Invisalign® is becoming more and more popular as a choice for straightening teeth. Utilizing custom-made aligners for each patient is an excellent option for orthodontic treatment and can help avoid many problems often associated with traditional braces. But there is one question many people have: can you get Invisalign® if you have wisdom teeth?
If your wisdom teeth are fully developed and settled in place, you can get Invisalign®. If they’ve been removed, this is also okay. However, if your wisdom teeth are still coming in or their position is shifting, they can change the outcome of the Invisalign® treatment.
It’s important to consult with your dentist before getting Invisalign®. They’ll be able to determine whether or not your wisdom teeth may affect the outcome of the treatment and help look out for your oral health.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to other traditional teeth-straightening methods. Rather than using metal pieces or bars, Invisalign® uses custom-designed clear plastic aligners to slowly pressure your teeth into place. These aligners can be undetectable and are usually discomfort-free.
The aligners are removable, and you change them as your teeth adjust. They’re removed when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth, so they don’t complicate your daily routine.
To get Invisalign®, you can visit your dentist for a consultation, and they’ll assess whether it’s an appropriate treatment method for your teeth. They’ll take a digital scan or impression of your teeth and design a plan to adjust them to the desired position. You’ll then receive a series of plastic aligners, each lasting approximately two weeks, that will apply pressure to your teeth to shift them into place.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third or extra molars, are the last set of teeth at the back of your mouth and the last teeth you develop. They usually emerge between 16 and 25, though this varies per person. While some people have room for these teeth to grow in and stay, many do not. If there’s no room, they can pressure your other teeth and cause pain or discomfort. In this situation, the teeth are removed by a dental professional.
These teeth can cause a variety of problems, like:
- Overcrowding in the mouth
- Pain or inflammation
- Misalignment of the teeth
- Infection in the gums or gum disease
How Wisdom Teeth Affect Invisalign®
If you have wisdom teeth, they may affect the outcome of your Invisalign® treatment. It’s extremely important to consult your dentist about whether Invisalign® can work for your teeth. If they deem your existing wisdom teeth won’t affect the treatment, then you should be okay to go ahead.
However, if the teeth are still emerging, they can push against other teeth and the aligners, changing the treatment outcome. And if a dentist determines that you need to have the teeth removed, it can disrupt the process entirely. It could lead to inflammation or infection during the healing process. If your mouth is already healing from wisdom teeth removal, a dentist may recommend avoiding utilizing Invisalign® until there’s a lowered risk of infection or damage.
If you get your wisdom teeth removed before starting the Invisalign® treatment, it may help the treatment go smoothly. By creating extra room in your mouth and avoiding the possibility of developing an infection, removing wisdom teeth is often recommended.
How to Get Invisalign®
If you’re considering getting Invisalign® but still have wisdom teeth, it’s best to start by visiting your dentist for a regular checkup. They’ll be able to examine your teeth and determine whether or not getting Invisalign® is an appropriate treatment choice for you. They can also advise whether or not you should have the wisdom teeth removed before starting the treatment.
If you decide to remove your wisdom teeth, it’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations. You need to take the time to heal before starting any new treatment. Getting Invisalign® with wisdom teeth is possible, but this is determined by your specific situation.It’s important to visit a dentist before starting any new treatment plan to discuss if it’s the right choice for you. Schedule an appointment with us here at Fairlawn Dental Centre today to see if getting Invisalign® with wisdom teeth is the right decision.
