Orthodontic Treatment and Wisdom Teeth

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.