When Tooth Extraction Is Necessary for Protruding Mouth Correction

Every time you look at a photo taken from the side,

have you ever felt self-conscious about your lips sticking out and deleted the photo?

If your side profile in the mirror feels unfamiliar,

this post may be helpful.

We would like to share the story of protruding mouth correction for a female patient in her 30s who visited our Apgujeong orthodontic clinic, Smile:D Dental Clinic.

This patient was a working woman in her 30s who had been considering protruding mouth correction for a long time because of her concerns about her side profile.

She learned about Smile:D Dental Clinic through a family member who had already completed orthodontic treatment, visited us for a consultation, and then began treatment.

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This image was staged for illustrative purposes.

Detailed diagnostic process

After the visit, we took a panoramic X-ray and a lateral cephalometric radiograph.

Based on the lateral profile, we checked the E-line—the line connecting the forehead and the tip of the chin—and confirmed that the upper and lower lips protruded 3–4 mm in front of the reference line.

In addition to the protrusion of the teeth themselves, the inclination of the upper incisors toward the lips was also observed, so we developed a treatment plan to move the teeth inward.

This image was staged for illustrative purposes.

Extraction vs. non-extraction — Why choose extraction orthodontic treatment?

When the degree of protrusion is significant and there is insufficient space in the dental arch,

it may be difficult to move the teeth sufficiently backward with non-extraction treatment alone.

In this patient’s case, we chose extraction orthodontic treatment, using the space created by extraction to move the front teeth inward.

[ Suitable cases ]

Extraction orthodontic treatment: Severe protrusion, insufficient space in the dental arch

Non-extraction orthodontic treatment: Mild protrusion, sufficient space in the dental arch

[ Amount of tooth movement ]

Extraction orthodontic treatment: A larger amount of space can be secured

Non-extraction orthodontic treatment: Limited

[ Treatment duration ]

Extraction orthodontic treatment: May be relatively longer

Non-extraction orthodontic treatment: Relatively shorter

[ Improvement in side profile ]

Extraction orthodontic treatment: Noticeable improvement may be expected

Non-extraction orthodontic treatment: Modest improvement

[ Points to note ]

Extraction orthodontic treatment: Pain after extraction and management of the spaces are required

Non-extraction orthodontic treatment: The possibility of relapse must be considered

This image was staged for illustrative purposes.

What was the treatment plan and which orthodontic appliances were used for protruding mouth correction?

We began treatment by applying lingual brackets attached to the inner surfaces of the upper teeth and conventional brackets to the lower teeth.

Because upper lingual brackets are not visible from the outside, this method is often preferred by people who are concerned about their appearance, such as office workers.

This image was staged for illustrative purposes.

To move the front teeth backward effectively,

we placed screws in the upper posterior region.

The miniscrews serve as anchorage, helping move only the front teeth precisely without allowing the molars to shift.

This image was staged for illustrative purposes.

The key to protruding mouth correction is to move the front teeth backward while simultaneously controlling their angle, or torque.

Rather than simply pushing the teeth backward, the direction of the roots must also be adjusted to achieve a stable result.

What is the treatment process for protruding mouth correction?

Treatment process ① Appliance placement and initial alignment (2–3 months)

This is the stage in which the teeth are initially aligned evenly.

The entire dental arch is aligned by starting with a thin wire and gradually replacing it with thicker wires.

There may be mild pain and a sensation of a foreign object at first, but most people adapt within two weeks.

Treatment process ② Space closure and backward movement (8–14 months)

This is the key stage, using the spaces created by extraction to pull the front teeth inward.

By using miniscrews as anchorage, we focus on moving only the front teeth without shifting the molars.

Changes in the side profile become especially noticeable during this stage.

Treatment process ③ Final precision adjustments and appliance removal

This is the final stage, in which the positions of the teeth and the bite are finely adjusted.

After confirming that the upper and lower teeth fit together stably, the appliances are removed and retainers are fitted.

Treatment results

After approximately two years of protruding mouth correction,

the upper and lower lips moved inside the reference line based on the E-line,

and the side profile became naturally more balanced.

The lips could close naturally without straining,

and as mouth breathing decreased, the feeling of oral dryness also improved.

The teeth became evenly aligned, making brushing easier,

and the condition of the gums also improved.

This image was staged for illustrative purposes.

I wonder why I spent so long just thinking about it. I probably should have come in sooner.

Conclusion

If you have been putting off treatment for a long time because you are concerned about your side profile,

we recommend receiving an accurate diagnosis at least once.

Whether extraction is needed, the treatment duration, and the type of appliance

depend on each individual’s skeletal and dental condition,

so it is important to develop a treatment plan suited to you through a personal consultation.

At Smile:D Dental Clinic, the head director, a specialist in orthodontics,

personally provides care from beginning to end.

Without branch clinics or a factory-style system,

one specialist is responsible for everything from diagnosis through completion of treatment.

Located directly in front of Exit 6 of Sinsa Station in Gangnam,

the clinic is convenient to reach by public transportation.

Many patients also say that visits during their orthodontic treatment feel a little more comfortable thanks to the view of Namsan Seoul Tower during treatment.

Above all, many people who have visited us once return with their family members and acquaintances,

and we consider that our greatest expression of trust.

If you have similar concerns, please feel free to contact us for a consultation anytime :)

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※ This post is an informational post prepared by a medical institution in compliance with Articles 56 and 57 of the Medical Service Act.

It was written based only on informational content exempt from review of medical advertising.

These images are explanatory materials intended to aid understanding, and actual treatment is determined after consultation with medical professionals.