If you have crooked, overcrowded teeth, why shouldn’t you get rid of a couple of teeth to make things easier? It can make orthodontic treatment faster, which many people appreciate. But removing teeth for braces isn’t the best choice. Dr. Ami Barakat of Villanova Dental Studio, a provider of orthodontics in Stittsville, ON, explains why you should keep your teeth.

They’re Typically Healthy

Each tooth in your mouth is there for a reason. They all have a particular function. And usually, when a tooth is removed for braces, it isn’t a tooth that has issues with decay or has a filling. They’re typically healthy teeth. We believe in conservative treatment options whenever possible so that you can keep as many healthy teeth as you can.

Premolars are usually the teeth that are removed for braces. They’re there to continue to chew smaller bits of food that have already been chewed by the molars. When you don’t have premolars, this task falls to your canine teeth and is something they aren’t specifically designed for. These teeth then wear down faster than they would normally, and can become a problem.

Removing Teeth Can Impact Your Appearance

When you’re removing teeth and then pulling the others backward, it makes your face appear flatter. Your lips look thinner and your chin looks like it’s pulled back as well. This can also make you look older than you really are, which usually isn’t something people are a fan of. Males can grow facial hair to help fill the face out, but women aren’t as lucky.

There’s a Higher Chance of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

When your teeth are pulled back, it pushes the tongue back into your mouth as well. Snoring happens when your soft tissues collapse in the back of the mouth, restricting your airflow. Snoring is also the main cause and symptom of sleep apnea. If the soft tissues in the back of your mouth are collapsing frequently, your body loses oxygen and you gasp to wake up and get more air.

If this pattern continues, it can have lasting health impacts. Not getting enough oxygen flow to the brain isn’t something to mess around with. Sleep apnea correlates with an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. Even if you don’t notice it, your body isn’t getting the rest it needs, either, while constantly waking you up to get more air.

With your teeth pulled back, the tongue also has a smaller place to sit. It ends up being that your tongue sits on top of your bottom teeth, instead of behind them. Your tongue helps to keep your bottom teeth in position. When it’s resting on top of them instead, you’re more likely to suffer orthodontic relapse in the future.

Orthodontics in Stittsville, Ontario

At our office, we’ll make sure to recommend the best options to preserve your oral health. Call us or schedule an appointment online.