Can wisdom teeth move other teeth? Wisdom teeth making teeth crooked is a common fear, but is it founded? And what can you do to prevent it?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that grow in. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. Because they’re the last teeth to come in, there’s often not enough room for them, which can cause them to grow at an angle or get stuck under the gum line.
Orthodontists will often recommend the removal of wisdom teeth as they often don’t have sufficient space to function properly and can cause pain and crowding. They’re also difficult to clean, making them more likely to get cavities and lead to other oral concerns.
If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, you may have questions such as:
- Why are my wisdom teeth growing in sideways?
- Are my wisdom teeth making teeth crooked?
- Can Invisalign straighten wisdom teeth?
Keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth and their impact on your oral health.
Potential Issues With Wisdom Teeth
Approximately 85% of people need their wisdom teeth extracted at some point in their lives, so you probably know someone who’s had their wisdom teeth removed. For some people, wisdom teeth come in straight and don’t cause any problems. But for most, wisdom teeth can be a real pain – metaphorically and literally.
1. They Can Cause Pain
Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of discomfort as they try to break through the gum line. Wisdom teeth pushing other teeth pain can result from crowding in the back of the mouth. If the wisdom tooth is only partially erupted, the gum tissue around the tooth can become inflamed and cause pain. This is known as “pericoronitis,” and it can be quite uncomfortable if not addressed.
2. They Can Get Impacted
Why are my wisdom teeth crooked? Wisdom teeth growing in sideways can be a cause for concern. When there’s not enough space in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, they can get stuck below your gums (impacted), growing at an angle instead of straight up.
3. They’re Challenging To Clean
Wisdom teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, which means they’re more likely to trap food and bacteria that can lead to cavities, infections, and localized gum disease.
These potential issues are some of the reasons orthodontists might recommend having your wisdom teeth removed, even if they’re not causing any current problems. This removal isn’t cosmetic; it’s meant to help reduce potential pain and enhance oral hygiene.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Misalignment?
Contrary to popular belief, wisdom teeth don’t generally cause surrounding teeth to shift. These teeth don’t exert enough force to cause overcrowding or significantly alter the appearance of nearby teeth.
The concept of wisdom teeth making teeth crooked has been widely discredited within the orthodontic community. The most common reason people have wisdom teeth removed is to reduce pressure or pain – not because of alignment issues.
I Still Have My Wisdom Teeth. Can I Get Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes! You can absolutely still get orthodontic treatment if you have your wisdom teeth.
The only time wisdom teeth will prevent you from receiving orthodontic treatment is if they’re impacted or causing pain. If that’s the case, your orthodontist will likely recommend removing them before starting treatment.
Patients have a variety of teeth straightening options, such as traditional braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking into treatment, you may wonder, “Can Invisalign straighten wisdom teeth?”
Can Invisalign Straighten Wisdom Teeth?
Invisalign is one of the latest and greatest advances in orthodontic technology. This clear aligner system uses a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Because Invisalign is so popular, you’ve probably wondered if Invisalign can fix wisdom teeth.
Invisalign can make minor improvements to the wisdom teeth if they are present. Severely misaligned wisdom teeth may require removal. But by straightening the teeth around your wisdom teeth and making improvements to the wisdom teeth themselves, Invisalign can give you the appearance of straighter teeth, even if your wisdom teeth aren’t perfectly aligned.
If you’re considering Invisalign and still have your wisdom teeth, talk to your orthodontist about whether or not this treatment option is right for you.
Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth With Bates Orthodontics
So, can wisdom teeth push other teeth? Do wisdom teeth make your teeth crooked? In some cases, yes, but wisdom teeth don’t tend to cause problems with alignment.
But removal is a common recommendation because of some of the potential risks, including pain, infection, gum disease, and cavities. If you still have your wisdom teeth, your orthodontist (and dentist) can help you decide if removal is right for you.
At Bates Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of treatment options for our patients, whether they still have their wisdom teeth or not. Our team is ready to answer any of your questions. Trust us, we’ve heard it all!
With a caring ear and a wealth of experience, Bates Orthodontics will help you make the best decision for your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
