Orthodontics has undergone a significant transformation in the last two decades. In the past, tooth extractions were a common course of action in orthodontic treatments. However, this practice had long-term repercussions on patients’ facial aesthetics, and gum and bone health. Many patients now wonder whether they still need to undergo tooth extractions when seeking orthodontic care. The good news is that orthodontics has evolved to minimize the need for such extractions, resulting in fuller and more beautiful smiles. Let’s explore five reasons why permanent tooth extractions are no longer the norm in modern orthodontic practice.
- Extractions Have Failed the Test of Time:
Orthodontists have gained valuable insights over the years by observing the aging process of patients who underwent extractions. They noticed that as people age, their lips naturally tend to flatten. In patients with extracted teeth, this flattening was more pronounced due to the lack of adequate lip support caused by reduced tooth count. This realization prompted orthodontists to seek alternative treatment methods to prevent these negative aging effects associated with extractions.
- Controlled Studies and Research:
Research conducted at the University of Michigan during the 1980s debunked the belief that crowded teeth were due to tooth size. Instead, the studies revealed that individuals with crowded teeth often had smaller dental arches. These findings challenged the conventional approach of extracting teeth and advocated for creating more space for crowded teeth instead of resorting to extractions.
- Now We Bond Instead of Band:
Orthodontic treatment has evolved from using bands, the rings around teeth, to bonding, a process that employs a thin layer of adhesive to attach braces to the front surface of teeth. Bands, by their nature, added extra bulk to teeth, making it difficult to accommodate them in the mouth, even in cases of mild crowding. Bonding eliminated the need for bands, allowing for a more streamlined and comfortable orthodontic experience.
- Much Better Wires:
Orthodontic wires now incorporate materials tested by NASA, providing a gentler and more controlled force on teeth compared to traditional stainless steel wires. This gentler force allows teeth to move in a way that encourages bone adaptation, enabling orthodontists to treat more cases without the necessity of extractions.
- Much Better Braces:
The advent of self-ligating braces in the new millennium marked a significant advancement in orthodontic technology. Unlike traditional braces that relied on ties or elastics to secure wires, self-ligating braces use a door or clip mechanism. This innovation reduces friction against the wires, allowing teeth to slide more freely. This technology, combined with the use of space-age wires, enables orthodontists to move teeth more gently and effectively, making room for teeth as recommended by the University of Michigan research.
Extractions of permanent teeth can be a distressing experience, and patients understandably seek alternatives. Long-term observations have demonstrated that permanent tooth extractions can lead to undesired aging-related changes. Research has clarified that tooth size is not the issue, and the current orthodontic approach emphasizes creating space rather than removing teeth through extractions. Thanks to technological advancements, orthodontists now have the tools and techniques to achieve non-extraction treatments effectively.
In modern orthodontics, extractions are necessary in less than 1% of cases, providing patients with a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing treatment journey. As a prospective orthodontic patient, it’s essential to advocate for non-extraction treatments and explore these advancements that make tooth extractions a thing of the past. Embracing these innovations ensures that you can achieve your desired smile without the need for permanent tooth extractions. Our All Kids Dental practice has several locations in Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Eagle and Aspen, Colorado. We look forward to helping you and your family’s smiles!