At Moffett & Walley Orthodontics, we know the idea of pulling a tooth isn’t exactly thrilling for our patients. We’re always working to ensure that our Clinton and Madison area patients have the healthiest and happiest smiles imaginable, and sometimes, an extraction may be necessary. While in every case, we prefer to save the tooth and will be sure to focus on treatments that restore and prevent dental issues, there are times when extraction is the most appropriate option for your smile. Today, we’re here with Dr. Moffett to discuss the ins and outs of extraction vs. non-extraction therapy. Read on to learn which option is right for you, what extraction therapy means for your smile, and whether there are alternatives to extraction.
First Things First – What Is Extraction?
Let’s keep things simple by starting with definitions! What is extraction therapy exactly? Extraction therapy is a way to address orthodontic or dental issues that can seriously affect your oral well-being. By removing the problematic tooth, extraction therapy helps mitigate these risks. Extraction therapy, also known as tooth extraction or orthodontic extractions, is a procedure in orthodontics that creates space and promotes the proper alignment of the remaining teeth. An orthodontist typically performs this as part of orthodontic treatment to correct dental malocclusions, which refer to misalignments of the teeth and jaws.
When Dr. Moffett recommends extraction therapy, it means that you and Dr. Moffett have worked together to decide that removing a tooth is the best option for your smile. Dr. Moffett carefully considers all sorts of different factors, including the degree of the malocclusion (that means misalignment of the teeth), the size of the dental arches, the relationship between the jaws, and the availability of space for tooth movement. Moreover, he’ll consider your overall facial profile and the requirements for a healthy bite before selecting extraction therapy as a treatment option. We’ll never just default to extraction!
Non-Extraction Therapy: Always Our First Option
On the flip side, non-extraction therapy offers alternative treatment options that don’t involve removing teeth. Instead, this approach focuses on utilizing the existing space within your dental arches and employing techniques to create additional room for tooth movement. With non-extraction therapy, you can achieve your ideal smile and a healthy bite without tooth extraction.
Non-extraction therapy is particularly well-suited to patients with mild to moderate crowding as long as the crowding can be effectively managed without removing any teeth. In such cases, standard orthodontic appliances like braces or aligners can gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions within the available space.
This treatment approach is often recommended if you already have a well-balanced and harmonious facial profile. Dr. Moffett will always work to maintain the natural proportions of your face while ensuring a healthy and happy smile without significantly altering the relationship between your teeth and lips. Consider yourself fortunate if you fall into this category!
Moreover, non-extraction therapy is more feasible when you have favorable jaw relationships and a fully functional bite. This approach is usually the preferred choice if your upper and lower jaws align well and your bite is stable and effective. It indicates that your teeth fit together correctly when your jaws are closed, and you don’t experience significant difficulties chewing or speaking.
What to Expect in the Case of Extraction
Sometimes, tooth extraction is the best course of action for your oral health. If that’s the case, don’t panic! Dr. Moffett and the team at Moffett & Walley are well-trained in all aspects of orthodontics, including extraction. We’ve got the know-how and the tools to make the extraction experience simple and easy.
Extraction therapy techniques practiced at Moffett & Walley focus on making everything painless and efficient so your experience is quick and easy. Dr. Moffett’s conservative approach preserves as much dental tissue as possible while ensuring you get the perfect results.
These minimally invasive extraction techniques eliminate any trauma to surrounding tissues, promote faster healing, and enhance patient comfort throughout the treatment process. So, even if Dr. Moffett recommends extractions, you can be confident that you won’t have to deal with any serious discomfort or long-lasting orthodontic issues surrounding the missing tooth.
Knowing the differences between extraction therapy and non-extraction therapy is important when choosing the right approach for your smile. While we always aim to save your tooth first, there are times when removing a problem tooth is just simply the best option. Dr. Moffett will examine issues such as the degree of your teeth’s misalignment, facial profile, and bite functionality to make the final decision.
At Moffett & Walley Orthodontics, we’ll always work to offer you quality service for the healthiest and happiest smile around. Whether we find a way to save the tooth or Dr. Moffett recommends extraction, you know you’re in good hands with us!
Call Today For Your Free Consultation!
Moffett & Walley Orthodontics is your Clinton and Madison area resource for amazing smiles! We offer free consultations every time, so call us today at 601-768-1914 in Clinton, 601-768-1436 in Madison, or just fill out this convenient online form!
Let’s start your smile journey today!