the structure of my face? Make my mouth look too small? My ortho said it would look fine, but I've read lots of stories about people's faces looking sunken-in, so I'm worried.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? If so, what did you end up doing and how did it go (or how is it going)?

[Sunny]

This is a tough one Kim, as it's difficult to predict how the results will look. I recommend you contuslt with two or three more ortho's and here what they recommend.

Would you be prepared to have the gap opened and have a false tooth on your retainer, or a plate or a bridge, until you can afford an implant? Also why can't your ortho work with one less tooth on the lower arch?

Good luck asking these questions of the ortho's you consult with, and here's to you getting the answer that is the best for you!

Good luck!

[annabella]

Yeah I agree with Sunny. Get some more consults. My daughters best friend had a missing tooth. A couple of orthos wanted to remove her other on the other side but some said they could work around it. Her mom prefered not to remove healthy teeth. So get some more options and let them know you would like to hear a treatment plan that doesn't remove any teeth.
Hope you get some good advices and options.

[Denise]

I must agree with the above posters. Definitely get a few more consultations before you have healthy teeth pulled...there has got to be more options for you. Maybe you'll even find someone who can work out an affordable payment plan for an implant, so you don't have to have those other teeth pulled. Good luck!!