How do i find the best orthodontist?

Question

i am about to get braces my k9's never came in and i went for a consultation and he told me that i am going to have to have 8 teeth pulled i am kinda freaked out about this my teeth arent all that bad and it doesnt seem that i need to make that much room for my k9's to come in... How do i find a good orthodontist?

Answer 1

The teeth that are to be extracted are either primary deciduous teeth that are about to be shed and possibly a few bi's or you have supernumerary teeth and need to loose the extras. I'm speaking from experience with other patients, and myself. I had 8 supernumerary "permanent teeth" extracted prior to my braces placement, and then a few years later "all 4 wisdom teeth" were extracted as well. I was the same as you, thinking "he's crazy!" I know exactly what your orthodontist is talking about since I ask him then (nearly 40 yrs ago) and I work in dentistry now. So you need to ask questions when you are unclear as to the what's and why's of the treatment. My assumption would be either these are deciduous teeth or possibly supernumerary teeth, or a combination of both with the removal of some deciduous and your bi's needed. Also the canines need to come in while your young befor they become fused in the bone and unable to retrieve later. They are the corner blocks or support of your entire dentition. These teeth also have the longest root and are the strongest teeth in your dentition. They may be needed later in your life for the use as abutment teeth for a bridge or anchor for a partial. You never know what may happen, auto or sports accident are the main reasons for the loss of anterior teeth. Just ask your ortho or your OS about it, they will tell you and show you on your pano which ones have to go so that you may understand your treatment. You should also realize the importance of orthodontic treatment and the reasons for it. It’s not just to give you straight teeth and a nice smile; but also to correct your bite with proper alignment to avoid future problems with TMJ problems and pain, excessive wear on the occulsal surface of the teeth, over crowding problem that cause difficulty in proper cleaning leading to unnecessary decay. Another reason to bring the canines in, is to avoid the possibility of root reabsorption due to these teeth resting on the roots of other teeth which is known to happen causing to loss of the erupted tooth. These are just a few good reasons to have orthodontic treatment. I'm not privy to know exactly what your teeth and surrounding structures look like, although I have seen many cases like yours. I can tell you just from what little you've told me here that I know you are in need of orthodontic treatment more so than most. Good luck and I hope I've been of some help and you feel a little more confident in your orthodontist and his treatment.

Answer 2

it depends on how old you are...it could be that some of your teeth are under the gum, but aren't necessary and are blocking your k9's...but 8 does sound like a lot. go to another and ask for a second opinion. and from personal experience, if your teeth aren't that bad, don't get braces. they hurt, they're uncomfortable, and in the end they don't work that well anyway. trust me, you're not going to want to wear that retainer every night for the rest of your life, which is what you'll have to do to keep your teeth in place. plus, it's outrageously expensive!!!!!

Answer 3

2 get 8 teeth pulled out its pretty sreious i would get a second opinion just in case u really don't have 2 have them pulled