The purpose of orthodontic treatment at Gonzales
Orthodontics is to correct malocclusion, also known as crooked or crowded teeth,
as well as correcting the bite. In the past, Orthodontic practices have recommended that wisdom teeth be
removed, especially in cases of severe crowding. The wisdom teeth, also known
as third molars are the last teeth
to form, and erupt between the ages of 13 and 20. In some cases wisdom teeth
are impacted, which means the teeth never break through the gum tissue. Impacted
wisdom teeth often happen when the mouth or jaw is too small to accommodate all
the teeth. The cons with impacted wisdom teeth can be infection, and some
orthodontists and dentists may want them extracted to prevent any possible
future infections.
Old Myths Die Hard
In the past many people thought that when the wisdom teeth
erupted they would set off a "domino effect" of crowding. Therefore,
anybody that had orthodontic treatment would need their wisdom teeth removed.
In the early 90's a few landmark studies disproved this theory. The study showed that whether or not you have
wisdom teeth (some people are born without them), your teeth can still shift and get crooked and
crowded, unless you are wearing a retainer.
Thus, we do not recommend getting the wisdom teeth extracted for
orthodontic reasons anymore. However, there are several other reasons for
getting them extracted.
Justification for
removing wisdom teeth
Dr. Gonzales will tell you in some cases, the mouth or jaw
is too small to fit the wisdom teeth. In
which case causes the third molars to grow in the wrong way, either tilting in
the jaw, or sideways. Impacted wisdom teeth inevitably happen from lack of room
for the teeth to come in. The gum flap above the wisdom tooth can become
infected and cause swelling, and tend to be painful. The biggest problem that
can occur is periocoronitis, a potentially dangerous infection that develops on
the area around the impacted wisdom tooth, or even if it has erupted.
Orthodontists usually base their decision to have wisdom
teeth extracted on each patients individual case. To learn more about the
impact wisdom teeth have on orthodontic treatment, or to schedule a visit,
please visit our website at: www.drdantegonzales.com.
