How long does it take to remove a tooth with braces - 3 surprising facts

According toDoctor Thu Anh - Dental professional director of Lac Viet IntechThere is no exact time to answer the question of how long it takes to remove a tooth with braces to close the space. The time to close the space after tooth extraction will depend on many factors but on average will be 10-16 months if favorable. 

Why do teeth have to be extracted when getting braces?

How long does it take to remove a tooth with braces? Not all braces require tooth extraction. However, in many cases,The doctor will prescribe certain teeth to be extractedto create space to help align teeth properly and balance the face. 

1.1. The purpose of tooth extraction during braces

Not everyone who has braces needs teeth extracted. Tooth extraction before bracesnot a redundant trick, which is an important step to help ensure optimal treatment results in both aesthetics and chewing function. 

Tooth extraction during braces is controlled by Autoligh software

First of all, in cases where the teeth are crowded or misaligned, if there is no space, moving the teeth will be very difficult, easily causing misaligned teeth or a wrong bite after removing the braces. When proper space is created, the teeth will have enough room to align. 

For people with buck teeth due to teeth, the doctor will use the space left after extractionPull the front teeth back in, helps the face balance, lips are less protruding and the angle is more harmonious. Mild cases of underbite can also be treated in the same way, but in the opposite direction.

In addition, tooth extraction alsoensuring long-term stable braces results. If there is not enough space to arrange, after removing the braces, the teeth will easily move back to their old position due to natural crowding. 

1.2. Teeth are often prescribed for extraction during braces 

During the braces process,tooth tooth number 4are the most commonly prescribed teeth for extraction. This is the tooth located between the canine and second premolar, the ideal position to create spacePull the front teeth back, improve overbite, crowding or bite misalignment.

In some special cases,tooth number 6Can be extracted if the tooth has severe decay, pulpitis, or irreversible damage to the alveolar bone. This not only helps solve the disease but also creates space for other teeth to move more stably.

Besides,wisdom teeth (tooth number 8)removal is also often recommended by doctors. This tooth grows inward, easily misaligns or hits tooth number 7, which can affect the tooth pulling process and distort the direction of movement of the entire jaw. 

See details: 4th tooth extraction while braces at 

How long does it take to pull a tooth when braces tighten?

How long does it take to close the space after a tooth extraction with braces is the most concerned question when entering the orthodontic stage with tooth extraction. Reality,there is no fixed numberfor all cases, because the closing time depends on many different factors.

2.1. On average, how long does it take to remove a tooth with braces?

According to research and clinical experience,Teeth move an average of 0.5mm - 1mm each month. Based on the tooth extraction distance, we can estimate the time needed for the tooth to completely tighten:

The space closing phase takes place immediately after tooth extraction. Usually, the doctor will wait2–3 weeks for gum tissue and alveolar bone to stabilizebefore starting to apply traction.

Read more: Should wisdom teeth that grow straight be extracted? Answers from experts

2.2. Complications when the space cannot be closed 

In some cases,If tooth extraction is wrong or the tooth is fusedthen interval closure is possibleencounter many difficulties, even impossible.

• Whentooth extraction in wrong position, the space created does not support the tooth alignment process but also causes bite imbalance, forcing the doctor to readjust the entire treatment plan.
• With caseteeth are fused, meaning that the tooth root is attached directly to the alveolar bone, without the periodontal ligament layer that helps the tooth move physiologically. At that time, even though applying traction with the correct technique,teeth are also almost stationary, causing interval closure to be prolonged or impossible to complete.

To avoid this situation, atLac Viet Intech Dental Clinic, the doctor always conducts a 3D ConeBeam CT scan and carefully checks the condition of the alveolar bone before extraction, ensuring the extraction is according to instructions and correct technique, helping the process of space closure take place safely and most effectively.

Film camera ConeBeam CT at Lac Viet Intech dental clinic

2.3. How does the process of tooth space closing take place?

Read details: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR BRACES TO CHANGE? STAGES YOU NEED TO KNOW

2.4. Closing time depends on several factors

How long it takes to remove a tooth with braces to close the space not only depends on physiological time but is also affected by many important factors:

1. The complexity of tooth misalignmentIf the teeth are severely crowded, protruding or underbite, the doctor will have toSpread your teeth evenly before pulling, causing the closing time to be longer. On the contrary, in cases where teeth are only extracted to reduce mild overbites, this process will take place significantly faster.
   
