It is true that wisdom teeth can create a variety of issues for a large proportion of the population. However, regardless of whether you get orthodontic treatment, not everyone is required to go through the hassle and expense of having wisdom teeth out. There are several half-truths and fallacies about wisdom teeth and orthodontic treatment, so let's set the record straight. What Actually Are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third molars, found in the rear of the mouth. We no longer require wisdom teeth, as our forebears did millennia ago, due to improved oral health and dietary changes throughout centuries. Most people have four wisdom teeth (two on the top arch and two on the bottom), although some never develop them in the gums, while others are present but do not erupt. The following are potential circumstances for wisdom teeth: - All four wisdom teeth emerge into the ideal place; - The teeth erupt into the ideal place, but a gum flap covers them; - One or more teeth emerge at an angle (impact); - One or many teeth remain unerupted in the gum; - No wisdom teeth are discovered on the x-ray. Myth 1 - Wisdom teeth should be routinely removed before braces An orthodontist will always evaluate wisdom teeth before beginning treatment. If the teeth have not yet erupted and there is clearly insufficient room for them, an orthodontist may propose that they be removed before treatment begins. However, if there is enough room in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to emerge, the orthodontist may advise keeping the teeth in place and continuing therapy while monitoring. The reasons for wisdom teeth removal near me https://www.riversideoralsurgery.com/wisdom-teeth/wisdom-teeth-removal/ are: - Because food is trapped behind the wisdom teeth, the adjacent gum and/or cheek become infected several times; - The impacted wisdom tooth traps food, causing deterioration in the wisdom teeth or second molar; - The wisdom tooth has deteriorated to the extent that it cannot be repaired; - There is an infection or cyst near the wisdom teeth. Myth 2 - Braces aren't considered for impacted wisdom teeth Braces are a successful treatment option for certain impacted teeth, but not all. An orthodontist may be able to salvage an impacted tooth by creating extra space for it or using braces to pull it upright. However, not everyone has adequate space in the jaw for an impacted wisdom tooth since the adjacent teeth have nowhere to go. The most prevalent reason for wisdom tooth extraction is a lack of available space. Even when braces cannot be put on an impacted tooth, they can help the adjacent teeth. The tooth next (above or below) an impacted tooth may frequently protrude from the gum to compensate for its affected neighbor. The tooth is at danger due to exposed roots and being out of alignment with teeth on either side. Braces are perfect for pushing the tooth back into the gum and aligning the tip with the rest of the teeth. Myth 3 - Wisdom teeth can't be extracted with braces While many orthodontic patients have their wisdom teeth removed prior to or after receiving braces, wisdom teeth can also be removed during orthodontic therapy. Your orthodontist will refer you back to your dentist or an oral surgeon for extractions. Myth 4 - After having braces, you don't need to worry about wisdom teeth Patients who have completed orthodontic treatment should continue to see their dentist and orthodontist at regular intervals to monitor the growth of their wisdom teeth. If wisdom teeth erupt, the surrounding teeth may become overcrowded. And within months, we will be able to eliminate all of the effort required to obtain the perfect smile with the use of braces. Myth 5 - If your wisdom teeth erupt after braces, you should panic After investing in braces, it's fair that you don't want to take any chances with your teeth. It is crucial to see your dentist as soon as you see your wisdom teeth erupting, but it does not have to be within days. If you wear your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist, the little pressure your wisdom teeth apply on the surrounding teeth will be ineffective against the retainer. Wear your retainer as directed until your next dental appointment to maintain your teeth in the proper position.