You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Dentistry
- Dentistry
- extractions of 1st bicuspids
Dentistry/extractions of 1st bicuspids
Advertisement
Question
My 10 year old son has had partia braces for 1 year to fix and open bite and over jet. Now his orthodontist wants to have his 1st bicuspids extracted because he says the canines will not come down. I have heard about extractions of bicuspids changing the face, by making it long and flat. Should I be concerned about that. Do you think that expanders would make enough room with out extracting the bicuspids? Thanks.
I cannot answer your specific questions regarding your son's treatment plan since I don't have access to any of the necessary diagnostic information. I can, however, provide you with some brief general comments.
Removal of first bicuspids can lead to undesirable facial changes if treatment is poorly done or if the bicuspid extractions are not necessary. On the other hand, removal of first bicuspids can be the key to an excellent result with no changes to the facial appearance if treatment is properly done.
There is some recent evidence which suggests that in some cases, very early use of expanders can provide the space necessary for canines that would otherwise be problematic.
I don't know if expansion is a potential for your son, nor do I know how first bicuspid expansion will effect your son's result since that requires an examination and careful study of the diagnositic records. I suggest that if you wish to explore this further you discuss this with your orthodontist or go for a second opinion.
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
- Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired
- Dr. Randolph Myerson
- Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD
- Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO
- Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
- Rafael Mosery,D.D.S.
- Jeff Dalin DDS
- Luis Granados DDS MS ESP.
- Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.
- Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD
- Stephen J. Moss
- Crystal Baxter DMD< MDS
- Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com
- Dr Craig Peck ( B.Med.Sc., B.Ch.D., M.Sc., Clin. Botox, Cosmet. Derm.)
- Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD
- Susan Tannenbam
- Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com
- Dr.Mike Glasmeier
- Larry Burnett DDS
- Ketan Amin, DMD
- Dr. Madhvendra T. Singh
- Simarjit kalra
- dr mayank kaurani BDS, MDS
- Mohamed Elsafi, DDS, MS, FACP
- Lawrence Gold
- Veselin Shumantov DDS
Dr. Randolph Myerson
Expertise
Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.
Experience
I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.
Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.
Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.