HomeAnswersOrthodontistspacing in between the teethHow long does it take for space closure during orthodontic treatment?

Whether removal of teeth for orthodontic treatment is necessary?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Infanteena Marily F.

Published At March 27, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

A year ago, my four teeth were extracted for braces (two uppers and two lower teeth). In the lower jaw, the teeth started moving to fill the gaps, but in the upper jaw, the teeth have not moved still and are looking ugly. Is this normal? If yes, how long will it take to move? Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Orthodontic treatment is broadly divided into four phases, leveling and aligning, space closure, finishing and detailing and retention. As you mentioned about four teeth getting extracted, it is a normal procedure followed worldwide for certain cases. Leveling and aligning depend on how much crowding is present in both arches and how much movement will be required in both of them to get a well-aligned arch. If they are not aligned and space closure is initiated, it tends to result in an unesthetic appearance, and management in later stages becomes difficult. In your case, uppers might have had more crowding than lowers and more discrepancy in levels, hence longer alignment time. The lower arch tends to move faster and shows space closure much earlier than the upper arch due to certain factors like bone composition, food eating habits, etc. In lower, leveling and aligning would have been finished, and hence space closure would have been started by the doctor, while in upper, it would still require some more alignment before beginning the space closure, hence the delay. If you see the upper front teeth well aligned at the same level and following a gentle curve as they go back, stay rest assured. Alignment is almost over, and soon, space closure will be initiated. Generally, it takes about 18 to 20 months for cases with four teeth extraction to complete. Hence, based on the details provided, you are going on the right track; soon, space closure should be initiated. Do reach out for further information and clarifications. Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mayank Khandelwal
Dr. Mayank Khandelwal

Orthodontist

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Orthodontist

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy