Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and impact any orthodontic treatment you get. An impacted wisdom tooth doesn’t always have to be removed, but if your dentist or orthodontist think it can lead to teeth misalignment, they may advise surgical extraction.
If you’re worried that your wisdom teeth can ruin your professionally straightened smile, read on.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that show up when you’re in your teens or early twenties. When they don’t erupt fully, they’re known as impacted wisdom teeth.
Contrary to popular belief, wisdom teeth normally don’t cause your teeth to shift or become crowded. However, they can cause abscesses, cavities, gum infection, bad breath, and other problems.
What to do about it when you have braces
If your dentist says that your impacted wisdom tooth can affect the rest of your teeth, you can have it removed even if you’re already wearing braces. The surgical procedure to remove it is an outpatient one.
Should you have it removed before getting braces?
Dentists now say that these should not be extracted just because they might cause your other teeth to move. However, if your dentist or orthodontist sees that it might cause problems, they might recommend having it removed before you get braces.
Before you make any decision, talk to our dental team about all your options so that you make the right decision for you.
Our Portland Braces team is comprised of individuals from varied disciplines and backgrounds. We are fully trained, Oregon state certified, and many are Academy of Orthodontic Assisting Certified (AOAC). Most of us have worked together for many years, some several decades, and all are fortunate to be supported by one another.
At Portland Braces, our first priority is the health, happiness, and well-being of our patients. We strive to make each patient’s experience exceptional. Call (503) 287-9710 today for your FREE consultation!