If you want to comfortably straighten your teeth without people noticing your braces, Invisalign might be the solution you want. But what if you still have your wisdom teeth? Will an oral surgeon need to remove them before you begin orthodontic treatment?
Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Getting Invisalign?
You may need wisdom teeth removed before getting Invisalign if your wisdom teeth are impacted and put your oral health at risk. After taking x-rays, your dentist can see the position of your wisdom teeth and whether problems with them will interfere with or interrupt Invisalign treatment. Healthy wisdom teeth that develop and emerge correctly do not require removal.
When Might You Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?
A dentist or orthodontist may recommend wisdom teeth removal before braces in these cases:
- Partially erupted – Partially erupted wisdom teeth are challenging to floss around, brush, and keep clean. Bacteria can settle in or around the teeth and cause infection. An infection can affect other teeth or your bone and interrupt Invisalign treatment. Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent future problems.
- Infected – If your wisdom teeth hurt or your gums are swollen around them, it is best to clear the infection before Invisalign treatment. Removing the teeth will keep your mouth healthy and increase the comfort of your orthodontic care.
- Developed cysts – Sometimes cysts develop near the roots of wisdom teeth or on your jawbone. If x-rays show cysts from wisdom teeth, your dentist will recommend removing the teeth instead of interrupting Invisalign treatment later for oral surgery.
- Crowded teeth – An orthodontist or Invisalign dentist may see that your teeth are already crowded, and erupting wisdom teeth may further complicate crowding.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you do not get your wisdom teeth removed before Invisalign treatment, your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist will monitor your treatment to ensure all your teeth are healthy. If any condition threatens your oral health or tooth alignment, your doctor will explain your options.
Also, your dentist and hygienist will monitor your teeth and gum health during your regular cleanings and exams. Whether you keep your wisdom teeth or not, studies show that teeth drift as we age regardless of whether we have wisdom teeth. Wearing a retainer after Invisalign treatment is vital to keeping your teeth aligned.
Dallas, Texas, dentist and Invisalign Platinum Provider Dr. Rekha Reddy sponsors this post.
