This is a frequent concern we hear from patients: “Do I need my wisdom teeth out to prevent them from crowding my front teeth?” Countless patients see their lower front teeth moving or overlapping in their early twenties or late teens, at the same time wisdom teeth (third molars) tend to erupt.
Is this connection valid? We asked Dr. Aristo Carranza, a premier dental expert in Westfield, NJ, to weigh in on the evidence.
The Myth: Wisdom Teeth as the “Bully”
The traditional belief is that as wisdom teeth erupt, they push all the other teeth forward, like a domino effect, resulting in crowded or crooked front (anterior) teeth. This theory seems logical, which is why it’s so persistent.
But, extensive clinical studies have questioned this belief.
What the Scientific Evidence Shows
Modern dentistry suggests the link between wisdom teeth and anterior crowding is weak, if it exists at all. Studies comparing patients who had their wisdom teeth removed versus those who did not remove them often show no significant difference in the development of anterior crowding.
If wisdom teeth are not to blame, what is?
-
Late Mandibular Growth: The mandible can keep growing or change shape subtly into early adulthood, affecting how the teeth fit together.
-
“Mesial Drift”: This is the inherent tendency for teeth to move slowly toward the front of the mouth.
-
Periodontal Health: The health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth plays a crucial role in their stability.
-
Not Wearing Your Retainer: For those who had braces, crowding is frequently the result of orthodontic relapse (not wearing a retainer) instead of pressure from wisdom teeth.
Valid Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
While wisdom teeth are unlikely to be the primary cause for your front teeth shifting, there are many valid medical reasons to have them evaluated and potentially extracted by a qualified dentist like Dr. Carranza.
We recommend removal if the wisdom teeth are:
-
Impacted: Stuck in the jaw and unable to erupt properly, which can damage adjacent teeth.
-
Leading to Infection: Leading to pain, swelling, or oral cysts (pericoronitis).
-
Hard to Maintain: Their position at the back of the mouth makes them challenging to clean, resulting in decay.
-
Harming Adjacent Teeth: Pressing on the roots of the second molars.
Your Comprehensive Smile Evaluation in Westfield, NJ
The main takeaway is: Avoid blaming your third molars for crowding without an expert evaluation.
If you are near Westfield, NJ and are worried about shifting teeth, crowding, or the health of your wisdom teeth, Dr. Carranza can offer a comprehensive assessment. He will analyze the true cause of your crowding and review options for smile enhancement—such as Invisalign or porcelain veneers—to achieve your straight, beautiful smile.
Schedule Your Visit:
Give your smile the attention it deserves. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Aristo Carranza today. Call (908) 444-3200 or stop by our clinic at 301 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090.
