Do 3rd Molars or Wisdom Teeth need to come out after Braces or Invisalign?
Many people wonder whether their third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, need to be removed after undergoing orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign. This is because there is a belief that keeping these teeth could potentially cause relapse or undo the results achieved through the orthodontic treatment.
The decision to remove third molars or wisdom teeth after orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign depends on the individual case. In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause crowding, shifting, or misalignment of the teeth after braces or Invisalign treatment. In such cases, it may be recommended to remove the wisdom teeth to prevent any relapse in the alignment of the teeth.
However, wisdom teeth may not cause any issues in some cases, and there may be no need to remove them after orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will evaluate your specific case and determine whether or not it is necessary to remove the wisdom teeth.
It’s important to note that the decision to remove wisdom teeth should be made in consultation with your orthodontist and oral surgeon. They can evaluate your case and provide personalized recommendations to help you maintain a healthy and properly aligned smile.
Wrapping Up
It is advisable to extract third molars (wisdom teeth), even if they do not result in an orthodontic relapse, as long as the patient wears their retainer. However, certain cases require an exception, such as impacted teeth that cause damage or disease, non-functional teeth, or teeth without an opposing tooth. Infections in third molars can cause unbearable pain and even life-threatening situations. To avoid more complex procedures in the future, it is suggested to remove these teeth before the age of 25. Although the chance of relapse caused by third molars is low, it is still preferable to remove them to avoid being held liable by patients who experience relapse.