Four Common Questions about Wisdom Teeth and Braces

At Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, questions about wisdom teeth and braces are quite common. If your wisdom teeth erupt during or after orthodontic treatment, it’s likely to be a source of panic since it can shift already straightened teeth. Below we answer some of the most common questions about wisdom teeth and braces.
1. What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are typically the four back molars located on each side of the lower and upper jaws. They can appear in an individual’s early 20s or late teens, when they are older and purportedly wiser, as the name suggests.
Nonetheless, their arrival usually results in some pain and may cause teeth to shift. Wisdom teeth can erupt partially, get stuck under the jaw bone, or come in crooked. Such poor positioning can eventually lead to excessive tooth decay, pain and infection.
2. Can Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted if I Have Braces On?
Although this doesn’t occur very often, you can easily get your wisdom teeth extracted while wearing braces. Wisdom teeth are normally extracted when they come in impacted or misaligned. An impacted tooth is one that breaks partway through your gum while a misaligned tooth causes your teeth to shift.
Sometimes your mouth might not have enough room to fit all your thirty-two teeth. If this is the case, an extraction may be performed to ensure your mouth has enough room. The timing on when to undergo the extraction process affects how you will pursue your orthodontic treatment.
3. How Will I Know if My Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?
It’s easy to know when your wisdom teeth are coming in. Erupting wisdom teeth cause mild pain, dull throbbing or pressure near the opening of the throat or jaw bone. The pain can get more severe in cases where your teeth grow crookedly or get crowded.
4. Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed before Braces?
The short answer is no, it’s not a must. Research has shown that wisdom teeth don’t cause significant shifting of straightened teeth. Other orthodontics believe these shifts result from aging, i.e., wear and tear. However, getting your wisdom teeth removed may be still recommended for the overall health of your mouth.
As a general rule, always take the advice given by our orthodontist. If you are interested in learning more about the different types of braces we offer, the staff at Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin and Inlet Beach, FL would be more than happy to help. We also serve residents in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, and Panama City. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!