Are the spaces from extractions visable???

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#1 Post by **Lola** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:36 am

Hi there! Just wondering if anyone has experience with extractions being visable?? Am getting braces in 2 weeks, but first have to get 2 teeth extracted- the first premolars. Unfortunately this has to be done, as the main problem with my teeth is the fact that my two upper canines stick out a lot and have no room to move. Has anyone else had these teeth out and if so, is it obvious that there are spaces there? Missing teeth is not a good look on a 22 year old I think!! Also, does anyone know how long before the gaps close with braces? I'd appreciate anyones thoughts on these questions, as I am in the pre-extraction dread stage I think and am getting cold feet!

#2 Post by **ReneG** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:56 am

I'm getting premolars extracted this Friday - upper 2nds and lower 1sts.

I don't think they'll be that visible since they are nearer the back and my orthodontist will be putting in separators the second Monday after.

If you can't tell, I'm also in the dread stage... I'm getting my lower impacted wisdom teeth out at the same time, all under GA. I'm actually queasy just thinking about it

#3 Post by **martinboyce** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:14 am

I wouldnt worry too much, your pre molars a quite a narrow tooth, ive jsut had the big molars out and i have massive gaps. Dont worry your ortho will close your gaps no problem,

i too have big canines, sticking out squashing my poor incisors back into my mouth. I need all the space i can get

seriously go into it knowing its necessary, it wont hurt, it wont take long and the gaps will dissapear.

Big Hug

#4 Post by **TumbleDryLow** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:50 am

I got both first premolars out on top and seconds out on the bottom. You can't see the bottom extraction sites at all on me. You can, however, see the top if I smile really, REALLY big and you are staring at my profile and looking directly at my mouth. Then again, I have braces on, so it's obvious why I have extractions, therefore it's never bothered me that someone may be able to see them. I've only had my braces on for three months and I see lots of movement. Really, don't worry about this. I'm the worlds biggest chicken, so if I can get 4 teeth pulled--anyone can. Good luck!

#5 Post by **Lola** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 4:40 am

thanks guys, glad I'm not alone! I was thinking that they might be like that TumbleDryLow (only visable when you smile) but was not looking forward to not smiling for 6 months or whatever it takes till I feel presentable. Glad that you're like me ReneG, we can go through it together! I have to get the lower wisdom teeth out as well, but were starting the work without it so you can let me know how you get on. Good Luck on Friday!

#6 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:11 am

You'll get over smiling with the gaps. At first I tried to hide them but people would keep looking. Finally, I said froget it and just went about. No one said a word, I went out to eat and I was saying how I couldn't bite into big foods as I was missing 4 teeth. I showed my buddies and they couldn't figure out why I had been talking funny and didn't notice the teeth missing. They never even heard the little extra whistle I had.

#7 Post by **missfashionista** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:55 am

My Ortho said that I have to have 1 lower incisor extracted. He said he would bond the extracted tooth to the wire or something so I would not have a visible gap. He would gradually shave down the extracted tooth during the closure of the gap. Maybe if you are really self-conscious about the gap, you can ask your ortho if something like that can be done?

#8 Post by **Lola** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:41 am

Hmm, he didn't offer an alternative like that so i would say it's out. if it was at the front of my mouth I would ask , but I don't really want to complicate things unnecessarily. I'll just have to grin and bear it excuse the pun!! Anyway, dilemma no.2 - just discovered I'm going on a surprise weekend away. The problem with this is that the extractions are booked for the evening before I'm going, and the braces put on the day I get back. Is this too much? If I cancel it will be another month before I can get it done. I am not too bothered about slow/sore eating etc, but am worried that they will be really really painful and I will be totally miserable. Anybody else who got premolars out have to go somewhere or to work etc the next day and if so, how bad is it really????

#9 Post by **shaolin** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:46 am

I had a lower lateral incisor removed 3 days ago and even with the obvious gap if I open my mouth, it's not easy to see if I don't deliberately show it - I've stood in front of the mirror talking and smiling to check!

Going to the ortho in a couple of days to get the wire re-fitted, he said he can add some white filling material to the sides of the adjacent teeth to almost close the gap and then when they start to move, keep shaving away the filling material until it's eventually all gone when the teeth are in position.

#10 Post by **Chris1960** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:14 pm

I had my 2nd premolars extracted. Not that noticeable. I would imagine the 1st premolars would be more so though. Of course, with all the metal in the way does it really matter?

It's been said on this board that teeth will move 1mm a month. I figure a tooth gap is about 9mm. However it's also been said on this board that power chains will close a gap overnight (must be a small gap).

It's been 3 months for me and I'm still waiting for my gaps to start closing.

#11 Post by **ReneG** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:56 pm

Extractions went well on Friday and the gaps aren't noticeable unless you are looking for it.

My 4 premolar extractions (upper seconds, lower firsts) stopped bleeding quite quickly though the remaining holes are disconcerting. I had some porridge stuck in there and I just HAD to gargle them out

The first premolars generally have longer roots therefore deeper holes. I have no idea if the surgeon stuffed anything in though.

Lola, for two normal extractions, I think you'll be fine if it's done the evening before your short trip. The overnight rest should be sufficient. Just have to limit your foods to something soft for the next day to prevent aggravating the extraction sites.

#12 Post by **Lola** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:13 am

Thanks again guys, and well done ReneG you brave soul! I'm feeling more positive about it now. If I wasn't going away sure I'd have to go to work so it makes no difference! just keep thinking that this time 18 months I will be gorgeous!!!

#13 Post by **Zuke** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:06 am

I got 4 teeth pulled, and no one noticed it unless they were looking at me from the side, which I don't think anyone did anyway

)

I didn't talk funny, or have any issues........

Braces have been on since the 7th and the spaces are getting smaller and smaller everyday

Don't worry about it, I worried a TON, and it was really for nothing

Z

#14 Post by **Carolinahigh12** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:32 pm

I had 1 lower biscupid removed and it is not noticable. My ortho used tubing to keep the archwire from rubbing and to keep me from bending the wire out of place with my tounge. No one notice it but me. Your ortho my place a rubber tube on the archwire for comfort anyway.