Are braces placed on wisdom teeth?

A common misconception among patients is that it is mandatory to remove wisdom teeth before braces are placed. In fact, tooth extraction is often indicated before orthodontic treatment, but not in 100% of cases.

When are wisdom teeth removed before braces?

• If the wisdom teeth have not erupted. Due to the small size of the jaw, the eighth teeth have nowhere to erupt, and often the eights occupy the wrong position in the jaw, they can gradually destroy neighboring teeth.
• If wisdom teeth have erupted, but there is no place to move other teeth. Often erupted eights are the cause of crowding of teeth. In this case, they are removed to make room for efficient movement.

In what cases are wisdom teeth not extracted?

• If the wisdom teeth have erupted, they stand correctly and there is enough space in the dentition for other teeth to move.
• If the figure eight is used to close the gaps from the extracted tooth. But such movements are not always rational, and then doctors recommend implantation of a missing tooth.

If the wisdom teeth are retained, they are also involved in orthodontic treatment — braces are placed on them and moved according to the treatment plan.

Do not make a decision about tooth extraction on your own before a consultation and diagnosis with an orthodontist! In order to understand whether or not an extraction of your eighth teeth is indicated for you, you need a diagnostic study. During the diagnostic study, the doctor analyzes your picture (the position of the eighth teeth), calculates the space to be moved, and makes a decision about the need for extraction.

How long after the removal of wisdom teeth can braces be put on?

On average, rehabilitation from the removal of eights takes 1-2 weeks. Individually and depending on the complexity of removal (for example, lower retinated eights), it may take up to 3 weeks.

The eighth teeth are not always removed before braces, sometimes it is permissible to do so during orthodontic treatment.