Can Getting Braces Prevent You From Needing Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Getting braces can improve the appearance of your smile and the functionality of the way that you chew and speak. However, some people find themselves wondering if getting braces before wisdom teeth emerge could help to prevent them from needing to be pulled later in life. If you're curious about this for yourself or a child you're caring for, then here's what you should know.

The Reason Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

The most common reason for wisdom teeth to be removed is that there simply isn't enough space for them. People tend to have smaller jaws than they did in the past, which means there's less space for all of the teeth to occupy. If wisdom teeth are allowed to grow in when a jaw doesn't have room for them, it may lead to them pushing neighboring teeth out of the way or emerging at an abnormal angle.

Overcrowding's Influence

For many people, overcrowded teeth are something they were either born with or developed due to certain habits, like chewing fingernails. Teeth can become overcrowded anywhere from the molars to the canines. When teeth are squished together like this, it can lead to them occupying space that they otherwise wouldn't.

For some people, there is adequate space for wisdom teeth, but only if the existing teeth are properly aligned. Moving the neighboring molars further inward can help to make space for wisdom teeth with some patients.

Find Out

Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to keep their wisdom teeth. However, there's always a chance that braces could be what you need to accomplish just that. The best way to find out is to speak with an orthodontist for a consultation.

Your orthodontist will discuss your concerns with you and talk about any prior patients they've had who had the same issue. From there, a physical examination of your jaw and x-rays will likely tell your orthodontist whether it's possible for your wisdom teeth to have space to move in once the alignment of your teeth is improved.

Keep in mind that even if this doesn't provide you enough space for keeping your wisdom teeth, getting braces will improve the look of your smile and make it easier to care for your teeth. Brushing and flossing become easier and more effective when there's adequate space between each tooth, so in the long term, getting braces can help you to maintain your overall oral health.

If you need braces, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist's office, such as Poulson Orthodontics.