You bring your child to the dentist, expecting that you’ll be told they need braces to straighten their smile. However, what you don’t expect is for the dentist to tell you that a tooth extraction will need to be performed first. Why would it be necessary to remove one of your child’s natural teeth? And will it really have that much of an impact on the success of traditional braces? As a parent, it’s important that you fully understand the reasons why your child needs a certain treatment; keep reading to learn everything you need to know before moving forward with the process.
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Extracted Before Braces?
The idea behind braces is that they place pressure on the teeth to gradually push them into an ideal position. But what if the teeth don’t have any room to move at all? The fact is that braces simply won’t work if your teeth are too close together; after all, a tooth can’t shift into a space that isn’t there. But if the right tooth is extracted, the rest of the smile can be adjusted appropriately.
Even if there’s plenty of room in your little one’s mouth, their oral health needs to be considered. If they have a tooth that’s badly damaged or decayed, it might only be a matter of time before it needs to be removed. Your child would have to remove their braces in order for the extraction to be performed at that point. Thus, taking it out now will help the orthodontic process run more smoothly without interruption.
What’s the Extraction Process Like?
The actual extraction process will need to be handled by an oral surgeon. Your dentist will refer you to a practice where you can expect your child to be treated by an expert. Afterwards, it may take about three to four weeks for your little one’s mouth to fully heal. Once recovery is complete, your dentist can move forward with the actual orthodontic treatment.
Does Your Child Need an Extraction?
As you might have guessed, not every child will need an extraction before they can get braces; the procedure is only performed in very specific circumstances. The best way to figure out whether your child needs such treatment is to visit the dentist. After an examination, they’ll determine the necessity of an extraction and, if necessary, help you plan for the procedure.
The idea of having one of your child’s teeth removed can be nerve-wracking, but rest assured that it will only be done if the alternative is worse for your little one’s oral health. Think of it as simply the first step towards a dazzling smile that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.
About the Author
Dr. Dalia Georgy practices both dentistry and orthodontics in Glenpool, and she’s been helping her patients beautify their grins for over seven years now. Having completed advanced training in orthodontic treatments, she can quickly determine whether or not extraction is a necessary step. To schedule a consultation for your child, visit the Glenpool Braces website or call (918) 201-1414.