Wisdom teeth. Your dentist or orthodontist might start talking to you about them in the teen years when you’re deciding on orthodontic treatment. Why? Because your wisdom teeth, if they show up, typically appear between ages 17-21.
With this in mind, you might be wondering if the arrival of wisdom teeth impacts orthodontic treatment — or your results. Understandably, wisdom teeth and braces sounds like a complicated situation. Especially if you already went through orthodontic treatment and are worried that wisdom teeth will affect a newly-straightened smile.
So Can Wisdom Teeth Move Other Teeth?
Short answer, no. But for many years, when people asked, “Can wisdom teeth move other teeth?” it was thought that they did. This caused concern with patients wondering if they needed their wisdom teeth removed before getting braces. Or left them wondering, can you get wisdom teeth pulled while wearing braces?
With recent research, we now know that wisdom teeth can’t exert enough force when they erupt to shift teeth. That’s why when it comes to wisdom teeth and braces, you’ll be happy to know that the arrival of wisdom teeth won’t disrupt your orthodontic treatment or change your results.
A Friendly Reminder To Wear Your Retainer
However, you might like to know that teeth go through a second shifting phase in early adulthood, around the same time that wisdom teeth can erupt. Since orthodontic treatment is sometimes completed by then, it’s essential to stay diligent about wearing your retainer to ensure your teeth remain straight.
In other words, even though you can safely say “no” to the question, “Can wisdom teeth shift your teeth after braces,” your natural tooth movements in the late teen to early adulthood years can change the outcome of your orthodontics — if you don’t wear your retainer.
Why An Orthodontist Or Dentist Would Suggest Removing Wisdom Teeth
Now that you know wisdom teeth don’t move other teeth, you should also know that situations do come up when it’s a good idea for your oral health to remove them. “Then should I get my wisdom teeth removed before braces then?” you ask. If your dentist suggests removing wisdom teeth for better oral health, an expert orthodontist like Dr. Okuda will recommend the right time for your wisdom teeth removal in relation to the timing of your braces or Invisalign treatment.
So what are these oral health issues? When would wisdom teeth removal help you? Sometimes your oral health team might suggest removing wisdom teeth still under the gums. Most people don’t have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to come in properly. And if they only partially erupt or become impacted, bacteria to grow under the gumline and cause issues like:
- pain
- tooth decay or cavities
- gum inflammation or infection
- gum disease
- benign cysts or tumors in the jaw
- damage to nearby teeth
- Sinus pain or headaches
Can You Get Braces With Wisdom Teeth?
Consider this: if you waited to get braces until after your wisdom teeth erupted, you would most likely be in your early 20s when teeth are harder to move. Of course, in the hands of an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Okuda and his expert team, you would still get amazing results with adult treatment!
But there are reasons why dental professionals recommend orthodontic treatment as soon as adult teeth have erupted in the early teen years, even if your wisdom teeth haven’t shown up. At this time, you’re still growing, and your teeth and jaw respond more easily to being moved. As a result, there’s less discomfort, and treatment often goes faster than in adulthood. So it goes without saying that it’s possible — and often to your advantage — to have wisdom teeth with braces simultaneously.
Can You Get Wisdom Teeth Pulled While Wearing Braces Or Invisalign?
When wisdom teeth are giving our braces or Invisalign patients oral health problems, they’ve sometimes asked us, ”Can you get wisdom teeth pulled while wearing braces?” Yes, getting them removed when you’re already wearing braces is possible. Maintaining the best oral health you can during orthodontics is important so your treatment goes smoothly.
After a professional evaluation and recommendation for removing wisdom teeth, Dr. Okuda will coordinate with your dentist and an oral surgeon. Together, we’ll ensure wisdom teeth removal that doesn’t compromise your braces or Invisalign.
More About Wisdom Teeth And Braces From Your Henderson, Nv Orthodontist
At Okuda Orthodontics, we want you to enjoy the best oral health and a beautiful smile. So if you’re wondering about wisdom teeth and braces, contact us! We’re here to help answer your questions.
