Teeth that are crooked or misaligned can be difficult to care for, increasing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. A misaligned bite can cause unnecessary jaw and facial pain while creating additional stress on the temporal-mandibular joint. Although these conditions are easily corrected with braces or clear aligners, some parents wonder if it might be best to put off orthodontic correction until after wisdom teeth removal, particularly if crowding is an issue.
You may be surprised to discover that wisdom teeth erupting during or after treatment have very little impact on the outcome of wearing braces. Knowing the facts may help alleviate your concerns.
The Problem with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth were once essential because our early ancestors existed on a diet of meat, roots, leaves, and nuts. Anthropologists today believe we have evolved beyond our need for wisdom teeth and our jaws have gotten smaller. Today, 35 percent of the population have missing wisdom teeth; some have none at all.
One of the most common problems caused by these evolutionary remnants occurs when there is not enough room in the jaw for the teeth to erupt into position. When this happens, wisdom teeth can get stuck sideways in the jaw, or partially blocked by adjacent teeth. When this happens, the teeth are said to be impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth are not always problematic and do not necessarily need to be removed. Some dentists recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth before they cause pain, infection, or damage to second molars; others suggest a more conservative approach, only recommending removal if impacted wisdom teeth are causing problems.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed to Prevent Crowding?
Wisdom teeth commonly erupt in the late teen years or early twenties. Although it is understandable that many people believe emerging wisdom teeth will have a considerable impact on shifting or crowding, it’s important to understand that this is a common misconception that is generally unfounded. Most research suggests that wisdom teeth do not cause enough pressure to alter alignment. While there are a considerable number of reasons a dentist or orthodontist may recommend removal, many have developed a “wait and see” approach to extracting wisdom teeth.
Should Braces Be Postponed Until After Wisdom Teeth Emerge?
Waiting for third molars to emerge can make orthodontic treatment considerably more complicated than treatments that start at a younger age. In many cases, corrections that are relatively easy to achieve in younger patients may require surgery in adulthood. Since orthodontic treatment with braces can begin as soon as most of the permanent teeth have grown in, braces are often removed long before third molars break the surface.
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Removed While Wearing Braces?
Wisdom teeth can grow in without causing problems. The molars emerge in their intended position without affecting the bite. If your dentist or orthodontist determines there is not enough space within the jaw to allow third molars to grow in properly, they may recommend removal before starting with braces. If your dentist recommends waiting to see if emerging teeth become problematic, it may be helpful to know that wisdom teeth can be safely removed while wearing braces. The appliances will not interfere with extraction.
Will Removing Wisdom Teeth After Braces Impact Results?
Extracting wisdom teeth after braces are removed will not undo the results of orthodontic treatment. Like wisdom teeth that erupt before or during braces are not likely to be the cause of overlapping or crowding, removing wisdom teeth after braces come off will not have any noticeable impact. That’s not to say that teeth can’t shift once braces come off, however; your orthodontist will likely recommend a retainer to keep teeth from shifting whether or not wisdom teeth are removed.
In some cases, wisdom teeth removal may prevent overcrowding, but is not necessarily a prerequisite for orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend leaving wisdom teeth intact unless they are causing recurring infection, jaw damage, or could potentially harm other teeth. Whether or not wisdom teeth removal is necessary before treatment begins is a decision best made after consulting with your dental care team. However you choose to proceed, it may be helpful to know that wisdom teeth can be safely removed before treatment begins, after braces are removed, or while your child or teen is wearing braces.
Regardless of if your wisdom teeth have erupted or not, this is not an issue that should stop you from getting braces if you need them. At Maddux Orthodontics in Virginia Beach, VA, we are happy to treat you with braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Visit us online to learn more about Dr. Maddux and our practice.