If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, braces are an excellent way to correct them so you can smile with more confidence. Say your orthodontist recommends braces, but you still have your wisdom teeth. Do you need to remove wisdom teeth for braces to work and fit properly?
Discover the impact wisdom teeth have on braces and whether you can straighten your teeth without removing your third molars. Visit Maldonado Orthodontics when you need a trusted orthodontist in Metairie, Louisiana.
Do You Need To Remove Wisdom Teeth for Braces? Uncovering Common Myths
Studies reveal the many benefits of smiling and how it can improve your overall health. Wearing braces to get straighter teeth can restore your confidence and make you smile more. How do your wisdom teeth affect braces?
Below is a breakdown of common myths surrounding wisdom teeth and braces. Learn the facts so you can achieve a better smile with braces and address any concerns about your wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Will Cause a Shift in Your Surrounding Teeth
Wisdom teeth typically emerge from the gums in the back of your mouth during adolescence and early adulthood. Many believe that when wisdom teeth start to appear, they’ll cause the surrounding teeth to shift. So, do you need to remove wisdom teeth for braces?
No tooth movement should occur when the mouth has enough space for the third molars. Dentists and orthodontists can tell ahead of time whether your gums have room for the molars. They may recommend wisdom teeth removal if you don’t have adequate space, but if you do, you can receive braces and let your wisdom teeth naturally appear.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Tops Other Orthodontic Concerns
Wisdom tooth extraction is an oral surgery procedure that many people assume takes precedence over other dental procedures. While each case differs, removing your wisdom teeth isn’t always a doctor’s top priority.
When do you need to remove wisdom teeth for braces? If you have impacted wisdom teeth that cause severe pain, it’s best to remove them surgically. Doing so will alleviate your pain and reduce the risk of serious infections to your gums.
Say a 12-year-old child has severe misalignment in their teeth, and the problem will only worsen over time. They will likely have several years before their wisdom teeth start to emerge and cause an issue. Orthodontists will recommend getting braces on the teeth right away before any other procedures can occur.
You Can’t Have Wisdom Teeth Surgery While Wearing Braces
Unless your orthodontist deems it necessary, you do not need to remove your wisdom teeth before being fit with braces. It’s possible your molars will erupt before you get the braces off. When this happens, oral surgeons can still extract them if you’re wearing braces.
You Can Avoid Orthodontic Care After Braces
Do you need to remove wisdom teeth for braces to work? Will you be clear of all orthodontic concerns once your braces are off? The answer to both questions is generally “no.”
Once your braces come off, you should still keep up with regular dental visits to combat gum disease, bad breath, and other oral hygiene concerns. Your wisdom teeth could emerge after your braces come off, requiring a check-up — and, if necessary, extraction.
Receive Superior Care at Maldonado Orthodontics
Do you need to remove wisdom teeth for braces to work? What are the different types of braces, and which one is best for you? How can braces help you achieve a straighter smile?The team at Maldonado Orthodontics, led by Dr. Kyle Maldonado, is here to answer these questions and more. Schedule an appointment by calling any of our three office locations or submit your contact information, and a team member will reach out to you. Get in touch with us by calling (504) 455-5581 (Metairie office), (225) 869-3753 (Lutcher office), or (985) 542-8719 (Hammond office).
