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Do You Need Teeth Removed for Braces? Auckland Orthodontist Explains

Getting braces can be a big decision, and one of the scariest questions people face is whether they’ll need teeth taken out. If you’re in Auckland and thinking about orthodontic treatment—whether for your teen or yourself—this worry is completely normal. Let’s clear up the confusion and help you feel confident about your choices.

The Worry: Will I Lose Healthy Teeth?

Many Kiwis worry that getting braces automatically means having teeth removed. You might have heard stories from friends or seen social media posts about tough extractions. But the truth is, taking teeth out is not always necessary. Every mouth is unique, and treatment is tailored for what you need—no one-size-fits-all.

Fast Answers: Do Most People Need Extraction?

Most people do not need teeth removed for braces. Modern orthodontics aims to save healthy teeth whenever possible. Your Auckland orthodontist will only recommend removal if it’s the best way to improve your bite, straighten your teeth, and protect your long-term oral health.

Why Extract Teeth? The Real Reasons

Crowding: When There’s Not Enough Space

Sometimes, jaws are just too small for all the teeth to fit comfortably. If your teeth are very crowded, removing one or two can create the space needed so your teeth align correctly. Severe crowding is less common today due to early intervention and better treatment planning, but it does happen.

Correcting the Bite

Your “bite” is how top and bottom teeth meet. If you have an overbite (top teeth stick out far), underbite (lower jaw comes forward), or deep bite (lower teeth hidden behind upper teeth), extractions might help achieve a healthier, more comfortable fit.

Preventing Damage to Gums and Bone

In some situations, teeth that are packed too tightly can harm the gums or cause uneven wear on other teeth. Removing a tooth can actually help preserve your natural teeth and gum support over time.

How Your Orthodontist Decides: The Auckland Perspective

A thorough orthodontic assessment is done before any decision:

  • Jaw position and relationship: Is it a jaw size issue or just tooth crowding?
  • Tooth size and number: Sometimes there are extra or unusually large teeth.
  • Bite and function: Can bite be fixed without extractions?
  • Gum health and bone levels
  • Face shape and smile aesthetics

With digital scans and X-rays, we can predict how your teeth will move—and aim to keep as many as possible. Early treatment planning in kids often means fewer extractions later on.

Real-Life Auckland Examples

  • Busy parents who want fast, discreet treatment: Sometimes clear aligners avoid the need for removal because they gently expand arches.
  • Teens with significant crowding: Extractions may be recommended if there’s no safe way to fit teeth otherwise, but every option gets discussed.
  • Adults worried about appearance and work commitments: Shorter, less invasive treatment is often possible with modern tools. The right plan fits your needs, not just tradition.

Making Your Decision: How to Approach It Calmly

Here’s a simple framework for deciding what’s right for you or your family:

  • Get a specialist assessment: Not all dentists or providers approach extractions the same way. See an experienced Auckland orthodontist for a personalised plan.
  • Ask questions: Why is extraction recommended? Are there alternatives?
  • Consider your goals and lifestyle: Is quicker treatment or avoiding extractions more important to you?
  • Check for clear explanations: You should understand what’s being proposed, with visuals if possible.

Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

  • Rushing before getting a second opinion: If you have doubts, ask another orthodontist to review your plan.
  • Expecting all cases to be the same: Your friend’s experience might be very different from yours. Trust in personalised care.
  • Skipping the early consultation: Fears are normal, but delay can make crowding or bite problems worse over time.

For more on what to expect in your first specialist visit, check out this helpful resource on how an Auckland orthodontic consultation works.

What to Do Next: Your Path Forward

There’s no need to stress about teeth removals before you’ve had a full assessment. An experienced orthodontist will talk you through all the options, explain any recommended extractions, and do their best to preserve your natural smile. If you’re still unsure, book a consultation—there’s no pressure and no obligation to start treatment before you’re ready.

Remember, every case is different. The best path is one built just for you, with your comfort and results as the top priorities.

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Brushing up – Teeth talk for your baby

Dr. Adriana Perez

BDS (Ven/Esp) | MDS-Orth (Arg)
 
Dr. Adriana Perez grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. She is one of the registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland.

 

In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.

In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.

Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.

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Orthodontist Adriana Perez

Dr. Azza Al-Ani

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore. 

In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.

She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.

In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.

Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.

In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.

Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.

Waiheke Island

Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.

After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.

During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.

Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.

A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).

Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.

He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.

Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.

Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.

 
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Mo holding a large snapper