Tag: wisdom teeth

Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Dental Crowding?

February 28, 2024

Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Dental Crowding?

If you were one of the 75% of kids who needed braces to straighten their teeth, you know how nice it is to put these treatments in your rearview mirror.

Unfortunately, some adults find their crooked teeth aren’t quite as far away as they thought. This can be due to multiple different things, like not wearing your retainer. Others may say crooked, overcrowded teeth are linked to your back molars coming in.

If this sounds familiar, you likely have plenty of questions. Are wisdom teeth molars, and can they cause overcrowding? When should you start worrying and asking a dentist about removing them?

We’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions we get about molars and teeth crowding, with straightening solutions.

What Are Molars?

Let’s start with the basics: which teeth are molars, and what makes molars different from the rest of your teeth?

Your molars sit in the back of your mouth. Compared to your other teeth, they look a little larger at a glance than slimmer teeth like the front canines. Most adults will have three molar teeth in each quadrant of their mouth for a total of 12 molars.

Unlike your other teeth, molars aren’t meant for tearing or ripping food. Instead, they help you crush and grind food into smaller pieces. The bulk of your chewing happens with your molars!

Are Wisdom Teeth Molars?

Yes, wisdom teeth are sometimes called “third molars.” They come in, or “erupt,” as we grow older. While our other molars fit well in our mouths, our wisdom teeth don’t always have enough space. This is because wisdom teeth are vestigial teeth left behind by human evolution.

In the past, the human mouth was large enough to fit these teeth, which helped us chew dense roots and tough meats. As our diets became easier to chew, our ancestors’ jaws shrank in size, leaving our wisdom teeth to squeeze into a smaller amount of space!

When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

Your first molars come in around age six, your second molars come in around age 12, and your third molars-or wisdom teeth-come in between the ages of 17 and 21. This is why they got the nickname “wisdom teeth”: they develop as we emerge into adulthood.

However, keep in mind that not everyone gets wisdom teeth. Some of us are lucky enough to be missing one or more of these vestigial teeth! According to experts, up to 37% of people worldwide are missing at least one wisdom tooth.

Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Crowding?

As we’ve mentioned, the modern human mouth isn’t always big enough to fit our wisdom teeth. As these teeth grow in, they can sometimes squeeze their way past neighboring teeth as they surface from the gums.

However, when it comes down to wisdom teeth as a cause for teeth crowding, recent studies suggest that there is little to no correlation. The studies found in most cases, the emergence of your wisdom teeth will not exert enough pressure to cause significant crowding of the anterior teeth.

In other cases, your wisdom teeth may lack space and fail to push through your gums properly. This leads to “impacted” wisdom teeth, or teeth that are stuck in part or in full below the gums.

Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful. In this instance, extraction may be recommended. Our orthodontists can refer you to an oral surgeon for this procedure.

How Do I Fix Teeth Crowding?

While studies have debunked the myth around wisdom teeth as a cause for teeth crowding, it can still be frustrating – especially as an adult. If you’ve already undergone orthodontic treatment as a teenager, you may not want to spring for traditional braces again.

Fortunately, there are many ways to fix teeth crowding. In some cases, you may only need a retainer to preserve your smile. Otherwise, convenient and invisible solution like Invisalign is perfect for patients with minimal to moderate crowding. Traditional and ceramic braces may be ideal when more complex treatment is necessary.

Our orthodontists can assist you in selecting the most suitable treatment for your crowded teeth. They will consider your individual needs and the complexity of your situation.

Straighten Crowding The Easy Way

Now that you’ve stopped wondering, “Are wisdom teeth molars, and can they cause crooked teeth?” we hope you have a little more peace of mind. Wisdom teeth can become problematic, but modern solutions make it easy to keep them from causing too many complications with your smile. Even better, orthodontic treatments can help address whatever issues your third molars cause.

When you’re ready for effective treatment and a lasting, healthy smile, we hope you’ll trust the team at SouthShore Orthodontics. Our board-certified specialists offer comprehensive treatment plans and compassionate, friendly care. To schedule a free consultation contact us today!

Importance of Wearing Retainer After Braces

February 8, 2024

Have you ever wondered why some smiles stay perfectly straight years after braces, while others gradually lose their alignment? The secret lies in a small, yet mighty dental hero: the retainer.

After months, or even years, of wearing braces, it’s the retainer that holds the power to maintain that hard-earned smile. But its importance often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the more visible journey of braces.

In this article, we’ll uncover the crucial role of a retainer in preserving the beauty and health of your smile. Retainers are important after braces to keep teeth in place and maintain oral health.

