Should You Remove Wisdom Teeth During Braces Treatment?

By Author: Charlie Wellish
Total Articles: 59
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Orthodontic treatment already asks a lot of your mouth. Add erupting third molars to the mix and timing matters. Removing wisdom teeth during braces can be the right call in some cases, yet unnecessary in others. The decision rests on anatomy, age, and your orthodontic plan rather than a one size fits all rule.

What your orthodontist weighs up

Specialists start with a clinical exam and 3D imaging or X-rays. They assess whether the lower jaw has space, the angulation of each third molar, and how roots are developing. If a wisdom tooth lies horizontally or presses on the second molar, extraction during treatment may prevent damage. Recurrent gum infection around a partly erupted tooth, cysts, or decay that cannot be restored also tip the balance towards removal.

Crowding alone is less convincing. Research shows late lower incisor crowding has many causes, and third molars are just one piece of a larger puzzle. Your orthodontist will look at arch length, periodontal health, and retainer plans before recommending surgery.

Best timing relative to braces

There are three common pathways:

1. ...
... Before braces: If imaging shows obvious impaction or pathology, removing third molars first can simplify tooth movement and reduce inflammation during treatment.

2. During braces: When brackets are already on and problems arise, coordinated care works well. The orthodontist may place a passive wire to stabilise teeth, then your oral surgeon removes the tooth or teeth. Most people resume normal adjustments within one to two weeks, once swelling settles.

3. After braces: If third molars sit deep, symptom free, and unlikely to erupt for years, your team may finish alignment first and review later. Long term retainers protect alignment regardless of third molar status.

Coordinating care and costs

Treatment planning should cover timing, imaging, and retainer strategy. If you're comparing fees, ask what's included—consultation, scans, sedation, and reviews. Some clinics advertise affordable widom teeth removal Australia packages; value still turns on safety standards and surgical experience.

Will wisdom teeth derail braces?

Evidence suggests third molars are not the sole driver of late incisor crowding. What protects your result is consistent retainer wear. Extraction during braces makes sense when a wisdom tooth threatens the second molar, flares up repeatedly, or blocks planned tooth movement. Quiet, deeply positioned teeth can often be observed with regular checks.

Budgeting in Australia

Fees vary with tooth depth, the number of teeth removed, and anaesthesia choices. Reading about wisdom teeth removal cost Australia gives a starting range, yet individual anatomy determines chair time and complexity. Private health cover may offset part of the expense, so check annual limits and waiting periods.

A clear path forward

Not everyone in braces needs their wisdom teeth out, and not everyone should wait. The sound approach is a shared plan: current imaging, defined goals, and an honest discussion about comfort, downtime, and finances. If you're price-sensitive, comparisons for cheap wisdom teeth removal Australia can help, but weigh accreditation, emergency backup, and follow-up care. With timing aligned to your bite and your scans, you can finish orthodontic treatment with stable results and fewer surprises.