Will I Need Braces After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last molars that come in at the back of your mouth. They typically appear between ages 17 and 25, and many people have them removed since they can cause pain, infection, and other dental issues. However, some people wonder whether removing their wisdom teeth will affect their need for braces. Here's what you should know.
Why Do People Get Braces?
Braces are orthodontic treatments that align and straighten teeth and correct bite issues. They are often used to treat crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, as well as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Braces can improve your oral health, speech, chewing, and appearance.
How Are Braces Placed?
Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that work together to apply gentle pressure on teeth and move them into the desired position. The brackets are attached to the front or back of teeth using a special adhesive, and the wires are threaded through them and adjusted regularly to control the force and direction of the movement. The bands are used to anchor the wires to the molars.
Braces can be made of different materials, such as metal, ceramic, or plastic, and can be custom-made to fit your teeth and preferences.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can be done under local or general anesthesia. The dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue, remove any bone that blocks access to the tooth, and extract the tooth using forceps or a surgical drill. The extraction site will be stitched and packed with gauze to control bleeding and promote healing.
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal can take a few days to a week, and may involve swelling, pain, bleeding, and limited diet and activity.
Will Wisdom Teeth Removal Affect The Need For Braces?
Wisdom teeth removal itself does not typically affect the need for braces. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted or cause crowding or misalignment of your other teeth, removing them may improve your bite and make orthodontic treatment easier or unnecessary. On the other hand, if your wisdom teeth do not cause any dental issues, their removal should not affect your need for braces.
It's important to note that every case is different, and the need for braces depends on various factors, such as the severity and type of your dental problems, your age, your oral hygiene, and your overall health.
What To Do If You're Considering Wisdom Teeth Removal And Braces?
If you're planning to have your wisdom teeth removed and are concerned about your need for braces, you should consult with your dentist or orthodontist. They can evaluate your dental situation, discuss your options, and recommend the best course of action for your case.
If you already have braces and need to have your wisdom teeth removed, you should inform your orthodontist and dentist beforehand, as this may affect the timing and progress of your treatment. You may need to wear a retainer or other appliance during and after the extraction to prevent shifting of your teeth.
Conclusion
Removing your wisdom teeth does not necessarily mean that you will need braces, but it may improve your dental health and make orthodontic treatment easier or unnecessary. If you're considering wisdom teeth removal or have braces, talk to your dental care providers to get personalized advice.