Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Orthodontic Treatment

Nowadays, many young individuals are gradually accepting the idea of tooth extraction. Based on general feedback, opinions on tooth extraction vary; some advocate its benefits, while others argue against it. But no matter what, the decision to extract teeth for orthodontic treatment requires careful consideration both for the patient and the orthodontist.

Numerous cases fall within a category where tooth extraction may or may not be necessary. In instances where braces are used, these cases often involve tooth extraction, while cases treated with non-brace systems, like invisible orthodontic solutions, may not require extractions.

So, what are the cases where extractions are not recommended?

1. Patients Over 35 Years Old

Individuals in this age group often exhibit a slight depression in their temporal muscles, thinner cheekbone walls, a relatively slender face, and higher cheekbones. As one ages, the facial muscles tend to lose their fullness, making tooth extraction potentially unsuitable. Moreover, elder individuals might also have periodontal issues, making them unsuitable candidates for tooth extraction.

2. Deep Overbite

For patients with deep overbite, avoiding tooth extraction is preferable. Given that the vertical height is already reduced in such cases, extracting teeth can further diminish the height, making it challenging to open the bite.

3. Hypodivergent (low angle) Facial Profile

Individuals with a low-angle facial profile often have a shorter lower third of the face. During orthodontic treatment, teeth are supposed to ascend, enhancing the width of the dental arch. Conversely, extracting teeth in such cases might further shorten this facial profile, allowing more proclination of the front teeth.

Orthodontists need to consider changes in the transverse, sagittal, and vertical dimensions.

4. Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents, especially during the transitional or early permanent dentition phase, possess considerable space potential, like primate space and leeway space. Additionally, before reaching the peak growth and development period, there exists an annual growth potential of 2mm in areas such as the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus and the posterior region of the molars. These spaces form a critical foundation for orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents, where avoiding tooth extraction is pivotal.

5. Short Tooth Root and Thin Alveolar Bone Wall

Limited tooth movement is inherent in cases with short roots and thin alveolar bone walls. In such cases, extracting teeth would necessitate substantial tooth movement to close gaps, thus making non-extraction treatment the safer option for minor movements.

6. Underbite

For cases of underbite, extracting teeth may align them easily but can lead to a flattened appearance and reduced vertical height, exacerbating the underbite.

Patients with underbite exhibit severe upper teeth crowding, while the lower teeth are generally less crowded due to the larger lower jawbone compared to the underdeveloped upper jawbone. Some individuals may opt to extract two upper teeth to align the upper arch. However, tooth extraction eliminates the expansion's stimulating effect on bone growth. Therefore, not extracting teeth in cases of underbite can lead to improved dental aesthetics and facial structure.

In conclusion, it's not an absolute statement to say that certain cases should or should not involve tooth extraction for the treatment. Each case requires a specific and detailed analysis. Orthodontics inherently involves significant individualized variations in the treatment process, thus finding the most suitable treatment plan tailored to each individual is essential to achieve optimal orthodontic outcomes.

Whenever invisible orthodontic treatment is required, Clickalign will consistently serve as a reliable partner for both dentists and patients.

For further details, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through the following channels:

Website: www.clickalign.com

Email: info@clickalign.com