2. Patient cooperation 

This is the determining factor for success and the speed of space closure:

• Good oral hygiene helps gums and alveolar bone stay healthy, teeth move in the right direction.
• Wear intermaxillary elastics according to instructions (20–24 hours/day, change elastics every 1–2 days) to help with continuous, effective traction.
• Go for a follow-up appointment on time so that the doctor can control the traction force and make timely adjustments.

Ignoring one of these factors can cause the teeth to move slowly, misalign or stop moving completely.

3. Braces appliances and materials usedInstruments such as archwires, brackets, springs, and traction elastics, if not up to standard, will not transmit force as planned.On the contrary, modern, genuine braces systems help with traction. stable, teeth move evenly and shorten space closure time.
   
   
4. Orthodontist skillsDoctors need to accurately control the force acting on each tooth. If the pulling force is too strong, there is a risk of tooth root resorption and alveolar bone loss. The pulling force is weak or in the wrong direction, causing the teeth to move slowly or in the wrong direction.
   

Signs of successful space closure

When the tooth pulling process goes according to plan, you may notice the following changes:

3.1. The space between the teeth gradually narrows

This is the most obvious sign. Over time, the gap between teeth will become smaller by millimeters each month. The doctor will measure with a specialized ruler or compare periodic scans to evaluate the level of movement.

3.2. Teeth move evenly, not tilted

Teeth on both sides of the extraction space will move symmetrically, with tooth roots parallel on the X-ray film. If only one side moves or the tooth is tilted, the doctor will adjust the traction.

3.3. The bite gradually becomes more balanced and the smile becomes more harmonious

When the tooth extraction space is close, the front teeth will recede slightly, making the face more balanced, with less protruding lips, a slimmer chin and a more natural smile.

InLac Viet Intech, customers are monitored on the progress of space closure through a periodic scanning system, ensuring teeth move according to plan, without bone loss or gum recession.

How to close tooth extraction space quickly and safely

Shortening braces time is the desire of most patients, but speed cannot be exchanged for safety. Here are ways to help close gaps quickly while still maintaining good oral health:

4.1. Maintain good oral hygiene

Thorough oral hygiene is an important factor in helping teeth move in the right direction and close spaces quickly. You should brush your teeth after every meal with a specialized toothbrush for people with braces, combining dental floss, water floss and non-alcoholic mouthwash to clean between teeth and around braces.

When the bracket and wire areas are kept clean, the teeth slide smoothly on the wire, the periodontal tissue regenerates well and the teeth move effectively. On the contrary, if you have gingivitis or bone loss, your teeth may stay still or move incorrectly, affecting the progress of space closure.

See details on oral hygiene when wearing braces at: 

4.2. Wear elastics according to instructions

Intermaxillary elastics are the main pulling force that helps close the tooth extraction space. Wearing elastics according to instructions, 20–24 hours a day and changing on a schedule every 1–2 days, helps provide continuous traction and teeth moving evenly and faster. Absolutely do not arbitrarily increase the elastic force to pull faster, because this can cause tooth root or alveolar bone loss, leading to serious complications.

4.3. Follow the follow-up schedule

Going for follow-up check-ups on schedule helps the doctor control traction, adjust the wire or miniscrew in stages and promptly handle teeth moving in the wrong direction. Missing a follow-up appointment can cause the teeth to stop moving or misalign, prolonging the entire space-closing process and affecting the final result.

4.4. Eat properly

A reasonable diet contributes to shortening space closure time and protecting braces. You should limit hard, chewy, and sticky foods to avoid bracket peeling, and prioritize foods that are soft, easy to chew, and adequately supplemented with calcium, vitamin D, and protein for healthy bone tissue. Drinking enough water also helps soften gums, reduces the risk of inflammation and helps teeth move smoothly.

4.5. Choose a reputable doctor and dentist 

The role of the orthodontist is very important. An experienced doctor willcalculate the correct traction force, choose the appropriate appliance and make timely adjustments during the space closure process. Professional supervision helps teeth move in the right direction, reduces the risk of complications and safely shortens treatment time.

See detailed review of Lac Viet Intech dentistry at: 

Choosing a reputable dentistry, with a team of good orthodontists, modern diagnostic system and optimal treatment process is the decisive factor. Although the initial cost may be higher, it ensures accurate results, shortens time and eliminates unnecessary risks or complications. A failed braces procedure not only costs money to redo it, but also affects the child's long-term oral health.