Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be worried about tooth removal for braces - adult

18 replies

WrittenRequest · 29/03/2019 17:52

I’m mid 30s and have finally seen an orthodontist about getting braces for my overcrowded teeth. I have been told I’ll receive fixed braces and had the moulds done today but I need to have 2 teeth removed first. The teeth are the bottom arch 5th tooth on each side and really near the front. I’m scared of how long the gaps will be visible for and the odd feeling of having 2 healthy teeth removed Confused

Secondly I’m terrified of having 2 teeth pulled at the same time.

Has anyone had similar in adulthood than can ease my mind? I’m suffer from quite severe anxiety so I’m trying to not panic and call it off completely.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 29/03/2019 17:56

I haven't needed teeth removed for a brace but dd did need 2 adult teeth removed for hers. She got local anesthetic for the extractions and coped really well.

cliquewhyohwhy · 29/03/2019 17:58

With it being the bottom teeth you won't really be able to see the gaps. In the long run it will be worth it, keep telling yourself that.

BanginHeadache · 29/03/2019 18:00

I had to have a tooth removed for my braces due to overcrowding too. It was one of my bottom teeth too near the front. Tbh it wasn’t painful but injections don’t bother me anyway. After it just felt weird not having the tooth there anymore. The gap was noticable however but only for a short while as honestly I was so surprised at how quick the braces started to move the teeth.

EKGEMS · 29/03/2019 18:02

I had my canine teeth pulled to accommodate orthodontia-no issues experienced with two less teeth

Divgirl2 · 29/03/2019 18:06

I had all wisdom teeth pulled to get braces (under GA - it was fine). In terms of the gaps they'll barely be noticeable. They'll feel like giant holes in your mouth for about a week, then you'll start forgetting about them, then eventually they'll not be there at all.

It won't be as bad as you're fearing. I had braces as an adult and to be honest I think I noticed them more than anyone else.

Nnnnnineteen · 29/03/2019 18:10

I've had 4 out plus my wisdom teeth. The gaps fill in really quickly, so you won't be 'gappy ' for too long.
Better to get them out at the same time, you aren't likely to be skipping back to have the second done otherwise!

TheZeppo · 29/03/2019 18:13

I had to have two teeth removed for my braces, both on the top. It did t go well for me when they first attempted, so I had to go to the hospital to have them taken out under sedation (teeth fused to the bone or something?)

It was horrible at the first appointment, I won’t lie. BUT my teeth are now straight and it was DEFINITELY worth it. You’ll be fine!

Mammatron · 29/03/2019 18:40

Have you looked at Invisalign? For fixed braces I would have needed 2 teeth out but with Invisalign I kept them all as they're able to move each tooth individually

Lemonsquinky · 29/03/2019 18:47

I'm following. Im getting braces to sort out my missing lateral incisors. (Just googled it!) But I have one misshapen tooth that will need removing. I'm rubbish at the dentist. But my teeth look crap.

AverageAvenger · 29/03/2019 19:11

I’m about to get fixed braces on my bottom teeth and need a tooth removed too. Slightly nervous, but just really happy that I can finally afford it and get them sorted. Good luck OP.

HarrysOwl · 29/03/2019 19:14

I had three out before my brace was fitted.

Had them all extracted at the same time - I honestly found it absolutely fine! No pain during it, and I didn't need a lot of painkillers after.

I've had my braces on for 18 months now, I've kept a weekly blog - happy to PM it to you.

Best decision ever! You won't regret it.

Original poster
WrittenRequest · 29/03/2019 19:39

You are all making me feel much better thank you Smile

I just wish they could pull teeth from further back but im sure there must be a reason for it. He did say he preferred to have the smaller teeth removed than the back ones.

HarrysOwl - That would be great, id like to see that, thank you

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 29/03/2019 19:42

The back molars would be bigger and harder to remove. Plus if you took them from further back then you would have more teeth to move into a new position

sdb1hcs · 29/03/2019 19:53

Hi OP, I work in a dental lab making braces. It's entirely normal to have premolars removed to make room for straightening your front teeth and If you are nervous make sure to tell your dentist. The poster mentioning invisalign is wrong. That system is only for very mild corrections and fixed braces can do much more. Hope you get a good result - it'll be worth it.

HarrysOwl · 29/03/2019 20:09

Yeah much better to remove smaller teeth and close those gaps than the big molars.

Mine were quite near the front but they close so quickly - and amazingly you couldn't really tell when I spoke/smiled.

I've PMd you my blog/brace diary, please don't judge the yellow wires on my update photos, I can't live without tumeric in my life!

DontCallMeCharlotte · 29/03/2019 20:35

With it being the bottom teeth you won't really be able to see the gaps

Unless you're Katya Adler Grin

sdb1hcs · 29/03/2019 20:50

It always surprises me that 'interesting' teeth actually look quite ordinary in the person that owns them. There is no dental normal, as in the rest of life.

squirrelnutkins1 · 29/03/2019 20:57

I had 4 out before my braces. Total brace time 18 months. I did have big gaps cus I've got big teeth but it'll fly by, honest!
I'm not sure if you can PM photos but if you can I'm happy to send before and after photos. Best thing I've ever done!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread