At Miller Orthodontics, braces go on first, and any teeth that need to come out are removed after. We plan the whole order at your free consultation, coordinate with your dentist or oral surgeon, and then the braces gently close the spaces over the following months.
This is one of the questions I get asked most. Once a family hears that teeth may need to come out, the next question is always "So how is this going to work?" Here's the order we use, step by step.
Not sure you need extractions at all? Start with our post on do braces require tooth extractions.
On this page
- Do braces go on before or after teeth are pulled?
- What are the steps, from consultation to retainers?
- Why do braces go on first?
- When are the extractions scheduled?
- What should you expect on extraction day?
- What is recovery like in the first few days?
- How do the gaps close?
- Does it cost extra?
- Which offices can you visit?
- Frequently asked questions
Free consultation, no referral needed, $300 down. Or call (813) 427-2237.
Do braces go on before or after teeth are pulled?
At Miller Orthodontics, braces go on first and the teeth are taken out after. The order is written into your treatment plan at your free consultation, so you know every step before anything starts. It's the order we plan with every patient who needs extractions.
We plan it this way so the braces are already in place, guiding the teeth, before any tooth comes out. Here's the whole process at a glance:
- Free consultation and plan Review the exam and agree on the order of appointments.
- Braces go on Braces are placed before any planned extractions.
- Extractions after braces Your general dentist or oral surgeon removes the planned teeth.
- Spaces close Braces guide teeth together over the following months.
- Finish and retainers Braces come off; retainers help maintain the result.
What are the steps, from consultation to retainers?
There are five steps: a free consultation where the plan is made, getting your braces on, extractions after the braces are on, closing the spaces, and finishing with retainers. Your written treatment plan shows the order, and we coordinate with your dentist or oral surgeon along the way.
- Free consultation and plan. We take photos and X-rays as needed. At our Tampa office, that includes a CBCT scan, a 3D X-ray that shows the bone around each individual tooth. I'll tell you plainly whether teeth need to come out and why, and the order of appointments goes into your written plan with your exact cost. No referral is needed. Book your free consultation and exam.
- Braces go on. This is the same as any braces visit. Many patients start the same day as their consultation. Learn more about braces for kids, teens and adults.
- Extractions are scheduled after the braces are on. Extractions are typically done by your general dentist or an oral surgeon. Our team coordinates with their office, so you know the order before anything starts.
- Spaces close. Over the following months, the braces move the other teeth into the spaces. This is part of your normal treatment, not an extra phase. See how long braces take.
- Finish and retainers. The braces come off, and retainers keep the result in place. More on our retainers page.
Why do braces go on first?
We put braces on first because it puts the treatment plan in motion before any tooth comes out. The braces help guide the teeth from the start, and with them already in place, neighboring teeth are less likely to drift into an open space. It's the order we use and plan with you.
It also means the plan is set and confirmed before anything is removed. I don't take teeth out lightly. I hate taking teeth out, honestly. So by the time an extraction happens, you've seen the scan, heard my reasons and have braces on that are already working toward the result.
Other offices may do things in a different order. This is how we do it here, and I'll always explain why.
When are the extractions scheduled?
Extractions are scheduled after your braces are on, at an appointment with your general dentist or an oral surgeon, in the order shown in your written treatment plan. Our team coordinates the timing with their office, so you aren't left guessing.
Extractions aren't done in the orthodontist's chair. They're typically done by your general dentist or an oral surgeon. If you don't have one yet, ask us at your visit and we'll talk through next steps.
Your plan shows the order, and we handle the coordination. If anything about the timing changes, we'll let you know.
What should you expect on extraction day?
On extraction day, you'll be numbed for the removal and go home the same day. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you written care instructions, and those instructions come first. Your braces stay on.
That's really all there is to it from our side. Bring your questions to the dentist or oral surgeon about the extraction itself, and call us at (813) 427-2237 about anything to do with your braces.
What is recovery like in the first few days?
Most people are sore for a few days after an extraction. Stick with soft foods, use over-the-counter pain relievers as the label directs, and follow your dentist or oral surgeon's instructions first. Call us at (813) 427-2237 with any questions about your braces.
Since your braces are already on, you may notice both braces soreness and extraction soreness. Both are normal and both get better. Our posts on whether braces hurt and what to eat with braces can help with the braces side.
How do the gaps close?
