According to Invisalign, over 14 million people, including 4 million teenagers, have transformed their smiles with clear aligners. However, if your wisdom teeth haven’t come in yet, you may be wondering if it’s possible for you to undergo Invisalign treatment. The answer? It depends. Read on to learn more.
Invisalign and Teenagers
If you’re in your early to mid-teens, typically between ages 13 and 16, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign treatment, because the odds of your wisdom teeth coming in early are slim. However, as you get older, your wisdom teeth are more likely to erupt. This is a problem because your wisdom teeth can start to shift your other teeth in the wrong direction, which could negatively impact your Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign and Adults
Now we’re getting into the gray area of Invisalign treatment, especially when it comes to wisdom teeth. If you’re age 18 or older and you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed, there’s a chance that they may erupt and cause alignment issues for your other teeth. In this case, your orthodontist may recommend waiting to have them removed before undergoing Invisalign treatment. It’s true, though, that some people may not need to have their wisdom teeth removed at all. Talk to your orthodontist for more information if this is the case with your wisdom teeth.
Invisalign Eligibility
There are some situations where patients aren’t eligible for Invisalign. Moderate to severe crooked teeth, wide gaps, or gum disease may prevent you from undergoing Invisalign treatment. Gum disease especially needs to be addressed before undergoing any orthodontic treatment.
Given how many teenagers wear Invisalign, the worries about wisdom teeth may not seem important, but it’s essential for your orthodontist to determine that there won’t be any issues when straightening your teeth. It wouldn’t be fair to you to have to stop your treatment because of an erupting tooth.
If you’re interested in undergoing Invisalign treatment, or you’re looking to schedule an orthodontic treatment consultation, Mint Hill Ortho is here for you. Contact us today to get started!
