Wisdom teeth are one of the most talked about topics in dentistry, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Many patients have heard that wisdom teeth can cause the front teeth to become crowded or crooked but that may not be true.
At Emily Funk Orthodontics, we frequently answer questions about wisdom teeth and how they relate to orthodontic treatment. In this blog, we’ll explain what wisdom teeth are, whether they actually cause crowding, and what you should know if you or your child is approaching the age when they begin to develop.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars located at the very back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, although some people have fewer or never develop them at all.
They typically begin developing during the teenage years and may erupt sometime during the late teens or early twenties. However, wisdom teeth don’t always erupt normally.
Common Wisdom Tooth Problems Include:
- Impaction: The tooth becomes trapped beneath the gum or bone.
- Insufficient space: There may not be enough room for the tooth to erupt properly.
- Abnormal angulation: The tooth may grow at an angle and push against another tooth.
- Partial eruption: Part of the tooth comes through the gum while the rest remains covered.
- Infection or inflammation: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be difficult to keep clean.
Because wisdom teeth develop relatively late, their position and development are something your dentist and orthodontist may monitor over time.
Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Crowding?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from patients.
The short answer is: wisdom teeth are not generally considered the primary cause of crowding of the lower front teeth.
Teeth can naturally shift throughout life for many reasons, including changes in the surrounding bone and gum tissues, normal aging, and changes in the way the teeth contact one another. Lower front teeth can become more crowded over time even in people who never develop wisdom teeth.
This is one reason retainer wear is so important after orthodontic treatment. Retainers help maintain the alignment achieved during treatment as your teeth naturally change over time.
Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not necessarily.
Wisdom tooth removal is not automatically required simply because someone has had orthodontic treatment. Whether wisdom teeth should be removed depends on factors such as their position, development, available space, and potential impact on surrounding teeth and tissues.
Your dentist or oral surgeon can evaluate the wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is appropriate.
Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Addressed If They:
- Are impacted or unable to erupt properly
- Are causing pain or recurrent inflammation
- Are difficult to keep clean
- Are damaging an adjacent tooth
- Have associated infection or other pathology
- Are positioned in a way that creates a significant dental concern
Your orthodontist can monitor their development as part of your overall orthodontic care and coordinate with your general dentist or oral surgeon when necessary.
What Happens to Wisdom Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment?
For some patients, wisdom teeth are still developing while orthodontic treatment is underway. In these cases, Dr. Funk will consider their development and position when creating your treatment plan.
X-rays allow us to see teeth that haven’t erupted yet and evaluate their position within the jaws.
Depending on the individual patient, wisdom teeth may simply be monitored, while in other situations, your orthodontist may recommend that you discuss removal with your dentist or oral surgeon.
The important thing to remember is that every patient is different. There isn’t a single rule that applies to everyone with wisdom teeth.
How Can You Keep Your Teeth Straight After Orthodontic Treatment?
Regardless of what happens with your wisdom teeth, the most important thing you can do to protect your orthodontic results is to wear your retainers as instructed.
Teeth naturally move throughout life, which is why we recommend nightly retainer wear for life.
Consistent retainer wear helps:
- ✅ Maintain your new tooth positions
- ✅ Reduce unwanted shifting and crowding
- ✅ Protect the investment you’ve made in your smile
- ✅ Keep your bite stable over time
Your retainers are the key to maintaining your orthodontic results long term.
Why Choose Emily Funk Orthodontics?
At Emily Funk Orthodontics, we look at the entire smile when developing an orthodontic treatment plan. That includes considering developing teeth, jaw growth, bite relationships, and long-term stability.
- 👩⚕️ Personalized treatment planning by Dr. Emily Funk
- 🦷 Comprehensive orthodontic evaluations for children, teens, and adults
- 💬 Clear communication about your treatment options and recommendations
- ⭐ Long-term focus on creating healthy, stable, beautiful smiles
If you have questions about your child’s wisdom teeth, or are concerned about changes in your own smile, we’re happy to evaluate your individual situation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Wondering whether you or your child needs orthodontic treatment? Or have questions about how developing wisdom teeth may affect your smile?
Your first consultation at Emily Funk Orthodontics is always free. We’ll take the necessary diagnostic images, evaluate your teeth and bite, and discuss whether orthodontic treatment is recommended.
👉 Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile.