When you visit Choonara Orthodontics in Johannesburg, SA for the first time, you will receive an initial consultation with our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Sahide Choonara! After a mouth evaluation and a few x-rays, Dr. Choonara and our dental team will be able to indicate a course of treatment that best suits your individual needs. In some cases, the first step of your orthodontic journey will include tooth extractions! While we generally try to avoid tooth extractions before administering braces, severe tooth crowding may require the removal of one or more teeth.
Why Would Tooth Extraction Be Necessary Before Braces?
If there is immense pressure on your bite from severe tooth overcrowding, it may be necessary for you to have one or more teeth pulled prior to having orthodontic appliances put in place. Overcrowded tooth removal will allow space to open up, making room for your other teeth to move into their proper positions during your orthodontic treatment period. This rule also applies to any extra teeth you may have, as extra teeth can push your primary teeth out of their correct position. Additionally, extra teeth can emerge in incorrect areas of your mouth and jaw, such as behind, in front of, or above your teeth.
Reasons why tooth extractions are required before receiving braces can include:
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Your jaw and mouth is not large enough to accommodate all your teeth
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A tooth is misshapen or disproportionally large - or small - compared to your other teeth
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A tooth has become decayed, or otherwise damaged, due to overlap or malocclusion
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Straightening all of your teeth without removing some will create inaccurate results in the long run
Are There Any Alternatives To Tooth Extraction Before Braces?
Aside from tooth extractions prior to receiving braces, there are a few other orthodontic techniques that can aid in creating room in your mouth, all without pulling any teeth! One of the most common methods is a palate widener! Palate wideners are special orthodontic appliances that move the separate halves of the roof of your mouth further apart, creating more space within your jaw. Widening of the palate is most commonly utilized with children, as a child’s palate has not yet permanently fused. In some cases, a palate expander can also be used in adults!
If you would prefer to avoid extractions before you get your braces, make sure to chat with Dr. Choonara about all of the alternatives, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, before you make your final decision!
Contact Your Johannesburg & Sandton, SA Orthodontist Today!
Worried about tooth extractions before receiving braces? It’s always important to remember that our dental team at Choonara Orthodontics in Johannesburg & Sandton, SA, won’t recommend tooth extractions unless it’s the right choice for your individualized orthodontic treatment plan!
To find out whether or not you need any of your teeth removed before starting your orthodontic treatment plan at Choonara Orthodontics, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your initial consultation! On behalf of Dr. Choonara and our entire dental team, we promise to help you achieve the smile you’ve always deserved!