You’ve spent months, maybe even years, perfecting your smile with braces. You finally have the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted. But now you’re wondering—could your wisdom teeth undo all that hard work? It’s a common concern, and you’re not alone. At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we’ve heard this question from countless patients. The good news? Understanding how wisdom teeth and braces interact can help protect your investment and keep your smile looking its best.
Our providers from Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics know how much effort goes into achieving your perfect smile, and we’re here to help you keep it that way. With over 30 years of experience serving Henderson and the surrounding areas, we’ve guided countless patients through the challenges of post-brace care, including concerns about wisdom teeth. Our personalized approach ensures we address your unique needs so you can enjoy your beautiful, straight smile for years to come.
Can Wisdom Teeth Alter Your Smile After Braces?
Yes, your wisdom teeth may change your smile, even after you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth can alter the appearance of your oral cavity, whether you’ve never seen an orthodontist, used traditional braces, got Invisalign, or used almost any other orthodontic tool.
How do your wisdom teeth contribute to a shifting smile? They may grow at an angle, creating pressure between the wisdom teeth and the other teeth in your smile. Wisdom teeth can also create problems when they eventually appear over the gumline, crowding your jaw.
Luckily, most patients are able to get away with minimal impact on their alignment as long as they’re proactive and willing to work closely with their dental providers. Our providers may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction or a permanent or removable retainer, depending on the circumstances. A permanent retainer may be a better solution for patients who have already undergone orthodontic treatment.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are also called the third set of molars, and they often appear in a patient’s late teens or early adulthood. In an ideal situation, your dental providers will be able to see the wisdom teeth in your X-rays first before they begin to rise through the gum line. This allows your provider to determine whether they will impact your other teeth if they’ll result in crowding on the gum line, and if extraction is necessary.
Humans have evolved to have smaller jaw structures, but wisdom teeth still appear in most patients. According to the Cleveland Clinic, while some patients can grow all four wisdom teeth, others will only grow one, two, or three. Regardless of the number of wisdom teeth someone has, extra teeth may pose a problem due to the limited amount of space in the oral cavity.
Signs You Need to Talk to Your Provider
If you’re worried about your wisdom teeth coming in and altering the beautiful work you and your orthodontist have put in, it will be beneficial to keep an eye on potential signs there is an issue. The following are some of the signs your wisdom teeth are creating problems below or above the surface:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, especially near any wisdom teeth
- Aching or throbbing pain in the back of the mouth
- Pain that radiates out to the ears, neck, or your head
- Chewing worsens pain
- Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding
- Face or jaw swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes underneath the jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Swallowing is difficult
- Bad breath or a recurring bad taste in your mouth, including when symptoms don’t improve after brushing and flossing
Ultimately, there are numerous signs your wisdom teeth may be creating problems within your oral cavity. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, especially something painful or swollen, we encourage you to contact your provider. Symptoms related to wisdom teeth may appear suddenly or grow slowly over time, so don’t hesitate to contact Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics if you have any questions or concerns.
Why Choose Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics?
Your smile is an investment worth protecting, and at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you maintain it. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve guided countless patients through post-brace care, addressing concerns like wisdom teeth and alignment shifts. Our personalized treatment plans and cutting-edge technology ensure your smile stays beautiful and healthy.
Whether it’s monitoring your wisdom teeth, providing retainers, or recommending preventive solutions, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let us help you safeguard your smile for the future. Schedule a consultation today at (702) 737-5500 or through our contact form.
