Serial extractions are the planned and careful removal of primary teeth to prevent crowding and allow room for normal growth of permanent teeth. Serial extractions are considered by the Orthodontist if a patient has not lost all their baby teeth by the age of about 7 years, because after age 8, the space for a child’s teeth (arch length) doesn’t increase. Severe crowding of teeth at this age means that permanent teeth are likely to come in out of place. This can result in a bad bite or crooked teeth, requiring more aggressive treatment later. Your doctor will check your dental growth, and normally remove the primary canine teeth after the two front secondary incisors on top and bottom have erupted. This makes room for the permanent incisors. During regular dental check-ups your Orthodontist will continue checking for crowding, and may remove more teeth if needed.