Pulling teeth in conjunction with orthodontic treatment is nothing new, but it has gained controversy because some orthodontists advocate extractions and others say it’s unnecessary and overdone. It seems that there is no steadfast answer for every patient. Tooth extraction must be decided on a case-by-case basis, and is determined by a number of circumstances.
The most common reason for tooth extraction is to reduce crowding so that the teeth can be positioned properly. Sometimes crowding is so severe that there are no alternatives to pulling some teeth. There are also situations when it’s possible to move all of the existing teeth into place, but it might negatively impact teeth’s stability, gum tissue, or the appearance of the teeth.
Other common reasons for extraction include bite correction and profile improvement. Your orthodontist must consider many things in making the recommendation about whether or not tooth extraction is needed. The bite, crowding, jaw positions, teeth positions and sizes, profile, and other characteristics are all analyzed to determine the optimum treatment plan.
The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the arrangement and appearance of your teeth. Each patient’s dental and facial qualities will require either extraction or non-extraction of teeth. It’s up to you and your orthodontist to decide if it would benefit you and your smile.
