Can You Get Braces with Wisdom Teeth?
The short answer is yes, you can get braces even if you have wisdom teeth. However, the timing and process can be more complex than getting braces without wisdom teeth. The presence of wisdom teeth can significantly impact orthodontic treatment, requiring careful planning and consideration from your orthodontist. Let's delve deeper into the specifics.
What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Impact Orthodontic Treatment?
Wisdom teeth, the third molars located at the back of your mouth, often erupt (or partially erupt) during late adolescence or early adulthood, a time when many individuals are considering or undergoing orthodontic treatment. The problems they pose in relation to braces are multifaceted:
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against existing teeth, causing crowding and potentially undoing the progress made with braces. This is especially problematic if your orthodontic treatment aims to straighten crowded teeth.
- Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth are frequently impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or bone. This can lead to pain, infection, and cysts, all of which can complicate orthodontic treatment. Impacted wisdom teeth may need to be removed before orthodontic treatment begins.
- Shifting Teeth: Even if not impacted, the eruption of wisdom teeth can cause existing teeth to shift, requiring adjustments to your orthodontic plan.
- Difficulty in Cleaning: The presence of wisdom teeth can make it more challenging to properly clean your teeth and gums, increasing the risk of developing gum disease or cavities, especially during orthodontic treatment.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Before or After Braces?
The optimal timing for wisdom teeth removal relative to orthodontic treatment is a decision that must be made in consultation with both your orthodontist and oral surgeon. Several factors influence this decision:
- The position and condition of the wisdom teeth: Are they impacted? Are they causing pain or infection? Do they appear to be pushing against other teeth?
- The complexity of your orthodontic treatment: A simple alignment might not require wisdom teeth removal, but a complex case involving significant crowding or jaw surgery might necessitate removal beforehand.
- Your age and overall health: These factors also influence the decision-making process.
In some cases, your orthodontist might recommend removing wisdom teeth before starting braces to create sufficient space and prevent further complications. In other cases, it might be possible to proceed with orthodontic treatment and address wisdom teeth later, perhaps after the braces are removed. This is generally less ideal, however.
What are the Potential Risks of Getting Braces with Wisdom Teeth?
The primary risk is that the eruption or presence of wisdom teeth can disrupt the results of your orthodontic treatment. Teeth might shift back to their original positions or crowding might return. Other potential risks include:
- Increased risk of gum disease or cavities due to difficulty in cleaning around wisdom teeth and braces.
- Prolonged treatment time.
- Additional costs associated with wisdom teeth removal.
What Should You Do?
Schedule a consultation with both your orthodontist and a qualified oral surgeon or dentist specializing in extractions. They can thoroughly assess your situation, review X-rays, and collaboratively recommend the best course of action. This collaborative approach ensures that your orthodontic treatment is successful and minimizes potential complications. Open communication is key to ensuring a smooth and effective process.
