Do Wisdom Teeth Really Affect Braces

Wisdom teeth commonly cause so many problems when they come out of your mouth. So a common concern for those who have removed or going to get braces is that “Do wisdom teeth affect braces?”

Usually, wisdom teeth don’t affect final outcome of treatment with braces, as the orthodontists assess the overall condition of the mouth and teeth and design a treatment plan. However, sometimes, wisdom teeth can affect braces if they are abnormally positioned and no action is taken.

In many cases, wisdom teeth are removed to get a better result from orthodontic treatment, and in other cases, it doesn’t need to be touched.

The effect of wisdom teeth on braces also depends on age. A growing child needs more attention regarding that.

Let’s know when wisdom teeth can affect braces. Why does this happen and what does it require to prevent this? Why can they be removed for orthodontic treatment?

But, before knowing this, you need to know whether they can affect other teeth or not.

Do wisdom teeth cause crowding or crooked teeth?

In short, wisdom teeth don’t cause overcrowded or crooked teeth even though they push other teeth while erupting. In fact, arch length discrepancy or small jaw size is the main cause of teeth crowding.

Third molars are the teeth situated in the back of your mouth, also called wisdom teeth. They come to your mouth at the age of 17 to 18 years. Wisdom teeth are the common set of teeth that causes problems when they are about to emerge.

So, teenagers suffer from various problems at this age. Now a day it’s also common that these teeth are needed to be removed. Can they cause crowding or misalignment of teeth? Can they affect your bite?

Some studies claim that wisdom teeth can push other teeth while erupting and shift other teeth in different positions resulting in teeth overlapping or misalignment.

But, recent studies suggest that there isn’t enough evidence to blame wisdom teeth causing problems. 

They also found that wisdom teeth can’t give enough pressure to move other teeth. So, they don’t cause crowding or crooked teeth. Some studies still contradict this.

What causes my teeth to shift other than wisdom teeth? 

One reason for recent studies not blaming wisdom teeth is the presence of other factors that make the situation worse.

A study mentioned some other factors which may be more responsible for the crowning of teeth to shift. These are-

• Dental arch length is less than it requires for all teeth.
• Weak periodontal health
• Age
• Gender
• Problem with the growth of the jaw and bones

When can wisdom teeth affect braces?

Wisdom teeth, which are normal in position in your mouth, shouldn’t affect your orthodontic treatment with braces. Then, when should we be concerned about third molars in orthodontic treatment? When do your wisdom teeth need to be removed?

There are three situations here when we have to be careful about wisdom teeth.

Before getting braces

Your orthodontist will monitor the condition of the wisdom teeth. They may cause problems for braces or Invisalign when they are abnormally positioned in the mouth which could affect the tooth alignment procedure.

This happens when the dental arch length is less and there isn’t enough space in the mouth for them. So, they take an unfavorable position like taking place forming an angle, partially exposed in the mouth, or getting buried under the gum, called impacted teeth. They don’t serve any purpose either.

Moreover, they may become infected or inflamed and cause some problems like pain, and discomfort. So, they need to be removed. Commonly, These teeth are extracted surgically.

But, some teeth are asymptomatic and cause no problem for years. In this case, they shouldn’t be removed if they don’t affect the orthodontic testament. Rarely, wisdom teeth are removed solely for orthodontic treatment purposes.

Let’s discuss based on the age of the patient.

In children

Usually, kids get braces between the age of 8 to 14 which is before the eruption of wisdom teeth. Crowding and misalignment of teeth can be predicted early, so braces may require at an early age.

In this circumstance, the orthodontist will plan the treatment by evaluating the future wisdom teeth position.

When wisdom teeth are about to erupt, he or she monitors their progress and makes plans accordingly. After the eruption of wisdom teeth, they really hurt the previously done orthodontic treatment.

Late teen or early adult

Another situation is when someone needs braces between 17 to 25.

The study suggests that when wisdom teeth come out in the late teens, they may cause an insignificant amount of teeth movements.

Other factors like residual growth may play the main role in tooth movements. Even though wisdom teeth are removed, tooth movement occurs.

However, at this age, your wisdom teeth should be evaluated properly. Your orthodontist checks the condition of the teeth on an x-ray.

It can be removed if there is an impacted tooth or if it takes too much space preventing other teeth to move for proper alignment. You need to sacrifice 1 to 2 years and money for getting your teeth straight.

So, if there is a problem with wisdom teeth, it’s better to remove them. 3rd molar or wisdom teeth don’t have any significant role in your mouth when there is a space deficiency.

