I have 28 teeth and the dentist wants to pull 4 teeth for braces. is this normal?

Within normal limits: It all depends on your bite, how much room you have in your mouth, and the treatment objectives. No one can second guess your orthodontist without examining you.. There is no yes or no answer for your question. Seek a second opinion if you are unsure as to how to proceed.

No: Extracting bicuspids is really an outdated way of doing orthodontics. There are, however, a few exceptions. It is much better to expand the arches than to extract which can cause more complications later. This being said, it is not possible to give you a clear answer without seeing your situation. Perhaps seek another opinion from someone who understands functional orthodontics.

YES: Actually, extraction treatment is supported by vast scientific literature as superior when the removal of teeth is warranted (typically patients that have significant crowding and/or protrusion. Expansive treatment, on the other hand, often demonstrate the least stability. Seek an opinion with a licensed orthodontic specialist.

Normal: If there is too much crowding, that when unraveled leaves the teeth poorly supported by alveolar bone or puts them at an extreme angle, then it is absolutely correct to remove bicupids. One of the early rules an orthodontist learns (and is supported by clinical experience) is that the inter-canine width of the mandible should never be enlarged, doing so invites relapse and periodontal breakdown.

Many times: Very often sever crowding or large overbite requires tooth removal.

Can be: Extracting teeth as part of orthodontic treatment is not unusual. If you have excessive crowding, and there is no other way to address this (expansion, slenderizing, proclining are all methods used), then yes, extraction may be required.

Second opinion: I would get more than one opinion...Depends on what teeth need extraction...(first bicuspids/premolars- most common, ) a lot of orthodontists now try not to have teeth extracted because of tmj/tmd potential.

Sometimes: Sometimes if you have lots of crowding. Extraction of 4 bicuspids can compromise your facial balance despite improving the bite. A second opinion is mandatory. Make sure the doc and the second opinion doc are board certified orthodontists. Most aren't.

Yes: Extracting teeth to gain room for crowding is an accepted method in orthodontics.

Stop: Before you make a final decision please see a qualified Orthodontic Specialist instead of a General Dentist for an Orthodontic opinion. Less than a third of all Orthodontic patients require extractions, but that number is lower in kids, higher in adults, because of anatomic limitations. You want a brain surgeon who does nothing but brain surgery all day long, not a GP who doesn't do a lot.