Here at Petrunic Orthodontics, we always work to give our amazing Prattville patients the highest standard of orthodontic care available. That means working hard to keep their smiles in amazing shape, 24/7. Restorative and preventative care will always be our choice when it comes to dealing with problems that might potentially lead to extraction, but sometimes, that’s absolutely going to be the best choice.
And that’s why we’ve decided to get together with Dr. Petrunic and go over extraction vs. non-extraction therapy. Which is right for you? What does extraction therapy mean for your smile? Are there alternatives to extraction?
We’ll answer these questions and a whole lot more below, so keep reading!
What is Extraction Therapy?
First things first – what even is extraction therapy? Well, as the name suggests, extraction therapy is all about dealing with orthodontic or dental issues that are problematic enough and potentially hazardous to your overall oral well-being; the best thing to do is just get rid of the offending tooth.
To put it another way, Extraction therapy, otherwise referred to as tooth extraction or orthodontic extractions, is a procedure we sometimes employ in orthodontics that involves removing one or more teeth to create space and facilitate the proper alignment of the remaining teeth. It is typically done as part of orthodontic treatment to correct dental malocclusions (misalignments of the teeth and jaws).
That means that you and Dr. Petrunic have decided together that removal is the best step for you and your smile.
We’ll decide together to perform extraction therapy based on a number of different factors, including the severity of the malocclusion, the size of the dental arches, the relationship between the jaws, and how much available space there is for tooth movement. Orthodontists like Dr. Petrunic carefully evaluate these factors and consider the overall facial profile and what you need for a healthy bite before recommending extraction as a treatment option.
How About Non-Extraction Therapy?
So on the flip side, non-extraction therapy involves any number of different therapeutic options that do not ultimately result in the removal of a tooth or teeth. Instead, in non-extraction therapy, we’ll focus on utilizing your existing space within the dental arches and employing various techniques to create additional room for tooth movement. That way, you get the best smile possible and the healthiest bite without having to get rid of any teeth.
You’re a perfect candidate for non-extraction therapy in the event that you have the following:
Mild to moderate crowding:
Non-extraction therapy is perfect in the event that the degree of crowding is manageable and can be effectively addressed without the need for tooth removal. In that case, we’ll use standard orthodontic appliances, like braces or aligners, to gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions within the available space.
A well-balanced facial profile:
Non-extraction therapy is almost always going to be the way to go if your facial profile is already harmonious and balanced. In such cases, Dr. Petrunic will aim to maintain the natural proportions of your face without altering the tooth-to-lip relationship significantly. Lucky You!
Favorable jaw relationships and functional bite:
Non-extraction therapy is much more feasible in the event that the relationship between your upper and lower jaws is well-aligned and your bite is relatively stable and functional. This means that your teeth fit together properly when the jaws are closed, and you aren’t dealing with any significant issues with chewing or speaking.
Dr. Petrunic Recommended an Extraction – What Now?
Good question! Sometimes, circumstances are such that an extraction just makes sense – but no worries! Our team is well-trained, and we use the best techniques, so you won’t have to worry about any issues.
Modern extraction therapy techniques focus on minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure. Orthodontists now employ a conservative approach, preserving as much dental tissue as possible while achieving the desired results. Minimally invasive extraction techniques reduce trauma to surrounding tissues, promote faster healing, and enhance patient comfort throughout the treatment process. That means that even if extraction is the best option for you, you won’t have to worry about excessive discomfort or any resulting orthodontic issues from the missing tooth!
Let’s Get Started On Your Smile Together!
Thanks so much for reading up on the differences between these two options for orthodontic treatment! When it comes to your smile, Petrunic Orthodontics will always go the extra mile, so fill out this form or call us at (334) 366-8318 to schedule your free consultation in our modern, spacious Prattville office today!
We can’t wait to see your smile!