Preventing Teeth Shifting

After braces, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. This is where a teeth retainer becomes crucial.

Orthodontists use retainers to keep teeth in place after taking off braces. At SouthShore, we make retainers using wires or clear plastic. They help keep teeth in place after braces and make sure orthodontic treatment is successful in the long term.

The importance of retainers after braces cannot be overstated. After removing braces, the gums and bones around the teeth continue to settle into their new positions. During this period, without the support of a retainer, teeth can easily shift.

This risk is especially high in the first few months post-braces but can continue for years. Hence, consistent use of a retainer is vital to maintain the alignment achieved through braces.

Studies show that not wearing a retainer for three months can cause teeth to move, reversing previous orthodontic treatment. This highlights the necessity of a retainer in keeping the teeth stable and preserving the alignment.

Ensuring Permanent Results

Retainers are integral to ensuring the permanent results of orthodontic treatment. Many people wonder how long they should wear a retainer after braces. The answer depends on each person’s situation.

Generally, orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time for at least several months post-braces, followed by nighttime wear preferably for the rest of your life. This long-term commitment to retainer use is vital for maintaining the results achieved through orthodontic treatment.

In addition to maintaining straight teeth, retainers also help in adjusting the bite and settling the teeth in their new positions. Over time, this helps in solidifying the changes made during the orthodontic treatment.

Follow orthodontists’ guidelines for wearing retainers to maintain stable and long-lasting orthodontic results.

Avoiding the Risk of Relapse

The risk of orthodontic relapse is a genuine concern in post-braces care which emphasizes the need for retainers. Once the orthodontist removes the braces, the teeth, now in a new position, face the risk of moving back toward their original alignment.

This tendency for teeth to shift back is not just a short-term issue. It can occur years after orthodontic treatment has concluded.

One of the key factors influencing relapse is the natural aging process. As we age, our teeth tend to move forward and inward, a phenomenon further accelerated by the growth of wisdom teeth in some individuals.

This movement can compromise the alignment achieved through braces. Wisdom teeth can push on other teeth, changing their position and affecting how you bite.

Consistent retainer use is crucial to avoid these risks. Retainers serve as a barrier against the forces that push teeth out of alignment.

By wearing a retainer as recommended by your orthodontist, patients can significantly reduce the likelihood of their teeth reverting to their pre-braces state. This commitment to retainer use is a critical aspect of long-term orthodontic success.

Benefits for Oral Hygiene

Beyond maintaining alignment, retainers offer significant benefits for overall oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean, causing plaque and bacteria buildup, leading to oral health problems.

By keeping teeth in their correct position, retainers help maintain a healthier oral environment.

Retainers, especially the removable types of retainers, also encourage better oral hygiene habits. Cleaning your retainer often helps people remember to take good care of their teeth and gums.

This routine includes taking care of the retainer and regularly brushing and flossing to keep the mouth healthy.

Moreover, retainers play a subtle yet significant role in speech and eating. Properly aligned teeth contribute to clearer speech and more efficient chewing, aspects that are often overlooked but are vital to our daily lives

Customized Retainer Options

The type of retainer used is important for keeping teeth in the right position after braces. Orthodontists often offer a variety of retainers, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. The choice of retainer is crucial, as it directly impacts the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment.

There are two main types of retainers. The Hawley retainer, made of metal and acrylic, is one option. The other type is the virtually invisible, clear plastic retainer, similar to Invisalign aligners.

The Hawley retainer is durable and adjustable. It allows orthodontists to fine-tune the tooth position if minor movements are necessary. On the other hand, clear plastic retainers are less noticeable and preferred for their aesthetic appeal.

Another option is the fixed retainer, a thin wire permanently attached to the back of the teeth. This type is ideal for individuals who might forget or prefer not to remove their retainer. While providing constant support, it does require diligent hygiene practices.

Our expert orthodontics can help patients choose the right retainer based on their needs, including lifestyle, dental history, and orthodontic treatment details.

Keep Smiling with Confidence

We’ve explored how a retainer is more than just a follow-up to braces. It’s a lifelong commitment to your smile.

At SouthShore Orthodontics, we understand this commitment. We don’t just straighten teeth. We offer a pathway to lasting oral health and confidence.

The vigilant use of a retainer sustains your journey to a perfect smile beyond braces. Let’s keep that beautiful smile of yours shining for years to come. Contact us for personalized care and guidance on retainers after braces. We can help answer any questions you have.