Can You Get Invisalign With Wisdom Teeth?

If you’re considering Invisalign but still have your wisdom teeth, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to proceed with the treatment. The good news is that, in many cases, you can get Invisalign® clear aligners with wisdom teeth. While wisdom teeth can sometimes complicate dental work, they don’t necessarily rule out Invisalign. Here’s what you need to know about how wisdom teeth could impact your orthodontic journey and whether they need to be removed before starting Invisalign.

How Wisdom Teeth Impact Invisalign Treatment?

Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and not everyone needs them removed. If your wisdom teeth are causing issues such as crowding or misalignment, it could affect your Invisalign results. Here are a few factors to consider:

• No Impact on Treatment:

  In many cases, wisdom teeth may fully erupt or position themselves in a way that doesn’t interfere with the alignment process.
• Monitoring During Treatment: Your dentist or orthodontist will monitor your wisdom teeth during Invisalign treatment. If they start to cause problems, they might suggest removing them later.
• Wisdom Teeth Removal Before Invisalign: Sometimes, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they are causing overcrowding. This can create more space for effective Invisalign treatment.

However, if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing any problems, it’s possible to move forward and get Invisalign with wisdom teeth without needing extractions.

Should You Remove Wisdom Teeth Before Invisalign?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Whether or not to remove wisdom teeth before Invisalign depends on several individual factors:

Existing Wisdom Teeth Issues

If you’re already dealing with pain or crowding from your wisdom teeth, it’s a good idea to talk to your orthodontist about removing them before starting Invisalign. In this case, removal might help create more space for your teeth to shift into their desired positions.

Future Wisdom Teeth Concerns

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems now, your orthodontist may want to discuss potential issues in the future. Some dentists prefer to remove wisdom teeth as a precaution, especially if they believe these teeth could disrupt the progress of Invisalign treatment later on.

Erupted Wisdom Teeth

If your wisdom teeth have already fully erupted and aren’t causing any problems, they may not need to be removed at all. In this scenario, your Invisalign treatment can proceed smoothly while your dentist keeps an eye on your wisdom teeth for any changes.

Invisalign Treatment with Wisdom Teeth Present

If your orthodontist confirms that your wisdom teeth don’t need to be removed, here’s what you can expect during Invisalign treatment:

• Customized Aligners: Your Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit your teeth using 3D printing technology, even with your wisdom teeth in place.
• Frequent Check-ups: Your orthodontist will monitor both your progress and your wisdom teeth throughout the treatment. If any issues arise, adjustments can be made.
• Possible Extractions Later On: In some cases, your orthodontist might recommend removing your wisdom teeth midway through treatment if they start to cause issues. This won’t stop the Invisalign process but might require a brief pause for healing.

So, you can absolutely get Invisalign with wisdom teeth, but regular monitoring is essential to ensure a smooth process.

Invisalign and Overcrowding

One of the main concerns with wisdom teeth and Invisalign is overcrowding. Invisalign aligners work by gradually moving your teeth into better alignment. However, wisdom teeth can sometimes create excess pressure or cause teeth to crowd together.

• Before Treatment: If overcrowding is already an issue, removing wisdom teeth before Invisalign could create more space for effective alignment.
• During Treatment: If overcrowding develops as wisdom teeth come in, it may be necessary to remove them during your Invisalign treatment. Your orthodontist can discuss this option with you based on how your teeth are shifting.

For residents of Frisco, finding a reputable dentist who offers Invisalign in Frisco is the first step in determining if wisdom teeth removal is necessary before starting Invisalign.

Will Wisdom Teeth Continue to Grow During Invisalign?

Yes, wisdom teeth can continue to develop during your Invisalign treatment. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but your orthodontist will monitor them closely to ensure they aren’t disrupting the movement of your other teeth. Regular check-ups are key to catching any potential issues early.

• Growing Pains: If your wisdom teeth are growing while you have Invisalign, you might experience some discomfort. This is normal and can be managed with pain relievers or, in rare cases, extraction.
• Regular Monitoring: As long as your dentist regularly monitors your wisdom teeth, you shouldn’t face major concerns during Invisalign treatment.

Wisdom Teeth and Invisalign

It’s entirely possible to get Invisalign® clear aligners with wisdom teeth. Whether or not you need to remove them depends on factors such as overcrowding, future potential problems, and your specific dental health. With regular check-ups and a clear treatment plan, Invisalign can still be highly effective even with wisdom teeth present.