Does the orthodontist remove baby teeth before braces? our 13 year old daughter is going to need braces, and before the first appointment i would like to know if orthodontists usually pull all the baby teeth before braces are put on?

Every : Every orthodontist does things differently so you might want to call ahead and ask the office. Most orthodontists do not extract teeth themselves, but if and when it was needed, they would have your daughter's dentist do it. Also, on the very first appointment, just an examination would be done and possibly orthodontic records would be taken.

As : As long as the permanent teeth are developing and erupting normally underneath, not usually...Nature is just allowed to take its course. However, if there are problems with the baby teeth or they are a barrier to normal growth and development it may be recommended to have them removed. The answer best left to revisit after an orthodontic evaluation and consultation. The orthodontist you choose will be better able to help you with this question after an in-person look at your daughter to determine her needs.

Sometimes indicated.: Depends on developmental issues related to underlying permanent teeth that are sometimes not developed when retention of the baby tooth may be retaind, again realated to integrety of that baby tooth. No simple answer!

Depends....: I usually don't have baby teeth removed for orthodontic treatment. I usually wait for the child to lose them on their own, given no particular indication for removal. That said, there are times that removal of baby teeth is indicated to facilitate eruption of a permanent tooth, facilitate oral hygiene of the erupting permanent tooth, or to make room for a particular appliance. Consult your orth.

Occasionally: At age 13, females commonly have lost all their baby teeth. In some instances, the baby tooth had not exfoliated for specific reasons such as: there may not be a permanent tooth under the baby tooth; the permanent tooth may be "impacted" or stuck under the baby tooth. It's best to have the orthodontist do an examination to determine the answer to your questions before getting any extractions.

No: If there is a problem with the tooth coming out then they are removed. It is not unusual for the permanent teeth to be delayed until age 14 or even 15.

Timing: 13 is ittle late for baby teeth to still be present in a girl's mouth. Why are they still there? No underlying permanent teeth? Problems with baby tooth roots not dissolving? Underlying permanent teeth out of position? Before arriving at rx plan 1st a thorough diagnosis has to be done. Note that orthodontic specialists do not pull teeth. If extractions needed, will be done by dds or surgeon.

Rarely: At this age, i would put braces on first, protect the arch length, and then if necessary remove the remaining baby teeth. This is termed full use of leeway space and is the space gained between the size of baby second molar and adult 2nd bicuspids. It may mean the difference between need for adult tooth extraction in the overall plan.

Depends: 1st, the orthodontist would likely not pull teeth-- they'll leave that to the general dentist. 2nd, it depends on treatment-- if needed, yes, they'll have them pulled, but there is never a 100% yes or no answer (sorry i know you were looking for one). You should ask 2 different orthodontists in consultations and see what they both say. The consults should be free btw.