If you're considering braces in your adulthood, you might be wondering whether you need to remove your wisdom teeth before starting treatment. This is a common question among patients looking to improve their smile, and the answer isn’t exactly straightforward. While removal isn’t always necessary, there are certain situations where it can actually make your orthodontic treatment smoother and more fruitful.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of wisdom teeth extraction and its potential impact on your braces treatment.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth refer to the third set of molars at the back of your mouth that usually emerge during your late teens or early twenties. However, when there isn’t enough space for them to erupt properly, they can become impacted—remaining trapped beneath the gum line. This can result in pain, infection, or alignment issues with surrounding teeth.

Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth Before Braces

1. Create Space for Proper Alignment

Removing wisdom teeth before starting braces is sometimes recommended to help properly position the molars and other teeth. Wisdom teeth can take up or block the crucial space at the back of the mouth, preventing molars from moving backwards. This, in turn, obstructs the alignment and shifting of the other teeth. For this reason, orthodontists may choose to remove wisdom teeth to create the space needed for proper alignment.

2. Avoid Delays and Ensure Smooth Progress

Extracting wisdom teeth before braces can also prevent the need for extra surgery later. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can interfere with the planned movement of the adjacent teeth. Additionally, they may require surgical removal, further delaying your orthodontic treatment. Taking care of the issue upfront will help you avoid potential complications and ensure smoother, quicker progress with braces.

3. Facilitates Anchorage

In some cases, temporary anchorage devices (TADs) or other orthodontic appliances may be used to move teeth backwards. Removing wisdom teeth can help by removing any blockages at the back of the mouth, allowing TADs to work more efficiently. This also makes it easier to achieve the desired tooth movement.

4. Prevent Discomfort

Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, such as pain, swelling, or pressure on neighbouring teeth. Left untreated, this discomfort can escalate into infections or cysts, further complicating your dental health and teeth straightening process.

5. Avoids Future Complications

Retaining your wisdom teeth during braces treatment may lead to alignment relapse or crowding if they erupt unexpectedly. This can disrupt the progress made during treatment, causing teeth to shift out of place. To maintain a stable result after your orthodontic treatment, it may be wise to remove your wisdom teeth beforehand.

When You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

1. Timing

Wisdom teeth are usually removed before or during the distalisation process, depending on the specific treatment plan and the individual case. If the wisdom teeth are already impacted or likely to cause problems, they should be extracted before your orthodontic treatment begins.

2. Assessment:

An orthodontist or oral surgeon will evaluate the position and development of the wisdom teeth using X-rays or 3D imaging. They will then consider the patient's unique dental anatomy and orthodontic goals before determining whether extraction is necessary.

What Happens After Removal?

Once your wisdom teeth are extracted, you will undergo a recovery period of 1–2 weeks, during which it's important to follow post-operative care instructions. This includes keeping the area clean and avoiding certain foods to promote healing. You may experience some swelling and discomfort during this time.

Following this, you will be ready to proceed with your orthodontic treatment.

When is Removal Not Necessary?

That being said, not everyone needs to undergo wisdom tooth extraction for braces. For example, there is no reason to remove healthy wisdom teeth that have fully erupted in the correct positions. It's possible for individuals to have adequately spacious mouths that can accommodate these teeth without compromising their alignment.

Consulting Your Orthodontist

All in all, it's best to make this important decision under the guidance of your orthodontist. They will assess your dental health, including the position and condition of your wisdom teeth, and take your treatment goals into consideration. Your orthodontist will also evaluate whether wisdom teeth removal for braces would benefit the alignment process or if it can be avoided. After all, everyone's dental situation is different, and a customised approach will help you achieve the best possible results.

If you're considering braces and have concerns about your wisdom teeth, let the experts at Align Braces Clinic guide you. With both dental health solutions and orthodontic treatment offered under one roof, we’re here to address all your needs in one place, ensuring a smooth journey towards your perfect smile.

Contact us and book a consultation today.