Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Before Braces?

So many of us get our wisdom teeth removed, and for good reason. These pesky extra teeth can cause pain, infection, and even shifting and overcrowding in your mouth. But when is the best time to get them removed? And how do braces factor into the equation?

Why Worry?

Many parents worry about giving their child braces before their wisdom teeth have grown in. It’s an understandable concern–wisdom teeth can be known to cause some shifting in the smile, and parents fear they’ll wreak havoc on the beautiful result of a lot of costly orthodontic work.

Timing Removal

There are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about waiting to get your child braces until after the wisdom teeth have been removed.

• Wisdom teeth don’t usually grow in until the age of 17 to 25 years old. Most kids, and especially those who require a lot of work, will not want to wait to address their crooked teeth or misaligned jaw, for example, until their early adult years.
• If you keep an eye on their growth, wisdom teeth can usually be extracted early, before they have a chance to descend and cause crowding and shifting in the smile.
• If needed, wisdom teeth can be removed while braces are on. Wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted. If you jump the gun and get them extracted at an early age, you may be putting your child through surgery he or she never needed in the first place.

Talk to Your Dentist

Ultimately, it’s up to you, your child, and your dentist to figure out what the best solution is for your child’s unique situation. Here at Dental Solutions of Avon, we’re happy to advise through this very important decision. Contact us to make an appointment to come in, and we’ll help you make a plan.