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Canine Teeth Pulled
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An_224419 posted:
I am in my early 30s now, but when I was around 16 years old, an orthodontist removed all four of my canine teeth to correct an underbite (and maybe overcrowding in my mouth). I started seeing a new dentist recently who made a big deal about the fact that I do not have canines. He said most dentists try to preserve the canines, if possible. I wonder why no other dentists have mentioned my missing canines before.

I think I've managed to deal with the lack of canines just fine, but I'm curious now if this severely affects my bite or eating. I'm particularly concerned if this is wearing down my other teeth improperly, as other teeth are being used for canine functions.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Canine Teeth PulledI am in my early 30s now, but when I was around 16 years old, an orthodontist removed all four of my canine teeth to correct an underbite (and maybe overcrowding in my mouth). I started seeing a new dentist recently who made a big deal about the fact that I do not have canines. He said most dentists try to preserve the canines, if possible. I wonder why no other dentists have mentioned my missing canines before. <br /> <br />I think I've managed to deal with the lack of canines just fine, but I'm curious now if this severely affects my bite or eating. I'm particularly concerned if this is wearing down my other teeth improperly, as other teeth are being used for canine functions.
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Zev Kaufman, DDS responded:
Dear Anon_56008:
Personally, I have never came across a person that had all four canines removed for orthodontic reasons. It is very uncommon. However, there are situations in which it is acceptable, and there must have been a reason for doing it. Sometimes the canines are "locked out" and cannot be brought into the arch. Your Orthodontist might have decided that removing them was the better alternative. As you said, you have been getting along just fine. If your teeth are in good alignment and you are functioning fine, there is nothing to do about it. The only reason that some might make a big deal of it is because they just cannot accept that there is "more than one way to skin the cat".
As to the bite... it is way beyond the scope of this forum for me to get into, but you can function without your canine teeth just fine. I am sure that your first pre-molars are used instead. This is common when a canine is missing.
Rather than going from general dentist to another who might, or might not understand the functional principles involved (this is taught at a very limited scope in dental school and some dentists do take courses on understanding occlusion--how the teeth and muscles function--but you cannot tell who does and who does not.) Since you have an unusual situation and you are curious, go to www.prosthodontics.org and look up the specialist in restorative/cosmetic and implant dentistry. The Prosthodontist is the only specialist in dentistry who is formally trained in understanding the function of the gnathostomatic mechanism--how the jaws, teeth, TMJ, and nerves function. It is the proper person to ask about your own specific situation. You are more than welcome to call me at the office and I'll refer you to a colleague, if you have difficulties with the website.
Best of luck,
Dr. Zev Kaufman
Report This| Share this:Canine Teeth PulledDear Anon_56008:<br />Personally, I have never came across a person that had all four canines removed for orthodontic reasons. It is very uncommon. However, there are situations in which it is acceptable, and there must have been a reason for doing it. Sometimes the canines are "locked out" and cannot be brought into the arch. Your Orthodontist might have decided that removing them was the better alternative. As you said, you have been getting along just fine. If your teeth are in good alignment and you are functioning fine, there is nothing to do about it. The only reason that some might make a big deal of it is because they just cannot accept that there is "more than one way to skin the cat". <br />As to the bite... it is way beyond the scope of this forum for me to get into, but you can function without your canine teeth just fine. I am sure that your first pre-molars are used instead. This is common when a canine is missing.<br />Rather than going from general dentist to another who might, or might not understand the functional principles involved (this is taught at a very limited scope in dental school and some dentists do take courses on understanding occlusion--how the teeth and muscles function--but you cannot tell who does and who does not.) Since you have an unusual situation and you are curious, go to www.prosthodontics.org and look up the specialist in restorative/cosmetic and implant dentistry. The Prosthodontist is the only specialist in dentistry who is formally trained in understanding the function of the gnathostomatic mechanism--how the jaws, teeth, TMJ, and nerves function. It is the proper person to ask about your own specific situation. You are more than welcome to call me at the office and I'll refer you to a colleague, if you have difficulties with the website.<br />Best of luck,<br />Dr. Zev Kaufman
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