Will Wisdom Teeth Mess Up My Braces?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually come in anywhere from 17 to 25 years old. Coincidentally, this age bracket is a popular time for orthodontic work, and many people are in braces or will soon have them taken off. It can be disconcerting in this time period to see completely new teeth emerging.

At Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in Panama City and Destin we offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Whether you’re looking for braces, Invisalign or other orthodontic options, we can help you get the smile you want. Contact Runnels Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, including how wisdom teeth affect your treatment.

Wisdom teeth are a leftover trait from when humans had larger jaws and chewed hearty leaves. Wisdom teeth tend to overcrowd already corrected molars or emerge only half way. In fact, wisdom teeth statistically have the highest chance of growing in sideways, an issue known as an impacted wisdom tooth, which can affect the nearby teeth. However, wisdom teeth cannot cause front teeth to become crooked. From the back of the mouth, the pressure they exert on the other molars is not strong enough to reach the front.

This has led people to believe that wisdom teeth can ruin their current or previous dental work. There are a number of other factors that have led to this. Around 20 years old, the jaw performs its last growth spurt, which can leave teeth crooked. This is also the age when many former braces wearers begin to neglect their retainers at night.

Many people have their wisdom teeth emerge as healthy, effective back molars. In this case, the tooth has grown in straight and is not affecting the person’s bite and any dental work will be unaffected. There is nothing stopping a person with healthy wisdom teeth from getting braces either.

There are several reasons to remove wisdom teeth. In cases of an already crowded mouth with a fully grown jaw, dentists may recommend that the wisdom teeth are taken out before they can appear. They may also be removed before braces begin as a precaution against future problems. Wisdom teeth are also removed for a wide variety of reasons that do not affect braces. A tooth can be removed if it is causing discomfort or only halfway grows in. Wisdom teeth need to be brushed and flossed like every other tooth, and if it cannot be effectively cleaned, it will have to be removed before it can damage nearby healthy teeth.

Each set of braces are unique for the wearer, as is the decision on what to do about wisdom teeth. Talk with Dr. Runnels as soon as you notice any discomfort or wisdom teeth appearing. While they may not affect your braces, wisdom teeth can change your overall oral health.