Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, wisdom teeth do not cause any problems and can remain in the mouth without causing any harm. However, for others, these teeth can cause several dental issues, including problems with orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is a dental treatment that aims to straighten teeth, correct bite problems, and improve overall dental health. Wisdom teeth can have an impact on orthodontic treatment in a few different ways:
Crowding:
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding in the mouth, which can make it difficult to properly align teeth during orthodontic treatment. This is because the extra teeth can push other teeth out of their proper position, making it harder to achieve a straight smile.Impaction:
Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they do not fully erupt from the gums. This can cause pain and swelling and can affect the alignment of other teeth.Damage to Existing Dental Work:
If a person has already had orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth can cause damage to existing dental work, such as braces or retainers. This can be expensive to fix and may require orthodontic treatment all over again.
To prevent these issues from occurring, it is recommended that patients have their wisdom teeth removed before beginning orthodontic treatment. This can help ensure that the treatment is as effective as possible and that the patient does not experience any unnecessary discomfort or complications.
However, in some cases, it may be possible to proceed with orthodontic treatment while keeping wisdom teeth in place, especially if they are not causing any problems. This is typically determined with regular examinations and X-rays so any potential problems can be found in the early stages.
Learn About Orthodontic Treatment in Baton Rouge, LA
Wisdom teeth can have a significant impact on orthodontic treatment. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, get in touch with our team and let us help you find the right steps toward treatment.
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