As an orthodontist, I often get questions from my patients at Louisville Orthodontics about wisdom teeth and their impact on orthodontic treatment. I’m Dr. Raina Chandiramani, the owner and orthodontist here, and I will be addressing some of the most common concerns I hear about wisdom teeth and dental alignment in this post. Third Molars, also known as Wisdom Teeth, typically start to erupt between the ages of 16 and 25. This period often coincides with the end of orthodontic treatment for many individuals, raising questions about the potential impact of wisdom teeth on dental alignment and the need for their removal. This article explores four common concerns regarding wisdom teeth and orthodontic treatment:
When Is the Best Time to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The timing of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on individual circumstances. In general, younger patients, particularly those under the age of 25, tend to recover more quickly and experience fewer complications following extraction. A study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery highlights that early removal, before the roots are fully developed, often results in easier procedures and faster healing times (American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 2015).
However, not all wisdom teeth require removal. Some medical groups advise against the prophylactic removal of asymptomatic, pathology-free wisdom teeth. Instead, extraction should be reserved for cases involving pain, infection, cysts, damage to adjacent teeth, or other complications. Regular dental evaluations and X-rays help determine whether wisdom teeth pose a risk to oral health and require extraction. A consultation with an oral surgeon can help provide clarity on whether wisdom teeth may cause complications in the future and whether prophylactic removal is recommended.
Will Wisdom Teeth Shift Teeth After Braces Are Complete?
One of the most common concerns I hear from my patients who have completed orthodontic treatment is whether erupting wisdom teeth can cause their teeth to shift. While this is a widely held belief, research suggests otherwise. A review published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found no substantial evidence linking the eruption of wisdom teeth to the crowding of front teeth (Lindauer et al., 1992).
Instead, orthodontic relapse—the natural tendency for teeth to shift back toward their original positions—is often responsible for post-treatment movement. Factors such as age, genetics, and inadequate retainer use contribute more significantly to tooth shifting than wisdom teeth. Further, even in people who have not received orthodontic treatment, lower front teeth will naturally tend to shift with age regardless of wisdom teeth eruption.
That said, impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can exert pressure on neighboring teeth, potentially leading to discomfort and alignment issues. If patients experience pain or notice changes in their bite, they should consult their orthodontist or dentist for evaluation.
Will Retainers Hold Teeth in Place Even If Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Retainers play a vital role in maintaining the results achieved through orthodontic treatment. Even if wisdom teeth erupt after braces are removed, wearing retainers as prescribed can effectively prevent teeth from shifting.
At Louisville Orthodontics, I typically recommend wearing retainers full-time for several months after treatment is completed, followed by nighttime use indefinitely. This approach ensures that the teeth remain stable, regardless of any changes occurring in the back of the mouth.
Research in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics emphasizes the importance of long-term retainer use in preventing orthodontic relapse (Little, 1999). Wisdom teeth eruption is unlikely to impact the stability of alignment provided by retainers if patients adhere to their orthodontist’s guidance.
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Used in Orthodontic Treatment?
While wisdom teeth are not commonly integrated into orthodontic treatment plans, they can occasionally serve a purpose in specific cases. For instance, if a patient is missing other molars, a well-developed wisdom tooth may be retained and incorporated into the treatment plan to replace missing teeth.
However, this is relatively uncommon. Wisdom teeth often lack sufficient space to erupt properly and are more prone to impaction. As a result, I typically focus on aligning the remaining teeth while monitoring the development of wisdom teeth.
In some instances, I may opt to extract wisdom teeth before or during treatment to prevent potential issues. Each patient’s dental anatomy is unique, so the decision to retain or remove wisdom teeth depends on individual factors assessed by me and an oral surgeon.
Key Takeaways:
- The best time to remove wisdom teeth is generally before the roots fully develop, often in the late teens or early twenties. This is to make recovery easier for patients.
- Wisdom teeth are not the primary cause of post-orthodontic tooth shifting; natural orthodontic relapse and other factors play a more significant role.
- Wearing retainers consistently is crucial for maintaining dental alignment, even if wisdom teeth erupt.
- Wisdom teeth can occasionally be incorporated into orthodontic treatment, but this is rare and depends on the specific needs of the patient.
Regular dental check-ups, open communication with your orthodontist, and adherence to retainer instructions are essential for ensuring long-term dental health and alignment. Have concerns about your wisdom teeth or orthodontic treatment? Contact Louisville Orthodontics today for a free consultation.
References:
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. (2015). Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Third Molar Teeth. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 73(12), 2161-2167.
- Lindauer, S. J., et al. (1992). The Impacted Third Molar and Anterior Crowding. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 101(1), 84-88.
- Little, R. M. (1999). Stability and Relapse of Dental Arch Alignment. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 33(9), 560-570.