Wisdom Teeth ProblemThere are many questions and plenty of controversy surrounding wisdom teeth. What are they? How did they get their name? What purpose do they serve? Will they affect my orthodontic treatment?

Wisdom teeth (AKA-third molars) are usually the last teeth to erupt into the mouth. Wisdom teeth typically erupt during adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but sometimes they have more or less. In fact, 35% of the population never develop wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth use to be called the “teeth of wisdom” in the Seventeenth Century. Wisdom teeth got their name because a person is considered to be “wiser” when they enter adulthood. Wisdom teeth use to have a purpose, but now they just serve as a burden for many. Before the Twentieth Century, adults use to lose their teeth early in life. Wisdom teeth were considered to be a “back-up” tooth, these teeth would fill-in for others that fell-out. Due to recent advancements in dental health care people are retaining their teeth longer so this is no longer an issue.

Wisdom teeth are infamous for causing problems. They are well-known for causing pain and the onset is unpredictable. Poorly aligned wisdom teeth (and teeth in general) are more difficult to clean, can damage adjacent teeth and cause defects to jaw structure that supports the teeth. This damage can compromise the long-term health and stability of the teeth, in turn negatively affecting your bite. For this reason (and many others) it is important to maintain regular check-ups with your dentist and/or with The Brace Place, so that a professional is continually evaluating your bite.

Feel free to ask our office if you have any questions regarding your wisdom teeth and how it may affect your orthodontic treatment…we will be happy to help!