Most people wear braces for at least two years and eagerly look forward to the day they can get rid of them. However, their orthodontic treatment might be at risk if they don’t keep an eye on their mouths, especially concerning their wisdom teeth. For those whose wisdom teeth haven’t come in yet, regular x-rays are recommended. If these teeth aren’t monitored properly, they could come in and crowd the other teeth, undoing all the hard work the braces did.
Some orthodontists prefer to remove wisdom teeth before putting braces on, but this isn’t always possible, especially if the patient is young, and the wisdom teeth aren’t visible yet on an x-ray. In cases where teeth misalignment is causing pain or embarrassment, the dentist might go ahead with the braces anyway.
After braces are removed, it’s crucial to get x-rays to check the position of the wisdom teeth. If they are close to breaking through the gums, most dentists recommend getting them surgically removed. If left to grow, wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, causing issues like overbites and crooked teeth. They can also sometimes grow sideways into the roots of neighboring teeth, causing significant pain and making it difficult to chew or even open the mouth.
Periodic x-rays can help prevent this discomfort and allow dentists to assess whether wisdom teeth might interfere with other teeth. Not managing these teeth can also impact sinus health because the sinuses are closely connected to the roots of upper teeth. Misaligned or infected teeth can lead to sinus pain and infections, making breathing, sleeping, and eating difficult.
While wisdom tooth removal surgery does come with risks, such as compromised tooth structure, sinus problems, and in rare cases, more severe complications, it’s important to weigh these against the potential issues of not having the procedure. Regular x-rays keep patients informed about their dental health and the growth of their wisdom teeth, and many choose removal to prevent future problems.
In summary, after spending years with braces, getting your wisdom teeth checked with x-rays is crucial to ensure all that effort isn’t wasted.