Do I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Getting Invisalign or Braces?
Patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment likely will want to pursue wisdom tooth removal at some point to preserve the results of braces or Invisalign. Wisdom teeth are typically removed when they come in misaligned or impacted. Misaligned wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift and result in a crooked bite. An impacted tooth is a tooth that only breaks partway through the gum. Impacted teeth are highly susceptible to infection and can lead to illness if not properly cared for.
When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
The timing of wisdom teeth extraction will vary from patient to patient. In some cases it might be advisable to have this procedure before you begin orthodontic treatment. In others, wisdom tooth removal can wait until after you are finished with Invisalign or your braces are removed. There are also cases where wisdom teeth removal can be completed while you have braces.
Your orthodontist can refer you to an oral surgeon for a wisdom tooth extraction consultation at the appropriate point in your treatment timeline. Keep in mind that there are other considerations for the timing of wisdom tooth extraction, as well. For example, it is recommended that patients have their wisdom teeth removed before age 25 as it is easier to remove the teeth in younger patients, who also tend to recuperate more quickly after the procedure.
If you are waiting until after orthodontic treatment is complete to pursue wisdom tooth extraction, you may want to consider being monitored regularly by an oral surgeon to determine when that procedure should be done. Delaying wisdom tooth extraction for too long can create the need for a second round of orthodontic treatment.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal
In addition to keeping your teeth in the correct alignment, extraction of impacted wisdom teeth offers other oral health benefits. It is quite difficult for patients to keep that area clean, so these teeth are prone to infections and abscesses. They also are more susceptible to developing cysts or tumors. A preventive extraction helps you avoid these consequences of impacted wisdom teeth.
Having your wisdom teeth removed in a timely fashion can help to protect your investment in orthodontic treatment. If you are about to get Invisalign or braces, ask your orthodontist whether you should see a specialist in oral surgery to discuss when to pursue wisdom tooth extraction. Call one of our convenient locations at Austin Oral Surgery to schedule your evaluation if you’re in need of wisdom teeth removal today!
