Got 4 teeth pulled

[angelica123]

I got 4 bicuspids taken out on Tuesday. It wasn't painful, but it feels weird to eat with 4 gaps. I've had my braces on since August 5, the orthodontist wanted me to get the teeth pulled after the braces were on. How long does it usually take for the gaps to close?

[Sunny]

It usually doesn't take long, although this does depend on your general health and how well you take care of the wound sites.

Good luck with the healing going well and hopefully within the next couple of weeks, you'll notice the wounds have vanished!

[angelica123]

Thanks. Do you know how long it takes for the teeth to start moving to close up the gaps?

[kookoo]

I don't know any definite durations, but I wouldn't think it takes too long really, expecially if you're going to have braces on too. When I had my 1st premolars pulled out (all 4) it didn't take that long for them to close the gap, I don't remember ever thinking it was a problem (this was a about 10+ years ago though). I didn't even have braces on either.

[catgyrl]

Hi angelica-

Good luck with your healing! I had one extraction and agree, it feels very strange to eat with a hole in your mouth (let alone 4!). Just keep the site clean and the wounds will heal quickly.

As for the gap closures... I can only speak from my experience. I had my braces put on April 9th; my extraction was May 1st, and about a month later he put on an elastic band, which was hooked onto the canine (on one side of the gap) and the back molar (on the other side of the gap). (I'm sure I have a picture of it in one of my blogs here.) I've had that elastic on for 2 months now, and I think my teeth MAY have moved about 2 mm (at the most). I believe the back teeth are moving forward, and the canine is moving back, so the appearance of movement is very subtle.

I asked him last month how long it would take to close, and he said "A LONG time!" because my canine has to move at least halfway into that gap space. I think my ortho may be taking a more conservative approach, so as to not damage my teeth and roots by trying to move it too quickly. Honestly, I was kind of bummed when he said that, but I think I'd rather him work that way than for him to try to rush things (to appease me / shut me up!) than be in constant pain and risk tooth damage.

On the good side: The areas where your teeth were pulled (especially the bottom ones) are fairly inconspicuous and I bet you not many people will even notice you had extractions. I was talking to my coworker the other day (3 months post-extraction), and she said she'd never noticed my tooth was gone. And I'm one to smile BIG and laugh a lot, so that tells you something.

Sorry this was so long. I'm in a talkative mood today. Good luck to you!

-Cathy

[Sunny]

Teeth should move on average 1 mm a month ... which is what your teeth sound to be doing Cathy ... great news!