Orthodontics has come a long way in the past 20 years, and one of the biggest shifts is how rare permanent tooth extractions have become. While they used to be a common part of treatment, we now know that pulling teeth can lead to long-term changes in facial appearance and oral health.

So, do you really need to have teeth removed for braces or aligners? For the vast majority of patients today, the answer is no. Here are five reasons why modern orthodontics is leaving extractions behind and how it’s leading to fuller, healthier, more beautiful smiles.

1. Extractions Didn’t Age Well 

Over the years, orthodontists started noticing something: patients who had teeth removed as part of their treatment tended to experience more dramatic facial changes as they aged. Specifically, their lips flattened more quickly due to reduced tooth support.

That insight led to a major shift. Today’s orthodontists prioritize facial harmony and long-term outcomes, and that means keeping teeth whenever possible.

2. Science Debunked the “Too-Big Teeth” Myth

Back in the 1980s, researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that the problem wasn’t large teeth, it was narrow dental arches. Instead of removing teeth to solve crowding, the new focus became creating more room through better, smarter techniques.

The takeaway? Crowded smiles can often be treated without extractions by expanding and guiding the arches properly.

3. Goodbye Bulky Bands, Hello Comfortable Bonding

If you had braces years ago, you might remember the old-school metal rings (called bands) that wrapped around each tooth. Those took up a lot of space, making extractions seem more “necessary.”

Modern braces use bonding instead: a thin adhesive attaches the bracket to the front of the tooth, no bulky rings needed. That small change created a lot more space and a much more comfortable experience.

4. Space-Age Wires That Move Teeth Gently

Today’s braces use advanced wires originally developed by NASA (yes, really). These wires apply light, consistent pressure that guides teeth more naturally. This approach is gentler on your bones and gums, allowing your body to adapt as your teeth move.

That means more cases can now be treated without removing teeth, because the wires work with your body, not against it.

5. High-Tech Braces That Make Room Instead of Taking Teeth

The introduction of self-ligating braces was a total game changer. These braces use a built-in door or clip (instead of rubber bands) to hold the wire in place. This design reduces friction and allows teeth to slide into position more freely.

Paired with modern wires, self-ligating braces are highly effective at creating space naturally making extractions unnecessary in the vast majority of cases.

So… Do Extractions Still Happen?

Very rarely. In fact, less than 1% of modern orthodontic cases require permanent tooth extractions. Today’s orthodontists have the tools, research, and technology to create beautiful, healthy smiles without removing teeth.

If you or your child are exploring orthodontic options, don’t be afraid to ask about non-extraction treatment plans. Our team at All Kids Dental is proud to offer cutting-edge care across our locations in Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Eagle, and Aspen, Colorado with a focus on comfort, function, and long-term results.

 Ready to learn more? Call us at (970) 928-9500 to schedule a consultation.