Will I Need Braces After I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Posted on February 15, 2022

We want to give you all the information you need to decide whether or not you will start your orthodontic treatment with your trusted orthodontist in Downers Grove At Chawla Orthodontics. We know you must have many questions regarding your wisdom teeth and how they can or cannot affect your orthodontic treatment with braces.

Some of the questions you have may include how do wisdom teeth affect straight teeth. Should I be worried about my wisdom teeth coming through and moving my teeth? Should I have these teeth removed, and when should I do this? Among others. If any of these questions sound like the ones you have in your mind, don’t worry, it’s normal to feel concerned about your treatment.

Our doctors and staff are committed to providing every patient with quality orthodontic care, resulting in our patients feeling confident in their own skin, with the help of finally having the smile of their dreams.

Because we want you to be comfortable every step of the way through your orthodontic journey today, we will discuss the common questions and concerns associated with third molars, their effect on the other teeth inside your mouth before you decide to have them removed, and end up buying supplies for your recovery.

Let’s start with the basics.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the third and last molars found at the very back on each side of the upper and lower jaws and are the final teeth to erupt. Third molars usually appear in the mouth in a patient’s late teens or early twenties. Although it may seem strange, a small percentage of people never develop third molars.

Naturally, you might wonder why third molars are such a big deal if they are so far back in your mouth.

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Orthodontic Problems?

You’ve probably heard it before when your third molars come in, you need to have them removed, or they’ll cause you problems. The truth is that not everyone ends up having to have their third molars removed. For the majority of people, wisdom teeth come in with no problems. The teeth grow in straight and don’t affect the person’s bite. So generally speaking, wisdom teeth do not cause significant overcrowding in the front of the mouth or severely disrupt any dental work with braces. However, there are times when removal is necessary. There are also many myths about wisdom teeth and using braces or beginning orthodontic treatment.

Myth 1: Removing Wisdom Teeth Is Dangerous

While wisdom teeth removal is a type of surgery and there are risks to all surgeries, removing wisdom teeth is a common and fairly safe procedure. Usually, patients having their wisdom teeth removed don’t have any complications.

Myth 2: Pain-Free Impacted Wisdom Don’t Need Removing

Just because your impacted wisdom teeth are painless doesn’t mean they are disease or problem-free. Complications, such as damage to other teeth and infection, can occur in impacted wisdom teeth.

Myth 3: Dry Sockets Occurs With Every Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal can lead to dry sockets; only a small percentage of patients develop it after they have their teeth removed.

Myth 4: Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Necessary Before Orthodontic Work

In some rare cases, your third molars can cause a position shift of your other teeth. Still, we wouldn’t go as far as to recommend having them removed before you begin orthodontic work done. Keep in mind that orthodontic work can occur without having your wisdom teeth removed. It’s more important to start your treatment as early as possible, not to worry about your third molars.

Myth 5: Early Wisdom Tooth Removal Isn’t Always Better

As you become older, removing your teeth becomes increasingly difficult with a more challenging surgery, leading to a more extended recovery period after the extraction.

Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when you’re younger because the surrounding bone is softer, roots haven’t completely implanted, and there is less risk of damaging nearby structures and nerves.

When Is Removal Of Wisdom Teeth Necessary?

When third molars cause problems such as pain and inflammation that don’t diminish, or X-rays suggested by your orthodontist show any of the following issues:

• Damage to other teeth: That extra set of molars can push your other teeth around, causing mouth pain and bite problems.
• Jaw damage: Cysts can form around the new teeth. If they don’t receive appropriate treatment, they can hollow out your jaw and damage nerves.
• Sinus Issues:  Third molars can lead to sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
• Inflamed Gums: Tissue around the area can swell and may be hard to clean.
• Cavities: Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form.
• Alignment: Impacted third molars can cause problems with the crowding of other teeth and even make treatment to straighten other teeth necessary.

Before making the final decision to remove your wisdom teeth, your orthodontist will consider other important factors such as the shape of your mouth, the position of your teeth, and even your age. The reality is that wisdom teeth are the same as your other teeth. Removing them is just as safe as removing any of your other teeth when absolutely necessary.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Can Be Good Before Orthodontic Work

Whether you’ll have to extract your third molars before wearing braces or after removing them will depend entirely on your case and how your teeth are or have already erupted.

Remember, for most people, teeth come in without issues and are usually completely healthy. So, in short, no, you shouldn’t wait to remove your teeth before getting braces. Braces are useful to straighten crooked teeth, align bites or malocclusions, and remove or create space so that permanent teeth can properly come in as they grow.

At Chawla Orthodontics, our priority is always to provide each and every one of our patients with both the superior smile and superior experience that they deserve. Our team of board-certified orthodontists is here for you whether your teeth need just a little work to bring them into perfect alignment or you are in need of more intensive or complex orthodontic care. We will implement a highly personalized treatment plan that will make the smile of your dreams a reality.

To learn more about teeth and braces and how they pertain to your specific situation, contact a team member at Chawla Orthodontics today. We look forward to helping you achieve a fantastic smile by offering you the best solution for your dental issues.