Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed to Get Braces?

Traditional braces can fix a variety of alignment problems over a relatively short period of time. Whether the root problem is crowding, spaces between teeth, or more severe misalignments, orthodontic treatment can help. On the other hand, getting braces requires a commitment of both time and money. Few people want to have to get braces more than once. Because it’s an investment, many people understandably worry that their wisdom teeth may undo all the work their braces did. At Summit Family Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing patients with the kind of quality orthodontic treatment they can have complete confidence in. Here’s what you should know about your wisdom teeth before getting braces.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Usually Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to grow in, or 'erupt'. Also referred to as the third molars, they generally don’t erupt until between age 16 and 19. They tend to be more prone to dental problems than other teeth. Most people end up having them removed after they fail to properly erupt, which can cause problems like:

• Gum disease or infection
• Severe dental pain
• Overcrowding
• Increased tooth decay
• An overbite or underbite

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, however. There are still cases where all four teeth happen to erupt successfully.

How Do Wisdom Teeth Affect Braces?

The effect wisdom teeth will have on orthodontic treatment ultimately varies from patient to patient. It can be a bigger concern for children or young teens, whose third molars may not have grown in yet. In those situations, there’s a chance that pressure from the new teeth could push the rest of the surrounding teeth back out of alignment. In some cases there's enough space in the jaw after orthodontic treatment for the wisdom teeth. If not, it's likely the wisdom teeth first will need to be removed first.

Orthodontic Consultation at Summit Family Orthodontics

In order to determine the odds of wisdom teeth causing problems, it’s best to receive a consultation from our skilled orthodontic team. If you or your child is interested in receiving braces, contact our Littleton, CO office to schedule your consultation. We will help you decide which of the different treatments we offer including traditional braces and Invisalign®, will be the best fit for your situation.

Contact Us