The effect of wisdom teeth on the alignment of bottom teeth is a topic of debate between dentists. During the 1980's, the wisdom teeth were often blamed for tooth movement after the braces were removed. In 1990, Drs. Amin Ades, Donald Joondeph, Robert Little and Mr. Michael Chapko published a research article (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 1990;97:323-35) called A long-term study of the relationship of third molars to changes in the mandibular dental arch. This article studied people who had been out of retainers for an average time of 13 years and concluded that the recommendation for mandibular (bottom) third molar removal with the objective of alleviating or preventing mandibular incisor irregularity (bottom front teeth crowding) may not be justified. As a result, many orthodontists are more conservative in requesting the removal of wisdom teeth to prevent crowding.

Now in most cases, removal of wisdom teeth is done for general dental health reasons rather than for orthodontic health. Recurring infections in the wisdom tooth area, inadequate space on the jaw bone for the wisdom tooth itself, wisdom teeth that are impacted or stuck under the bone, prevention of future cavities and gum disease around wisdom teeth are valid reasons for removal. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, give serious consideration to having them removed while you are young. In 2003, White and Shugars published an article (J. Oral Maxillofacial Surgery 2003;61:1436-1448) called Risk factors associated with prolonged recovery and delayed healing after third molar surgery. This article found that patients older than 24 years experienced a recovery time that was 3-4 times longer than patients who were less than 18 years old at the time of wisdom tooth removal. They also found that female patients took longer to recover than males. In 2010, Phillips, Proffit and White published an article (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2010;138:700-1) reconfirmed that "patients older than 21 and those that are female" will have have prolonged recovery compared to those who are younger and male.

You may schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. William Trepp in his Severna Park, MD office by calling 410.696.4624 or in his Clinton, MD office by calling  301.868.6200. Written inquiries should be mailed to: 69 Robinson RD, Severna Park, MD 21146, USA or 8918 Woodyard RD, Clinton, MD 20735, USA