Do Wisdom Teeth Affect Braces?

The term “wisdom teeth” strikes fear into the heart of many dental patients. From what most people have heard, wisdom teeth are nothing but trouble, and are often only discussed when they have to be removed. You may be relieved to know, though, that wisdom teeth are not always so problematic. In most cases, they are completely harmless – even if they are also completely unnecessary for daily activities like eating and speaking. In most cases, wisdom teeth are just an add-on of sorts to an already complete set of adult teeth. Typically, problems only arise when these teeth begin to crowd the mouth, pushing other teeth out of position, or if they grow in at a bad angle. This brings up an important question, though: Do wisdom teeth affect braces?
Wisdom Teeth and Braces
In most cases, wisdom teeth do not affect braces. Braces are placed on the front ten to twelve teeth in the mouth, the ones that are visible when one smiles. Wisdom teeth grow in the back of the mouth, behind the last set of molars (in fact, they are often referred to as “third molars”). If they are growing in properly, these wisdom teeth should have no effect whatsoever on the teeth that are being straightened. While wisdom teeth can lead to crowding in the mouth, they normally do not exert enough force to undo any of the work that braces do, making them a complete non-issue for teens or adults looking to straighten their smile via orthodontia.
After Braces
While it is clear that wisdom teeth cannot affect braces while they are on, what happens once the braces come off? Many people will be happy to know that wisdom teeth cannot make teeth move back into incorrect positions. While they can exert a small amount of force to move teeth, this force is usually not enough to change the alignment of straightened teeth – especially if one is vigilant about wearing their retainer and following all of the necessary steps to maintain their newly straightened smile.
Contact Us
For those who are still dubious about whether wisdom teeth could be a problem, or for those who are now convinced that braces are a safe choice even with wisdom teeth, M. Scott Runnels, D.M.D., P.A. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in Destin and Inlet Beach, FL is a great place to find out more. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!