Tooth extraction during braces: Is it really necessary and dangerous as rumored?

Anxiety when you have totooth extraction for bracesis a common psychology that many people encounter. Some people even refuse to get braces out of fear and accept to live with uneven teeth.

So, is tooth extraction with braces really that scary? Will having many teeth extracted cause dangerous complications such as memory loss or negative effects on health? This article will help you better understand this issue and answer all questions surrounding orthodontic tooth extraction.

Tooth extraction with braces: Things to understand correctly

1. Does braces necessarily require tooth extraction?

Not all braces require tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is prescribed by the doctor based on a specific treatment regimen for each tooth condition. The main purpose of tooth extraction is to create space in the jaw, giving the remaining teeth enough space to move to the correct position.

Below are some common cases where the doctor will prescribe tooth extraction:

• Bucked teeth, severe buck teeth:This is a condition in which the upper teeth or both jaws protrude too much forward, causing loss of aesthetics and affecting the bite. To fix it, doctors often prescribe the extraction of 2-4 teeth, even 8 teeth (including wisdom teeth) to pull the entire dental arch backwards.

• Severely crowded and crooked teeth:When the jaw does not have enough room for all the teeth, they will grow crookedly and crowd each other. If teeth are not extracted, braces can cause teeth to protrude more, making overbite worse.

• Underbite teeth (class III occlusion):This is a condition in which the lower jaw bone overdevelops or the lower teeth protrude forward, causing an underbite. Although rarer than other cases, some cases of underbite teeth still require tooth extraction to facilitate retraction of the lower jaw.

  

2. Priority types of teeth to be extracted when using braces

On the jaw there are 4 groups of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars (premolars) and large molars (molars). The priority teeth selected for extraction during braces are usually the teeth with the least important role in terms of function and aesthetics, specifically:

• Wisdom teeth (tooth number 8): Wisdom teethare located in the innermost position, usually do not play an important role in chewing and can cause many problems such as misalignment and impacted growth. Extracting wisdom teeth will create more space in the back, helping the doctor pull back the entire jaw to correct mild overbite or crowding.

• Premolars (teeth No. 4 and 5):These teeth are small in size and are often chosen for extraction in cases where large spaces need to be created, helping to completely resolve severe overbite and crookedness. When extracting tooth number 4, the doctor will have enough space to straighten the misaligned front teeth. 

3. Tooth extraction process and technology support

 Before extracting the tooth, the doctor will conduct an examination and take 2D X-rays or 3D Cone Beam CT films to accurately assess the tooth condition, root position and relationship with the nerves. Based on this result, the doctor will create a detailed treatment plan, including which teeth to extract, how many teeth and a plan to move the teeth.

Today, with the development of technology such asX-matrix solution, doctors can simulate the results after braces with high accuracy. This helps to control the movement of teeth well, avoiding risks such as teeth being pulled in too much, causing underbites, or jaw arches being too narrow, causing loss of smile aesthetics.

II. Is tooth extraction while wearing braces dangerous?

1. Does removing many teeth cause memory loss?

This is a common fear but has absolutely no scientific basis.There is no relationship between tooth extraction and memory loss.

The nerves that supply the teeth and the nerves of the brain are two completely different systems. Although some dental nerves are related to nerves in the maxillofacial region, with modern technology and techniques from highly specialized doctors, tooth extraction is performed safely and accurately. The doctor will check the position of the tooth root and the neural tube to ensure there is no impact. 

2. Other complications and risks of tooth extraction

If performed at a reputable dentist with experienced doctors and modern equipment, orthodontic tooth extraction is a safe procedure. However, if the doctor lacks experience and does not plan well, a number of risks may occur, including:

• Causing underbite after braces:If too many teeth are extracted or the traction is not well controlled, the incisors can be pulled back too much, causing underbite and drooping, affecting facial aesthetics.

• Narrowing of the jaw:If there is not an accurate treatment plan, tooth extraction and tooth pulling can cause jaw arching. is too narrowed, making the smile look unnatural and lacking in radiance.

Therefore, choosing a reputable dental facility is a key factor to ensure the safety and effectiveness of braces.

III. Actual analysis of successful orthodontic  extraction cases

Condition 1: Improving overbite and severe crookedness

A client with severe crooked teeth and mild overbite, wishes to improve the aesthetic of the tilt angle. The film results showed that the incisor axis of both jaws protruded much forward. The doctor prescribedextraction of 4 small molars (tooth number 4)to create space, align the teeth evenly and pull the entire dental arch back.

As a result after braces, the teeth are beautiful, the bite is standard, especially the tilt angle is significantly improved, the upper lip and lower lip are pulled back to a position in harmony with the nose and chin.

Condition 2: Correcting severe upper jaw protrusion.

Another client had a lot of upper jaw protrusion, while the lower jaw had few problems. The distance between the upper and lower front teeth is up to 11mm (while the average is 2mm). The doctor decided toextract 2 teeth number 4 in the upper jawand not extract the lower teeth.

With this plan, the entire block of upper incisors was pulled back as far as possible, completely solving the overbite situation. After less than 2 years, the customer's face is more harmonious, her lips are no longer protruding and her smile is radiant.

These real cases are clear proof that tooth extraction with braces is not as scary as many people think. It is important that you be examined, consulted and treated by a specialist, experienced doctor who applies modern technology. 

IV. Don't be afraid of tooth extraction when getting braces

 Tooth extraction is part of the treatment regimen, done to get the best braces results. If you are afraid of tooth extraction, remember:

• Not everyone has to have teeth extracted.

• Tooth extraction is performed safely, does not cause memory loss or health effects.

• The fear of tooth extraction is not worth giving up the opportunity to have a beautiful smile.

Look for reputabledentists, with a team of good doctors and advanced technology for accurate examination and advice. A perfect smile and a harmonious face after braces will definitely be a worthy reward for your efforts.