Can You Get Wisdom Teeth Removed With Braces?
If your teen is in the middle of orthodontic treatment and suddenly needs their wisdom teeth removed, don’t panic. It is not only possible, but also perfectly normal to remove the wisdom teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Many parents are surprised to hear that their child may need oral surgery while still in braces, but it’s more common than you might think. Many teens get braces before their wisdom teeth have developed, which means that they may not appear (or appear to be a problem) right away. Once they do, your orthodontist may recommend removal.
When oral surgeons and orthodontists work together, they can coordinate care in a way that protects your child’s progress and ensures their overall oral health.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed mid-braces, when it’s the right time to do so, and what to expect during and after the procedure. Whether you’re facing this situation now or preparing for it down the road, we’re here to make the process clearer and a lot less stressful for both you and your teen.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Once necessary for human survival, the need for these teeth has lessened over time. Worse, changing jawlines mean that wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to grow properly. The teeth may come in at an angle, remain partially erupted, or become trapped under the gums (known as impaction). Even if they do grow in, they are difficult to clean properly.
Altogether, this combination of factors can lead to:
- Pain and swelling
- Infection or gum disease
- Pressure on the surrounding teeth
- Damage to nearby teeth or jaw
- Cyst formation
- Crowding or shifting of teeth (especially concerning during orthodontic treatment)
Leaving problematic wisdom teeth in place can lead to complications that affect both oral and overall health. That’s why early evaluation and timely removal are often recommended.
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Removed While Wearing Braces?
Yes, wisdom teeth can be removed while wearing braces or during orthodontic treatment. In fact, it’s not uncommon for orthodontists to refer patients for oral surgery mid-treatment if they notice that the wisdom teeth are causing problems.
In one study, researchers found that patients who are actively undergoing orthodontic treatment may actually be more likely to experience partially erupted third molars. When the wisdom teeth begin to shift other teeth, create pressure, or lead to pain or infection, it’s usually safer to remove them rather than wait.
The key to a safe, efficient removal is coordination: your oral surgeon and orthodontist will work together to create a plan that supports your child’s treatment goals.
When Is the Right Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
If your teen already has braces, or if you’re thinking about braces and wisdom teeth removal isn’t part of the conversation yet, there are typically two options for the timing of extraction:
- During orthodontic treatment: If the orthodontist sees signs of pressure, impaction, or space limitations, they may refer the patient for evaluation while braces are still on.
- Just after treatment ends: Some orthodontists may wait until braces come off, then monitor third molars and recommend removal based on space or alignment.
Many orthodontists (about 65%) recommend extracting wisdom teeth during or immediately following orthodontic treatment. The key is to address the wisdom teeth as soon as the potential for problems arises. Even if wisdom teeth aren’t yet causing symptoms, removing them proactively can prevent future issues, such as impaction or the disruption of orthodontic progress.
What Happens During the Procedure?
If your orthodontist refers you to the Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery office for wisdom teeth extraction, here is what you and your teen can expect.
Before the Procedure
- Consultation: We will review your teen’s medical history, take X-rays, and determine if extraction is needed.
- Treatment planning: We will coordinate with your child’s orthodontist to ensure the timing of the extraction aligns with your teen’s orthodontic treatment plan and progress.
- Pre-surgery instructions: You’ll receive a set of instructions, which may include fasting before sedation or pausing certain medications. It’s important to follow these instructions closely, as they’re key to keeping your child safe throughout the procedure.
During the Procedure
- Sedation: Your child will receive local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia to help make them stay comfortable throughout the procedure. Learn more about the sedation options for wisdom teeth extraction.
- Extraction: Your surgeon carefully removes the wisdom teeth, whether they’re erupted, partially erupted, or impacted. Wisdom teeth removal is performed as an outpatient surgery, and usually takes less than an hour.
After the Procedure
- Recovery: Many people are back on their feet in just a couple of days, while others may take a couple of weeks to feel normal again. During recovery, your teen should rest, eat soft foods, and avoid strenuous activity.
- Post-op care instructions: We will provide you with a set of instructions to manage pain, keep the area clean (with good oral care and a gentle saltwater rinse), and avoid accidental complications. One of the most common post-surgery issues is caused by using a straw, which can dislodge the blood clot that aids in healing.
- Pain management: Soreness and swelling are perfectly normal. They typically peak around the second or third day after surgery. We will give you tips on how to manage these common symptoms.
Related Reading: Wisdom Teeth Recovery Tips
It’s important to note that wearing braces doesn’t usually affect the procedure or healing. We will work carefully around the brackets and wires and may provide additional instructions to help your child heal comfortably and continue orthodontic treatment as planned.
Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about wisdom teeth extraction in general, whether it’s done with braces or without.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal a Surgery?
Yes. Removing wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure, but it’s one of the safest and most common outpatient surgeries performed today. Most procedures are minimally invasive, especially when performed early before complications arise. You can read more about that here: Is Oral Surgery Minimally Invasive?
Can I Brush My Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You can brush your teeth carefully after wisdom teeth removal. Avoid brushing the extraction sites for the first 24 hours to allow a blood clot to form. Disturbing this clot can lead to a painful condition called dry socket. After that, you can (and should) brush your teeth gently. Just steer clear of the surgical areas and rinse with saltwater instead of mouthwash for the first few days.
How Long Does It Take to Heal Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, most patients feel back to normal within 7 to 10 days, although full healing of the gum and bone can take several weeks. Your teen’s healing time depends on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, their age, the strength of their immune system, and how closely post-op instructions are followed. For more recovery tips, read: Wisdom Teeth Recovery Tips
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Stick with soft, nourishing foods for the first few days. Good options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Smoothies (but don’t use a straw!)
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Soup (warm, not hot)
Avoid crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods and steer clear of straws and carbonated drinks. Most patients can begin transitioning back to regular foods by the end of the week.
Oral Surgeons Trusted by Families and Dentists for Over 70 Years
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we understand how stressful it can be to navigate your child’s oral care—especially when they’re still wearing braces. That’s why families, dentists, and orthodontists have trusted our experienced oral surgeons for more than 70 years.
With dual-degreed, board-certified oral surgeons on staff, we are uniquely equipped to manage complex cases, including extractions performed during orthodontic treatment. We coordinate closely with your orthodontist to ensure every step is aligned, safe, and designed to support your child’s smile. Plus, we have four locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood to offer convenient, compassionate care throughout Bergen County and Rockland County, NY.
Ready to schedule a consultation? Call or text us at 201-477-2667 or request an appointment online today.
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