Q: What is the correlation between wearing dental braces and wisdom teeth extraction? I read that the extraction should be done after the braces are removed. However, I have a friend who did that and her teeth are now in a mess. Also, how many wisdom teeth should be extracted at a time?

A: Wisdom teeth are typically removed between the ages of 17 and 25, whereas treatment for braces can start between the ages of 10 and 12. In younger patients, braces are usually done first as their wisdom teeth are still under-developed and are hard to determine if they will erupt into good functional positions in the jaw.

In adult patients, the orthodontist may advise the removal of wisdom teeth first if they are impacted and have little chance of coming into alignment, even after the wearing of braces. Impacted wisdom teeth increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

There is little evidence to support the idea that wisdom teeth cause teeth to become crooked again after braces treatment. The main reason is the failure to wear retainers after braces have been removed. It is common for the lower front teeth to continue to crowd into adulthood and this happens whether or not the patient had braces or had wisdom teeth removed.

Up to all four wisdom teeth can be removed at a time, depending on the patient's preference, the difficulty of removal and the type of anaesthesia chosen. An oral surgeon will be able to determine how many wisdom teeth should be removed at a time.

Dr Janee Lim

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.