Before starting orthodontic treatment, many people wonder the question "Do I have to have a tooth extracted?". Especially for patients considering braces, it is an important issue whether tooth extraction will be necessary in this process. So, is tooth extraction really necessary in every orthodontic treatment? How is this decision made?
Why may tooth extraction be necessary?
Tooth extraction in orthodontic treatment is usually considered in the following cases:
- Excessive Tooth Crowding: If there is not enough space for the teeth to line up properly in the jawbone, some teeth may need to be extracted. This helps to bring other teeth into ideal positions.
- Jaw Problems and Surgical Planning: Some patients may have developmental disorders in the jawbone. If jaw surgery is planned, tooth extraction may be required before or during orthodontic treatment to bring the jaws into the appropriate position. This is a factor that directly affects the success of the surgery.
Is tooth extraction necessary for every patient?
No, tooth extraction is not performed in every patient. Orthodontic treatment is planned completely individually. Whether tooth extraction is necessary or not is determined by detailed intraoral examination, x-ray images, jaw structure analysis and digital modelling. Your dentist evaluates all data to achieve the best result both aesthetically and functionally.
Treatment Objective: A Balanced and Healthy Smile
The main goal of orthodontic treatment is to ensure that the teeth are properly aligned and to help the jaw structure to be in the correct position. If tooth extraction is a necessary step to achieve this goal, it is included in the treatment plan. However, this is always considered as a last resort; the natural tooth structure is tried to be preserved as much as possible.