Confident smile after incisor retraction.

Straightening Smiles: What You Need to Know About Incisor Retraction and Your Jaw

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is moving your front teeth back a safe bet? Here's a simple look at how orthodontists keep your smile healthy during incisor retraction."

Orthodontic treatment is about more than just straight teeth; it's about creating a balanced and healthy smile that lasts. Achieving this often requires moving teeth, and in some cases, significant movement of the incisors (the front teeth) is necessary. This can address both functional and aesthetic concerns, ensuring a smile that not only looks great but also functions properly.

Moving incisors isn't a simple process. Orthodontists must consider several factors, including the bone structure supporting the teeth, the length of the tooth roots, and the overall health of the surrounding tissues. Moving teeth too far or too quickly can lead to undesirable outcomes, such as bone loss or root damage. Therefore, a careful and comprehensive approach is crucial.

Traditionally, orthodontists have relied on X-rays to plan and monitor tooth movement. However, these images have limitations, including distortion and difficulty in assessing the three-dimensional structure of the jaw. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a more detailed view, allowing orthodontists to assess the bone and teeth in three dimensions, leading to more precise and predictable treatment.

How Does Incisor Retraction Work?

Confident smile after incisor retraction.

Incisor retraction is a common orthodontic procedure used to correct protruding front teeth. This process involves moving the incisors back into a more aligned position, improving both the appearance and function of the smile. Orthodontists use various techniques to achieve this, often involving braces and other appliances.

The study we're discussing used a specific method involving the extraction of the first premolars (teeth located behind the canines) to create space for the incisors to move back. The incisors were then retracted using archwires and controlled force. The goal was to achieve the desired tooth movement while minimizing any negative impact on the surrounding bone and tooth structure.

Here are some key elements of the retraction method:

Extraction of first premolars to create space.
Use of archwires with loops to apply controlled force.
Careful monitoring to prevent tipping or extrusion of incisors.
Use of transpalatal arches or extraoral traction to maintain anchorage.

To accurately assess the effects of incisor retraction, the researchers used CBCT scans. These scans provided detailed three-dimensional images of the teeth and surrounding bone, allowing for precise measurements of tooth length and alveolar bone thickness (the thickness of the bone that supports the teeth).

What Does This Mean for You?

The study's findings are reassuring: the forces used in this specific incisor retraction method did not cause significant changes in tooth length or alveolar bone thickness. However, it's important to remember that this is just one study, and individual results may vary. If you're considering orthodontic treatment involving incisor retraction, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your orthodontist. They can assess your individual situation and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is incisor retraction, and why is it necessary in orthodontic treatment?

Incisor retraction is a procedure in orthodontics where the front teeth, or incisors, are moved back into a more aligned position. It's often necessary to correct protruding front teeth, improve both the aesthetics and functionality of the smile. The goal is to create a balanced and healthy smile, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns. This involves a comprehensive approach considering bone structure, root length, and tissue health, crucial for achieving a lasting, healthy outcome, going beyond just straightening teeth.

How do orthodontists safely move incisors during retraction?

Orthodontists use various techniques for incisor retraction, often involving braces and other appliances. A specific method, as discussed, involves extracting the first premolars to create space, followed by retracting the incisors with archwires and controlled force. This process includes careful monitoring to prevent tipping or extrusion of incisors and the use of transpalatal arches or extraoral traction to maintain anchorage. The approach considers factors like bone structure, root length, and overall health, aiming to minimize negative impacts like bone loss or root damage. Detailed three-dimensional images from Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans are used for precise measurements and treatment planning.

What are the potential risks associated with incisor retraction, and how are they managed?

Moving incisors carries potential risks such as bone loss or root damage if the teeth are moved too far or too quickly. To manage these risks, orthodontists employ a careful and comprehensive approach. This includes thorough planning, often using Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to assess the three-dimensional structure of the jaw. The retraction method involves creating space (e.g., by extracting the first premolars), applying controlled force with archwires, and careful monitoring. These precautions ensure tooth movement is controlled and minimize any negative impact on the supporting bone and tooth structure. Regular assessment throughout the treatment helps prevent or mitigate potential issues.

How does the extraction of first premolars contribute to incisor retraction?

Extracting the first premolars is a method to create the necessary space for incisor retraction. The study describes a specific method where the first premolars (teeth located behind the canines) are removed. This creates space in the dental arch, which allows the orthodontist to move the incisors back into a more aligned position. The archwires and controlled force are then used to move the incisors into this newly created space. This approach is one of several techniques used to achieve the desired tooth movement while also minimizing negative effects on the surrounding structures.

What role does Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) play in incisor retraction, and why is it important?

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a crucial tool in incisor retraction because it offers a detailed, three-dimensional view of the teeth and surrounding bone. Unlike traditional X-rays, which have limitations such as distortion and a less comprehensive view, CBCT allows orthodontists to assess the bone and teeth with precision. This detailed imaging is essential for planning the retraction process accurately, measuring tooth length, alveolar bone thickness, and monitoring the movement. Using CBCT leads to more predictable treatment outcomes and helps in minimizing risks associated with incisor retraction, ensuring a healthier and more successful result for the patient.