Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Overbite braces
Ive overbite issue and some doctor said for braces they will remove my 4 tooth , wont it create gap , it would look worse than present I dont know if i should go for braces or not but issue is significant and I want to improve and removal of 4 tooth is not joke
Answers (9)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hi, your concern is completely understandable but, in ortho cases, such as yours, we suggest extraction to create space in order to move your teeth to that desired position. It is a common practice. Your concern is that it will look bad. Initially, yes it might but as the treatment progresses you'll notice the significant changes and experience your smile being redesigned. Then you'll understand better the need for extraction.
Next Steps
You should go ahead with your braces treatment. It is ok to have concerns but treatment is important.
Health Tips
Yes, the extraction word is scary even for older people you're still very young comparatively. But you should not stop yourself from getting the smile you desire because of something which can be dealt with and is necessary for a better treatment outcome. Take your time. Make up your mind. But get the needed treatment.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced dentist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+158
Hlo mam….in ortho cases it is very common that extraction of tooth is suggested to gain space for tooth movement if there is no sufficient space available to move the teeth and correct the bite….And initially it will look kind of off to you but with time your look will improve.And that’s how almost every ortho treatment is carried out.
So don’t worry trust your dentist and ask your doubts i m sure u will get your all answers.
Next Steps
If you are not satisfied with all your doubts then u should go for 2nd opinion from an orthodontist.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
A significant overbite can often be improved with braces, but removing four premolars is recommended only when measurements show insufficient space, protruding front teeth, crowding, or a bite pattern that needs retraction. The gaps are intentional working spaces and are usually closed during treatmentânot left visible at the end. At 22, get a second orthodontic opinion before irreversible extractions.
Next Steps
Ask for a full diagnostic work-up: clinical examination, bite records/scans, panoramic X-ray, lateral cephalometric X-ray, and cephalometric analysis. These help determine whether your issue is mainly tooth-position related or due to jaw position.
Health Tips
Do not allow teeth to be removed until you understand which four teeth, the exact reason each is needed, whether all extraction spaces will be closed, expected treatment duration, and the predicted change to your lip and facial profile.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Removing 4 tooth can be scary but the it is very common when orthodontist want to create space for the teeth after they move backward.
It would be better if you can attach your reports.
Usually the teeth that are removed are not that visible so you need to fear about it looking worse at present. The ultimate goal of all dentist is to give you a bite with harmony.
Next Steps
Go in for another consultation
Health Tips
Do not delay getting braces as that will hamper your teeth more in the long run.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Your concern is completely reasonable — removing four permanent teeth sounds frightening, and you should understand why before agreeing to it.
The important point is: extractions do not automatically mean you will be left with four visible gaps. In orthodontic treatment, teeth may be removed specifically to create space, and the braces then use that space to move the remaining teeth into their planned positions. The intended result is normally closed spaces with a corrected bite, not four permanent gaps.
For a significant overbite, extractions can sometimes be the most appropriate way to create enough room to move prominent upper teeth backward and correct the bite. But whether you specifically need four extractions cannot be determined simply from the fact that you have an overbite. Orthodontic planning depends on your facial profile, amount of crowding, tooth positions, bite, jaw relationship and X-rays.
So I wouldn’t tell you either “definitely extract” or “definitely don’t extract” without seeing your orthodontic records.
Next Steps
Before having any teeth removed, I would recommend getting a second opinion from a qualified orthodontist, preferably one who routinely treats adult overbite cases.
Take your X-rays/photos/models to the second orthodontist and specifically ask:
1. Why do I need 4 extractions?
2. Which four teeth are you planning to remove and why those teeth?
3. What will happen to my facial profile after treatment?
4. Can my case be treated without extractions?
5. If non-extraction treatment is possible, what compromises or risks would it involve?
6. Will all extraction spaces be completely closed?
7. Can you show me a simulation or similar completed case with an overbite like mine?
8. What happens if we try non-extraction treatment and there isn’t enough space?
Health Tips
Don’t make the decision based only on fear of gaps. The question isn’t really “Will removing four teeth create gaps?” — it’s “Is creating this space necessary to produce the healthiest and most stable bite and appearance in my particular case?”
Also, don’t let anyone rush you into extraction simply because “that’s how overbites are treated.” A proper orthodontic diagnosis should come first. The AAO specifically emphasizes that orthodontic treatment should be based on a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.
And if your overbite is significant, braces themselves may be very worthwhile. Orthodontic treatment can improve both the bite and appearance, and properly aligned teeth are generally easier to maintain.
If you have your OPG/cephalometric X-ray or clear photos of your teeth and side profile, send them here. I can explain, in simple terms, what the orthodontist is likely trying to achieve with four extractions and what questions you should ask before consenting.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Inavolu Shamini
Dentist
10 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Hello
Remove of 4 teeth for orthodontic treatment is very normal and there is no loss in removing all four teeth for ortho treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Srishti Grover
Dentist
8 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi, your concern is completely understandable but, in ortho cases, such as yours, we suggest extraction to create space in order to move your teeth to that desired position. It is a common practice. Your concern is that it will look bad. Initially, yes it might but as the treatment progresses you'll notice the significant changes and experience your smile being redesigned. Then you'll understand better the need for extraction.
Health Tips
Yes, the extraction word is scary even for older people you're still very young comparatively. But you should not stop yourself from getting the smile you desire because of something which can be dealt with and is necessary for a better treatment outcome. Take your time. Make up your mind. But get the needed treatment.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Priya Balani
Dentist
18 yrs exp
Delhi
Overbite correction requies braces/ orthodontic treatment and for that removal of four premolars is recommended to create space for moving teeth within the jaw, it is part of treatment process. After completion of treatment there would be no visible gaps rather a beautiful smile with corrected overbite
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Tarun Pandey
Dentist
13 yrs exp
Bhopal
Hello Ma'am,
Removing 4 teeth can sound scary , but in significant overbite cases it may be necessary to create space and correct the bite.
The gaps are usually closed completely with braces , so you generally won't be left with spaces . Whether you truly need extractions depends on your X rays, jaw position, crowding and facial profile.
Since it's a major decision, getting a second orthodontist's opinion is a good idea before proceeding
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.