Wisdom teeth can become a large worry for patients that are receiving orthodontic care. Many wonder if it will affect their treatment, if they need them removed, if they even can be removed, and so on. SKS Orthodontics is here to put that worry to rest. We understand that each patient and their situation is unique, but we have some answers to common questions and concerns we have received over the years.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The first step to understanding how wisdom teeth will affect your braces is understanding exactly what wisdom teeth are. Third year molars, more commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are the last set of teeth that grow inside of your mouth. These new teeth are located at the further point in the back of the mouth, with two teeth on top and two on the bottom. These teeth typically grow in patients 17-25 years old, and age can vary.
It has been theorized that as our diets have changed over the centuries from eating rough meats and hard foods, we have lost the need for wisdom teeth altogether. Although we may not necessarily need them anymore, there are a few more questions to answer before deciding if wisdom teeth removal is the right choice.
Will My Wisdom Teeth Affect My Smile?
Will your wisdom teeth affect all of the work that you just went through to adjust your smile? The general answer is; it depends. There is the general misconception that if you had braces in the past, or have braces currently, that you must have these new teeth removed to prevent the teeth from shifting. This is not always the case. Usually wisdom teeth do not provide enough pressure to move all of the rest of your teeth in such a way that it would affect your smile. Many more orthodontists are taking the time to wait, and see how the wisdom teeth affect the patient, and if removal is necessary. If you are noticing teeth shifting after having braces, that usually comes from normal wear and tear on your teeth, or not wearing your retainer.
Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
When it comes to having braces or aligners while your wisdom teeth grow in, a common question asked is if these teeth should be removed. For some people, they never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, and they grow in just fine. Some never have their wisdom teeth grow in at all. For others, it can cause complications such as gum pain, gum disease, cavities, overcrowded teeth, etc.
Whether you previously had braces or not is not a factor when deciding if your wisdom teeth should be removed. These teeth are removed in cases where the teeth are impacted (unable to fully emerge from the gums), they grow crooked or at an angle, or if they provide pain and discomfort to the patient. If it is obvious that your mouth will not have enough room to accommodate the new teeth, removal may also be an option.
While it may sound scary to have such a large procedure done, there is no need to worry
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you have any further questions on how wisdom teeth affect your orthodontic treatment, please feel free to reach out to us! If you would like to start your orthodontic treatment journey, feel free to schedule your transformation today.
