Wisdom teeth can become a large worry for patients who 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’s situation is unique, but we have some answers to common questions and concerns that we have received over the years.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The first step to understanding how wisdom teeth will affect your braces and treatment 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 furthest point in the back of the mouth, with two teeth on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth typically grow in patients 17-25 years old, but ages can vary. In some cases, they don’t even come in at all.
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 for you.
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? Will it affect your current, active treatment plan? The general answer is; it depends.
There is the misconception that if you had braces in the past, or have braces currently, you must have these new teeth removed to prevent your 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. Some people, they never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, and they grow in just fine. For others, it can cause complications such as gum pain, gum disease, cavities, and overcrowded teeth.Â
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, they grow crooked or at an angle, or if they cause pain and discomfort to the patient. If it is obvious that your mouth will not have enough room to accommodate the new teeth, removal will also be considered.Â
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Removed While Having Braces?
Simply put; yes, wisdom teeth can be removed while you are still wearing braces. Having braces will not affect the wisdom teeth removal and healing process, and your orthodontic treatment plan will not be affected by having your wisdom teeth removed.
There will be a close eye kept on your teeth and braces during your healing journey, but it is nothing to be worried about. If you continue to follow your regular orthodontic care, and the aftercare given to you by your oral surgeon after your removal surgery, everything should improve smoothly.
While it may sound scary to have such a large procedure done, there is no need to fret. We will make sure that this is a procedure that you need, and that it will be as seamless as possible.
SKS Orthodontics is Here to Help
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 process, we encourage you to schedule your transformation today. We look forward to starting your orthodontic journey!
