So, you’ve decided to get Invisalign for yourself or your child! These revolutionary clear aligners are a virtually invisible way to glow up your smile. It’s natural to have questions about how wisdom teeth could affect your treatment. We often hear from patients who ask us, “can I get Invisalign with wisdom teeth”?
The answer is that it depends on the patient’s needs. Wisdom teeth develop differently in different people. Because of this, some patients will require wisdom teeth removal before their Invisalign treatment, while some may not.
If you want to know whether you should get your wisdom teeth removed before Invisalign, schedule an appointment with us! Learn more about wisdom teeth and Invisalign from the experts at Hess Orthodontics.
When is the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?
The best time to get your wisdom teeth removed will depend on your unique situation. Wisdom teeth development may begin in late teenhood or into your early 20s. However, it is recommended that you get your wisdom teeth out by age 25 because extraction and recovery are more manageable for younger patients.
Some people may benefit from getting their wisdom teeth out before starting Invisalign treatment. Some people may be advised to wait until after their treatment is over. However, if you are waiting until later on to get your wisdom teeth extracted, you should get regular monitoring by your dental care provider. Waiting too long for wisdom teeth extraction may cause your teeth to shift out of position, which may require a second round of orthodontic treatment to fix.
Why do wisdom teeth get removed?
Every patient is different, and not all wisdom teeth develop the same way or in the same amount of time. Some wisdom teeth erupt in a functional position and don’t need to be extracted. Some lucky folks may not even have wisdom teeth!
However, impacted wisdom teeth can create many dental issues. Erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and are at higher risk of tooth decay. They can cause pain, infection, or gum inflammation in the jaw. Wisdom teeth can even increase the risk of cysts or tumors developing in the jawbone.
So, can you get Invisalign with your wisdom teeth?
Whether or not you get your wisdom teeth extracted before Invisalign treatment will depend on your unique situation. While you may be able to get Invisalign without removing your wisdom teeth, it may be better to extract them before your treatment begins. If you wait until after your Invisalign treatment is over to extract your wisdom teeth, you should get regular monitoring from your dentist to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and aligned.
Hess Orthodontics has been crafting beautiful smiles with Invisalign for over 15 years. If you’re in the West Coastal or Cental Florida area and thinking about upgrading your smile, schedule a complimentary consultation today at one of our six convenient offices!