Anyone had adult braces with teeth extraction?

[willyfog]

I am due to get fixed braces shortly and have needed to have 4 teeth extracted first (pre-molars) as I have moderate to severe overcrowding and a small jaw. The treatment is being done by a local orthodontist with a good reputation. I was feeling fine about it all but last night I was googling about teeth extraction and read all sorts of horror stories about how it has negatively changed people's facial appearance, especially in profile, and caused breathing difficulties. I already have a prominent nose and really don't want to spend thousands on my teeth just to make my nose look bigger.

I know I should probably have researched better before but I just trusted the orthodontist. I also had wisdom teeth out when I was younger and didn't notice any changes, but am worried as these teeth are nearer the front. Has anyone had extraction work before braces and noticed a negative affect on their appearance?

Yes I have, and it didn’t alter my appearance other than give me straighter teeth

Great, thank you for sharing!

I've had this - never noticed looking any different!

I should have reminded myself never to trust stories you read on Google..... Thanks!

I had severe overcrowding and had these teeth out and I think my face shape has changed slightly. My profile is flatter and my face looks slightly longer, BUT, the good far outweighs this in terms of the health of my teeth and how much less self conscious I feel. I would do exactly the same again.

I did. 3 years in braces in my late 20s. Two premolars out at the front to make room to straighten my prominent, gappy teeth. I think the shape of my mouth has changed and my lips look much thinner as a result. I can however eat better and don't feel self conscious about my teeth any more so I think it's a case of weighing up the pros and cons.

I've had all four of my second premolars out as an adult and fixed braces for 2 years, I haven't noticed any difference to my appearance except now I have straight teeth.

However, as part of the treatment I had my bottom jaw moved back very slightly to correct my bite and I can't open my mouth quite as wide as I used to. I only really notice it when eating an enormous mouthful of food (think eating a burger, for example) or at the dentist for treatment. I don't remember it being mentioned beforehand. I have black triangles between my lower teeth now which I definitely was warned about.

I read similar horror stories to you and asked my orthodontist about it before starting treatment. He explained that the extractions would make no difference to my face shape because my teeth were very overcrowded and would simply fill the gaps. Ask your orthodontist if you're at all concerned, they should be able to put your mind at rest.

My sister did. It looks lovely.

I'm about to have two pre-molars extracted on my upper jaw in preparation for braces, and I'm then having jaw surgery afterwards to better align my jaws. I've thought long and hard about the extractions but I've got pretty severe crowding and two orthodontists have suggested this as the best course of treatment so I'm going to trust their judgement. It can be hard though when there's so much information out there on the internet.