In most cases, you can absolutely get braces with wisdom teeth coming in, and wisdom teeth do not need to be removed before starting orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth typically emerge much further back in the mouth than the teeth braces are working to straighten, so the two processes usually do not interfere with each other. That said, there are situations where your orthodontist may recommend coordinating with a dentist or oral surgeon about your wisdom teeth timing. Here is what to know about wisdom teeth and braces together.
Do Wisdom Teeth Affect Braces
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, typically start emerging between ages 17 and 25, right around the same time many teens and young adults are finishing up braces treatment. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, wisdom teeth orthodontic treatment concerns are overstated. Wisdom teeth erupt at the very back of the mouth, well behind where braces are actively working to align the visible teeth used for biting and smiling.
Older orthodontic theories suggested that wisdom teeth could push other teeth forward and cause crowding after braces, but current research does not strongly support this idea. Most orthodontic relapse after treatment is caused by not wearing retainers as directed, not by wisdom teeth.
Can You Get Braces if Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
Yes. Emerging wisdom teeth are not typically a reason to delay starting orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will evaluate your full mouth, including where your wisdom teeth are positioned, as part of your initial treatment planning. If your wisdom teeth are not causing pain, infection, or crowding of your other teeth, they generally will not interfere with your braces treatment at all.
When Wisdom Teeth Removal Before Braces Makes Sense
While it is not always necessary, there are specific situations where your orthodontist or dentist may recommend addressing wisdom teeth before or during treatment:
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The wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are stuck and unable to erupt normally
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There is visible crowding or pressure being caused by the emerging wisdom teeth
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The wisdom teeth are causing pain, infection, or gum irritation
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Your orthodontist needs the space where a wisdom tooth is positioned for planned tooth movement
In these cases, your orthodontist typically coordinates with a general dentist or oral surgeon to time the wisdom teeth removal appropriately around your braces treatment.
Getting Braces With Wisdom Teeth: What Orthodontists Typically Advise
Most orthodontists take a case-by-case approach rather than following a blanket rule. During your evaluation, your orthodontist will look at X-rays to see how your wisdom teeth are positioned and whether they are likely to cause any issues during treatment. If everything looks normal, treatment with braces proceeds as usual, with wisdom teeth simply monitored along the way.
Coordination Between Your Dentist and Orthodontist
Because wisdom teeth involve both general dental health and orthodontic planning, communication between your dentist and orthodontist matters. If your dentist identifies a concern with your wisdom teeth during a routine visit, they will typically flag it so your orthodontist can factor it into your treatment plan, or refer you to an oral surgeon if extraction becomes necessary.
What Happens if Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out During Treatment
If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends wisdom teeth extraction while you are already in braces, this is generally manageable without disrupting your overall treatment plan. Your orthodontist will typically continue monitoring your progress, and any brief pause for recovery after extraction does not usually affect your final results in a meaningful way.
Talk to Your Orthodontist About Your Specific Case
Because every mouth is different, the best way to know whether your wisdom teeth will affect your braces treatment is a personalized evaluation. At Diamond Braces, our orthodontists assess your wisdom teeth position as part of your overall treatment plan during a free consultation, so you know exactly what to expect before treatment begins.
Final Thoughts
For most patients, wisdom teeth coming in do not interfere with braces treatment, and there is generally no need to remove them before starting orthodontic care. Your orthodontist will evaluate your specific situation and coordinate with a dentist or oral surgeon if removal becomes necessary along the way. If you are unsure how your wisdom teeth might factor into your treatment, a consultation is the clearest way to get answers specific to your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove my wisdom teeth before getting braces?
Not usually. Most patients can begin orthodontic treatment with wisdom teeth still present, unless they are impacted, painful, or causing crowding that affects the treatment plan.
Can wisdom teeth push my other teeth out of alignment after braces?
Current research does not strongly support this idea. Most post-treatment shifting is related to not wearing retainers as directed, rather than wisdom teeth.
What if my wisdom teeth need to come out while I am in braces?
This is generally manageable and does not typically disrupt your overall treatment plan. Your orthodontist can continue monitoring your progress around the extraction and recovery period.
Will my orthodontist check my wisdom teeth during treatment planning?
Yes, your orthodontist reviews X-rays of your full mouth, including wisdom teeth positioning, as part of creating your treatment plan.
At what age do wisdom teeth usually come in?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, though timing varies by individual.
Should I see a dentist or orthodontist first about wisdom teeth concerns?
Either can identify a concern, but coordination between the two is common, since your dentist or an oral surgeon typically handles extraction while your orthodontist manages your braces treatment.
Article written by Diamond Braces Clinical Staff, medically reviewed by Dr. Oleg Drut
