Why does the orthodontist recommend removing teeth?

Posted | Braces, General Orthodontics

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Why does the orthodontist recommend removing teeth?

Most people associate the orthodontist with a professional who aligns and straightens teeth. The idea of removing teeth during orthodontia treatment doesn’t seem to match with the specialty. However, there are numerous instances when your Reston, VA, orthodontist might suggest a removal. Take a close look at the reasons that prompt a tooth-removal procedure. It’s entirely normal and common among most orthodontia patients.

Baby Teeth Hanging On

Parents are so thrilled to see their children’s baby teeth come in. They might also dread the day that they fall out. This sign of maturity usually occurs around age five or six. Baby teeth, however, don’t always fall out on a regular schedule. There are often times when a few teeth just hold on for many months.

If you know that orthodontia treatment will be necessary for the child, pulling the remaining baby teeth is an option. This choice is beneficial in a number ways, such as:

  • Soft baby-teeth roots
  • Only a handful of teeth to remove
  • Opens up space for permanent teeth to erupt

When baby teeth remain in place, they hinder normal growth and possibly derail future, orthodontia-treatment success.

Crowding Along the Jaw

As permanent teeth work their way into place, they might be incredibly large in comparison to a child’s jaw. The child simply needs to grow into his or her teeth. As an adult, the teeth will look normal with the mature face.

 

 

Orthodontists may opt to remove teeth when the child is about to receive braces, however. Although the brackets and wires are designed to align the teeth, too many teeth on a small jawbone will look crowded. The alignment may not ever be achieved.

Doctors will pick the best teeth to remove as they ease the crowding scenario. In the end, the procedure improves the smile.

Considering Expanders

Many orthodontia professionals turn to expanders as a way to reduce the number of teeth being pulled for crowding. Children are perfect candidates for expanders. Their jaws and mouth palates are still developing.

Professionals place expander or metal appliances in the mouth. Over time, the appliance enlarges the palate and jaw so that they can accompany more teeth. Parents who opt for this treatment will be active participants with these required tasks at home, such as:

  • Turning the expander screw to a certain position each day or week
  • Helping the child with oral hygiene so that the expander can do its work

Expanders may help with spacing, but some tooth-removal processes might still be required. Every case will be unique to the person’s physiology.

The Protrusion Factor

There are many other factors that orthodontists must consider before they apply traditional appliances or opt for Invisalign. The angle that the teeth protrude from the jawline is a consideration. With teeth that stick out, the lips follow suit. The entire face has an unusual shape.

Doctors suggest teeth removal in this instance because the extra space gives the protruding teeth a place to retreat. Through orthodontia treatment, the teeth can now hang in a vertical position that’s more attractive. The lips respond in kind, which improves the patient’s overall appearance.

Tooth Impactions

Your child’s baby teeth may be falling out at a regular pace, but one or more permanent teeth aren’t dropping down. In fact, the child might have an impacted tooth. Unless the tooth can be surgically pulled down by the proper experts, most professionals will suggest removal.

The impacted tooth might be at an usual angle, causing pain and impeding other teeth from moving downward. Parents should approach this removal option as a good idea for the long term. The child will have fewer teeth along the jawline to straighten. Crowding won’t be an issue. If there’s any pain, the child will feel much more comfortable with the tooth removed.

Bite Corrections

The majority of patients have some sort of misaligned bite. These issues include:

  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Overbites

Brackets, wires and rubber bands might fit a few bite issues, but others persist. In the past, orthodontists had no choice but to recommend outright surgery. There’s a better choice today, however.

By removing strategic teeth, the professionals can create the appearance of a normal bite. There’s no need to put the patient through a surgery when extractions make a big difference. After the procedure, everyday treatments can proceed. Patients might choose Invisalign over other options in order to further improve the smile.

Wisdom Teeth Frustrations

As your child grows into a teenager, the orthodontia treatment may be nearing an end. However, the wisdom teeth tend to grow in at this age. These molars aren’t always welcome because they further crowd the teeth that may be relatively straight at this point.

Allowing the wisdom teeth to erupt in the mouth can lead to these issues, such as:

  • Straightened teeth twisting in place
  • Headaches
  • Painful chewing

Most orthodontists will suggest wisdom-teeth removal as soon as they erupt into the gums. The procedure is commonplace and requires a short recovery. Because teenagers are still young by physiological standards, they should heal with no residual side effects.

 

Schedule an Appointment with Tisseront Orthodontics

At Tisseront Orthodontics in Reston, Va., you can receive a free consultation with Dr. Stephan Tisseront to learn more about your orthodontic options. Our orthodontist takes care of children, teenagers and adults at our top-of-the-line office, and he offers these treatments:

• Lingual braces – worn on the backs of teeth
• Invisalign – aligners for teenagers or adults
• Ceramic orthodontia – made with clear wires and color-matching brackets

It is also possible to reduce your orthodontic treatment time by using a small device from AcceleDent Aura that helps to accelerate the movement of your teeth into the correct positions.

Call us today at 703-773-1200 to schedule an examination with Dr. Tisseront in our state-of-the-art orthodontic facility.

Tisseront Orthodontics
11720 Plaza America Drive, Ste. 110 Reston VA 20190-4762

Phone: (703)773-1200

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