Can Wisdom Teeth Shift My Other Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, technically called the third molars, often spark questions and concerns when it comes to orthodontic treatment. One of the most common questions we hear at Foundations Orthodontics is, “Can wisdom teeth shift other teeth?”
It’s a valid worry! After all, if you’re investing in braces or clear aligners for your child, teen, or yourself, you’ll want to know the results won’t be disrupted later.
In this blog post, our Centennial orthodontists are diving into all things wisdom teeth and orthodontics, including whether the wisdom teeth can cause tooth movement and if removal will lead to shifting.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth, or third molars, generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 21.¹ Not everyone gets their wisdom teeth, while other people might get one, two, three, or all four.
If the wisdom teeth erupt properly and are healthy, they don’t pose a problem and can even help with chewing. However, it’s fairly common for them to grow in crooked, only partially erupt, or become impacted (stuck under the bone). In these cases, your dentist may recommend having them removed.
Can Wisdom Teeth Shift Other Teeth?
In short, no, the wisdom teeth won’t lead to teeth shifting. Numerous studies, including ones published in the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of the American Dental Association, have found that wisdom teeth do not exert enough pressure to move other teeth.²-³
So where did the idea that wisdom teeth cause crowding come from? Well, teeth never stop moving and the jaw and face continue to change throughout your life, which is why orthodontic issues tend to worsen with age if not treated. Additionally, things like gum disease, bone loss, and aging all contribute to tooth movement.⁴
The eruption of the wisdom teeth can coincide with these natural changes in the teeth and bite. However, it’s important to keep in mind that correlation doesn’t necessarily equal causation.
That said, while the eruption of the wisdom teeth won’t result in tooth movement, complications, such as infection, can lead to gum health issues that eventually impact tooth alignment. Your general dentist can refer you to an oral surgeon if it looks like your wisdom teeth will be problematic.
Can You Get Clear Aligners or Braces With Wisdom Teeth?
Absolutely! You can safely get braces or clear aligners with wisdom teeth. Having them removed isn’t a prerequisite for orthodontic treatment unless they’re causing a serious issue that will interfere with your care.
Should You Get Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Braces or Aligners?
No. In most cases, waiting to get braces or clear aligners until after the wisdom teeth were removed would mean holding off on treatment until adulthood. While we can get great results in adult patients, it’s easier to align the teeth and jaw when you’re still growing.
Some children can benefit from preventive orthodontics while they have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This first phase of orthodontic treatment is usually completed between the ages of 7 and 10, long before the wisdom teeth erupt.
Can I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed While Wearing Braces or Clear Aligners?
Yes, you can get your wisdom teeth extracted during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Renee Moran or Dr. Caitlin White will coordinate with your oral surgeon to ensure the process is seamless and doesn’t impact your results.
What About Teeth Shifting After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
People sometimes feel like their teeth are shifting after wisdom teeth removal. If your wisdom teeth were pushing against your molars, once the wisdom teeth are extracted and the pressure is gone, your molars could move a tiny bit. Any teeth shifting, however, will be imperceptible and won’t cause gaps or misalignment.
But, in the majority of instances, the teeth will not move at all after wisdom teeth removal. When the wisdom teeth are gone, some pressure may be relieved and your bite force will spread evenly across your remaining teeth. This can create the perception of movement but it’s actually just your bite returning to normal.
Wearing Your Retainer Will Safeguard Your Smile
You can prevent your teeth from shifting by continuing to wear your orthodontic retainers. Retainers help you maintain your orthodontic treatment results for life and stop tooth movement from all causes, giving you peace of mind your smile won't be impacted by the eruption of your wisdom teeth.
Key Takeaways:
Do wisdom teeth shift other teeth? The wisdom teeth do not exert enough pressure to shift other teeth.
Can wisdom teeth ruin orthodontic work? No. Dr. Moran and Dr. White invest significant time in creating an individualized treatment plan that accounts for future changes like jaw growth and the eruption of wisdom teeth. As long as you wear your retainers as instructed after treatment, you can maintain your new smile for life.
Can I get braces or clear aligners with wisdom teeth? Yes. You do not need to have your wisdom teeth removed before orthodontic treatment unless they’re causing problems.
Schedule a Consultation With a Grand County and Centennial Orthodontist
At Foundations Orthodontics, we take a holistic approach to orthodontic care, considering all aspects of your oral health, including wisdom teeth. Whether you’re starting braces, considering clear aligners, or maintaining your smile after treatment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re concerned about wisdom teeth shifting your teeth or have questions about wisdom teeth and orthodontics, we’re here to help! Schedule a consultation today and let’s work together to create a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
Sources
Wisdom teeth. MouthHealthy. The American Dental Association. mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth
Friedman JW. The prophylactic extraction of third molars: a public health hazard. Am J Public Health. 2007;97(9):1554-1559. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2006.100271
Southard TE. Third molars and incisor crowding: when removal is unwarranted. J Am Dent Assoc. 1992;123: 75–79.
Sharma, Padmaja, Arora, Ankit, Valiathan, Ashima, Age Changes of Jaws and Soft Tissue Profile, The Scientific World Journal, 2014, 301501, 7 pages, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/301501