Should I get 2nd biscuspids removed for braces?!
Question: Should I get 2nd biscuspids removed for braces?
1. Get all four 2nd bicuspids removed OR
2. Pull one front tooth on the bottom (I'll be left with 3 front teeth instead of 4) and my center line will be off.
I am horrified to remove 4 healthy teeth simply for looks and vanity. I'd love to have straight teeth, but not at the expense of TMJ disorder or a sunken in face/jaw. I did have my wisdom teeth removed and there is still a bit of space from where they used to be. Couldn't that space help as opposed to getting 4 teeth extracted? If you have had ADULT braces and had 4 bicuspids removed, please advise on your experience and if you recommend it. I am very concerned.
Thank you to everyone who answers!!
Answers:
Count your blessings that you are aware of the potential disadvantages of extracting perfectly good teeth for the sake of expediency in doing orthodontics. You need to find an orthodontist that is not so extraction happy and may also mean that he/she is not current on more modern orthodontic techniques that avoid extractions in orthodontic treatment (perhaps he/she doesn't want to be and that's worse). Orthodontists who do not care about facial beauty will always go the forceps route to make their cases "quick and dirty." Females are almost certain to develop TMJ when bicuspids are extracted and front teeth retracted and you certainly don't want to go there. No matter how well you know this orthodontist, it would be in your best interest to find one that will do your case non extraction. They are out there, you just need to find them. Orthodontists married to old archaic techniques need to be avoided like the plaque. Although many traditional orthodontists do not believe in expansion to obtain the necessary room to straighten teeth, it avoids all the disadvantages found in pulling four perfectly good teeth. However, with expansion you will need to wear a retainer at bedtime for life, a small price to pay for facial beauty and to prevent TMJ, IMHO. BTW, don't even bother asking your orthodontist about TMJ, he/she won't know a thing...
What puzzles me is if you already know what harm bicuspid extractions can do to you, why are you even asking what to do???? It also does not matter whether you are an adult or not the effects will be the same, if not worse.
functional orthodontist; treated TMJ since 1984
for the appearance i wouldn't have one of my front teeth on the bottom removed. if it was my mouth i'd have all 4 of the bicuspids removed i realize they are healthy teeth but i would never remove a tooth that would show possibly when i talk or smile
dental assistant