Do You Need to Have Teeth Extracted for Braces?

Braces can be a big deal especially because they usually take a lot of effort and money to get them and get through them. They can take up to a few years, depending on your needs, to finish their purpose. On top of the time, money, and often times pain, braces can result in other procedures in order for the process to work correctly. This isn’t always the case but, it’s definitely a possibility.

What is the Purpose of Braces?

In order to fully understand why other procedures may be needed in order for braces to serve their purpose, it’s important to first look at what their purpose is in the first place. Braces are used to correct bite issues such as overbites or underbites. They are also used to correct jaw alignment issues as well as teeth crowding and crookedness. Getting these issues corrected is important since they can cause tissue damage, decay, periodontal disease, and they can even affect the bones in your face if left untreated. Therefore, braces cover a wide array of issues that ultimately correct your overall oral health for the long term. So, although they may take a lot of work and effort, they’re doing a lot of work themselves in order that you may have the healthiest smile possible.

Do Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

Sometimes, getting braces means one or more teeth may need to be extracted. This is usually due to overcrowding in the mouth. Braces straighten teeth and put them in their rightful positions. If there are too many teeth and not enough room in the mouth for them to straighten out properly, braces will be a pointless effort. Not only will there most likely be a lot of pain, but if there’s just no room, the only way to ensure the braces will turn out as they should is to remove teeth so the other teeth can move into place properly and the braces can do their job.

Not every person who gets braces will have to have teeth extracted. If you are one of the patients needing to get teeth extracted in order for braces to work, don’t be alarmed. The most important aspect to note is that they will remove the teeth that won’t be sorely missed if they’re removed. In other words, it’s not going to be noticed that one or more teeth were removed. In fact, your smile will look better than it ever has once they’re removed simply because your teeth will no longer be crooked and crowded trying to fit into the smaller space of your mouth.

All in all, it’s a fairly common procedure. Even though it does occur, it’s nothing to be alarmed about. Just be excited that you’re one step closer to a beautiful, pain free, and worry free smile.