The braces gradually move the neighboring teeth into the spaces over the following months. This is part of treatment, not a separate step. Your own timeline is in your treatment plan, and I'll check progress at each visit.
Extractions can add some time to treatment, because the spaces have to close. Most of our patients are in treatment 12 to 24 months overall. Our post on how long braces take covers what affects your timeline.
You'll see the spaces for a while, and that's expected. Closing them is part of the job the braces are doing.
Does it cost extra?
The extraction is billed by the dentist or oral surgeon who does it. Our orthodontic fee is quoted in writing at your free consultation, so you know your cost before you commit to anything.
Most patients at Miller Orthodontics invest between $3,000 and $7,200, depending on how long treatment takes and how complex the case is. Treatment starts at $300 down with 0% interest in-house financing, and extended-term financing through HFD is available. We offer discounts for teachers, military members, first responders and full-time students. See fees and financing.
Which offices can you visit?
You can be seen at any of our three offices: Tampa (Carrollwood), Brandon and Apollo Beach. All three offer the same services, and the braces-first order is the same at each one.
Our Tampa office is closed Wednesdays. If you have an urgent issue that day, call (813) 427-2237 and we'll see you at another office. See our offices.
Frequently asked questions
Do braces go on before or after teeth are pulled?
At Miller Orthodontics, braces go on first and the teeth are taken out after. The order is written into your treatment plan at your free consultation, so you know every step before anything starts. We coordinate the extraction appointment with your general dentist or oral surgeon.
Why do you put braces on before extractions?
Putting braces on first puts the plan in motion before any tooth comes out. The braces help guide the teeth from the start, and neighboring teeth are less likely to drift into an open space. It's how we plan treatment here, and I'll explain the reasons for your case at your consultation.
How long after getting braces are teeth pulled?
The extractions happen after your braces are on, in the order shown in your written treatment plan. Our team coordinates the timing with your dentist or oral surgeon, so you'll know the order of appointments before anything starts. If anything changes, we'll tell you. You won't have to schedule it all on your own.
Can I get braces and have teeth pulled on the same day?
No. Braces go on first, and extractions come after, at a separate appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon. Many patients can start braces on the day of their consultation, but the extraction is always after the braces are on. Your treatment plan shows each appointment in order.
Who pulls the teeth if I need extractions for braces?
Typically your general dentist or an oral surgeon, not the orthodontist. Miller Orthodontics coordinates with their office. You don't need a referral to see us first, and we see patients at all three of our offices, in Tampa, Brandon and Apollo Beach. Start with a free consultation and exam.
Does getting teeth pulled for braces hurt?
You're numbed during the removal, so you shouldn't feel the extraction itself. Expect soreness for a few days afterward. Stick with soft foods and use over-the-counter pain relievers as the label directs. Your dentist or oral surgeon's instructions come first, and you can always call us at (813) 427-2237 about braces soreness.
What can I eat after teeth are pulled when I have braces?
Stick to soft foods in the first days, and follow your dentist or oral surgeon's instructions. Our guide to what to eat with braces has soft-food ideas and the foods that break brackets. If you're unsure about something, ask the office that did the extraction.
How long does it take for the gaps to close with braces?
The braces close the spaces over the following months as part of your treatment. Extractions can add some time, and your own timeline is in your plan. Most Miller Orthodontics patients are in treatment 12 to 24 months overall. Read more about how long braces take.
Does Miller Orthodontics charge extra for extractions?
The extraction is billed by the dentist or oral surgeon who does it. Our orthodontic fee is quoted in writing at your free consultation. Treatment starts at $300 down with 0% interest in-house financing, and most patients invest between $3,000 and $7,200. Extended financing through HFD and discounts for teachers, military members, first responders and full-time students are also available.
Do I need extractions at all?
Many patients don't. The exam decides, and alternatives are always considered first. I'll tell you up front, at your first visit, whether teeth need to come out and why, using what I see on your X-rays and scan. Read do braces require tooth extractions for the full picture.
Have questions about the order of treatment? Ask at your free consultation
I'll walk you through every step, show you what I see on your scan and give you your plan and exact cost in writing. I only recommend treatment I believe in, and I'll tell you straight. Book your free consultation or call (813) 427-2237. More answers are on our FAQ page.
Free consultation, no referral needed, $300 down.
Miller Orthodontics · Tampa, Brandon and Apollo Beach · (813) 427-2237 · info@northtampabraces.com