Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Maybe they haven’t grown in yet or perhaps you are wondering if they are to blame for your crooked teeth. In this blog post, we discuss how wisdom teeth can affect teeth alignment.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the late-blooming molars that are in the very back of the mouth. They are also known as the third molars. If a patient has these teeth, anywhere from 1-4 of them can emerge through their gums when they are between 17-26 years old.
Because these teeth emerge later in life, usually young patients getting braces don’t need to worry about potential wisdom teeth removal until several years after they get their braces off.
Can Wisdom Teeth Affect Teeth Alignment?
If your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in or grow in crooked, they can bump against neighboring teeth. It is possible for this overcrowding to cause damage to or shifting of your other teeth.
Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Young adults and older adults interested in orthodontics who still have their wisdom teeth should consult with their dentist about whether or not they would benefit from removal of their third molars.
These teeth can cause pain and be difficult to keep clean, especially if they grow in crooked or only partially emerge. Often, wisdom teeth that are not straight or fully emerged increases your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and infection.
If you have a tight budget for dental expenses, you may need to plan for wisdom teeth removal before embarking on your orthodontic journey. Removing your wisdom teeth before they are causing serious problems could protect yourself from unnecessary pain and potential damage to the surrounding teeth.
Fixing Crooked Teeth at Stroope Orthodontics
Misaligned teeth due to overcrowding is a common issue. Stroope Orthodontics offers a wide variety of orthodontic options to straighten your smile. A straighter smile is easy to clean and will improve your self-confidence! Contact us today to schedule your orthodontic consultation.
