Three of my upper adult teeth grew behind my primary teeth. It has been this way for years. I’m 24 years old, and now that I have employment and dental coverage, maybe I can afford to get this corrected. Are braces enough, or will I need something more complex? I guess that I will need extractions, too (?) Thank you. Morgan from TN
Morgan,
Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth for an accurate diagnosis, your description sounds like orthodontics can correct the issue.
When Adult Teeth Grown Behind Primary Teeth
When adult teeth grow behind primary teeth, a dentist or orthodontist will extract the primary teeth. If your teeth are crowded overall, your dentist may recommend removing some permanent teeth to make room for proper alignment.
When a Primary Tooth Will Not Come Out
If a permanent tooth appears but the primary tooth will not automatically come out, a dentist may remove it. Removing the primary tooth makes room for the permanent one and helps it develop in the correct position. If you would still need orthodontic treatment in the future, removing the tooth will simplify treatment with braces.
Upper lateral incisor
After braces, a dental implant can replace a missing primary tooth
Upper canine teeth often displace lateral incisors. After orthodontic treatment, a dentist may recommend dental implants to replace the missing lateral incisors.
Lower premolar
If you have a congenitally missing, lower premolar, your dentist may choose to keep the primary tooth if its position is good and it does not interfere with your bit. The dentist will watch the tooth and maintain it with fillings or other treatment as needed.
Depending on each patient’s case, after orthodontic treatment, a dentist might recommend a dental implant to fill in the space of a missing tooth.
Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.