But, if a wisdom tooth doesn’t affect the alignment of other teeth, it may not be removed. In this circumstance, a routine check-up with your orthodontist should be maintained to evaluate whether wisdom teeth cause any problems or not.

In adults

Planning for wisdom teeth can be the same as in late teens. It’s difficult to make a good teeth alignment with an impacted tooth in adults.

But, if it doesn’t cause any problems, there’s no need to remove it. Let your orthodontist decide it.

However, many adults, when they come to the orthodontist to get braces, have already pulled out their wisdom teeth.

If your wisdom tooth is removed before getting braces, you may wait for 10-14 days to get braces so that it can heal properly.

While wearing braces

If your wisdom teeth are coming out when you’re wearing braces or you are about to remove them, don’t get worried about the failure of your orthodontic treatment.

Your orthodontist will monitor the teeth, then take appropriate measures. If requires, wisdom teeth can be removed while you are wearing braces.

This doesn’t affect your braces. Even, braces don’t affect your wisdom teeth to heal.

In most cases, you don’t have to remove braces for the erupting wisdom teeth. But, you may have to stop wearing your Invisalign for a few days if it’s necessary.

Sometimes, the decision of whether a wisdom tooth should remove while you are wearing braces may delay until the removal of braces. Leave it to your orthodontist. It won’t cause any trouble in your treatment. 

After the removal of the braces

There is a common scenario where a children’s braces are removed and wisdom teeth are going to erupt. They get worried about this situation.

As I have already mentioned, erupting wisdom teeth shouldn’t affect the treatment. It’s not a problem when you see a qualified orthodontist.

Moreover, adults or those whose wisdom teeth aren’t extracted shouldn’t be worried after the completion of orthodontic treatment.

It’s unlikely that they cause any orthodontic-related issues, but may cause other problems like infection or inflammation.

When any wisdom tooth is about to cause any problems, it can be removed.

Suppose, your wisdom teeth are still trying to move your other teeth. You can wear a retainer to prevent this from happening.

Many patients want to ask,

“Should I get braces before or after wisdom teeth extraction?”

It’s up to your orthodontist because all cases are different. He or she will understand it better. Whatever decision is taken, you can get a beautiful smile and nicely aligned teeth at the end of treatment.

After the removal of braces, you have to wear a retainer so that your teeth don’t come back to their previous position.

Now, if your wisdom tooth needs to be removed at this time, you can still wear the retainer after their removal. You can wait for a few days after removal so that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort.

Another problem is many people stop wearing the retainer after braces are removed. As a result, teeth try to take their previous position and shift their position. And, if they have wisdom teeth, they may blame these teeth for the shift.

But, the actual cause is wearing the retainer according to your orthodontist’s suggestion. So, don’t stop using the retainer.

In brief, wisdom teeth can be removed during orthodontic treatment when they interfere with treatment with braces, there is a lack of space for them, and they are impacted or badly positioned.

But, in most cases, wisdom teeth aren’t removed solely for orthodontic treatment.

Can you move wisdom teeth with braces?

The answer to the question is there is no need to move a wisdom tooth. Wisdom is the last tooth situation in the back of your mouth. Usually, it doesn’t serve any purpose like chewing or looking good.

It’s also difficult to move them. So, when more space is required for the alignment of teeth, it’s better to remove wisdom teeth than other teeth.

Moreover, if your wisdom teeth aren’t straight, it’s not necessary to straighten them using braces. It should be left there like that or removed. If a wisdom tooth causes abnormal biting on the cheek, your dentist can smooth its biting surface.

Though extraction procedures for these teeth may be frightening. But, you shouldn’t be worried as it’s a common procedure for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, now a day.

You may wonder whether it’s possible to put braces on wisdom teeth or not. Yes, it’s possible. If you have a good-looking and straight wisdom teeth, brackets can be placed on them for treatment purposes.

But, it doesn’t mean, it’s done for moving the teeth. It’s for getting support.

Takeaways

Generally, braces and other teeth are unaffected by wisdom teeth. However, when your orthodontist evaluates wisdom teeth, they determines whether or not removal is necessary.

These teeth may not be removed only for orthodontic treatment purposes. The situations like impacted third molars, space deficiency, infection, and inflammation can be the reasons for their removal.

Getting wisdom teeth extracted before or after braces shouldn’t affect the outcome of orthodontic treatment. But, you should always consult a qualified orthodontist for this.