Key Points
- It is often possible to get Invisalign aligners while you still have your wisdom teeth, but x-rays and an evaluation are needed first.
- Wisdom teeth that erupt during treatment could interrupt and delay the process and lead to increased risk of infection.
- The benefits of removing your wisdom teeth before Invisalign treatment include more precise alignment, reduced aligner discomfort, more space for teeth to move, and better smile results.
Getting Invisalign With Wisdom Teeth: Is It Possible?
Getting Invisalign with wisdom teeth is possible, but this is a case-by-case decision that will depend on the patient’s age, how the wisdom teeth are positioned, and more. For most patients, wisdom teeth that haven’t been extracted should not interfere with Invisalign treatment.
Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but it’s possible they could erupt even later.[1] Your orthodontist will perform an x-ray to determine the position and health of wisdom teeth and whether proceeding with Insivalign while they’re still intact is the best option for your smile. If wisdom teeth happen to erupt while aligners are in place, the aligner can be trimmed and refit to match your teeth once again.
Benefits of Invisalign with Wisdom Teeth Removal
More Precise Straightening
Creating the perfect beautiful smile is all about precision. With wisdom teeth out of the way, your orthodontist has more room to work on your smile. There’s also no risk of them erupting mid-treatment, leading to interruptions for wisdom tooth extraction or in order to fit new aligners—Both of which could lead to a longer treatment timeline.
Reduced Aligner Discomfort
Impacted wisdom teeth are still under the gums, trapped in the jawbone, and haven’t yet broken through the surface.[2] If this begins to change, you could experience more discomfort and tenderness or sensitivity due to aligner placement.
More Space For Movement
The fewer teeth crowding the back of your mouth, the more space you will have for your teeth to spread out and ensure they can get properly aligned. This is especially helpful when you’re already dealing with significant crowding. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause pain and damage the teeth around them or lead to other dental problems.[3]
Better Smile Results
Ultimately, with your wisdom teeth removed, you will have fewer obstacles between you and the smile that changes your outlook on life. The perfect smile can be designed with or without perfect circumstances but starting with the best possible canvas is always a good idea.
Reasons To Remove Wisdom Teeth Before Invisalign
There are a few reasons why you may wish to remove wisdom teeth before Invisalign:
- Impacted teeth could cause additional pain and crowding
- If they erupt during treatment, this could disrupt the alignment process
- Aligners may not fit as well
- Wisdom teeth could move other teeth out of alignment
- If you have to get wisdom teeth removed, it may result in a longer healing time
- Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of your mouth, and are hard to clean
- Erupting wisdom teeth could damage other teeth
- You may experience additional discomfort
- There could be an increased risk of infection and gum inflammation[4]
Can wisdom teeth interfere with Invisalign treatment if you still have them?
In most cases, wisdom teeth are unlikely to interfere with Invisalign orthodontic treatment. However, if they do, dental surgery may be required, interrupting the process and delaying the finished product. The best first step is to complete an evaluation and x-rays before treatment.
How Can Wisdom Teeth Affect Orthodontic Treatment with metal braces?
Similar to treatment with Invisalign aligners, if you still have your wisdom teeth but are impacted (meaning below the gum surface), this may not cause any issues. The challenges with traditional braces would be similar to challenges with clear aligners and would most likely only appear if they erupt (break through your gums.)
Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed if they can’t grow normally, which can lead to infection and root damage or tooth decay.[5] They could also be problematic if they only partially break through the surface of the gums or come through at an awkward angle, which could increase crowding and misalignment. It’s also possible for wisdom teeth to create sacs in the jawbone which fill with fluid and form cysts.[6] Cysts can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves, causing pain.
Get The Best Results With Invisalign!
If you still have your wisdom teeth and want to find out if Invisalign is an option for you, we want to help you design your perfect smile! Reach out today to get started.
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