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Wisdom Teeth And Braces

Home » Blog » Wisdom Teeth And Braces

When you or your child undergo orthodontic treatment with Craig & Streight Orthodontics, you tend to learn a lot about teeth along the way. While you’re probably familiar with the way they grow and move as it relates to your braces or aligners, there’s one set of teeth we’re willing to bet you don’t know quite so much about – wisdom teeth! Because they’re not an especially common topic of conversation, you may be unaware of the part wisdom teeth have to play in your overall oral health.

As the last to erupt, these teeth don’t normally make an appearance until you’re in your late teens or early twenties. We have patients and parents alike who wonder if this timing means that a smile straightened by braces will be affected by wisdom teeth coming in. The short answer to this is no, but let’s take a closer look at what your wisdom teeth actually are, what you can expect when they erupt, and if this should concern you as a braces patient.

Keep reading to find out more!

What are wisdom teeth for, anyway?

Our ancestors ate a diet that was rich in coarse, hard-to-chew foods like roots, nuts, and meats. To make the most of it, they needed large, powerful jaws. In response to our diet evolving and becoming more varied, our jaws began to shrink in size. This has resulted in many mouths that are simply too small for wisdom teeth to fit in comfortably. To be sure, this isn’t the case for everyone, and some people will have their wisdom teeth come through in proper alignment with no issues whatsoever other than some slight tenderness. Further action is rarely necessary when this happens. However, there are times when erupting wisdom teeth can be painful and uncomfortable. Wisdom teeth grow in stages rather than all at once, so there are quite a few opportunities for discomfort before they fully erupt, which begs the question…..

women with Jaw ache

Will I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth won’t always need to be removed. However, If there’s not enough room in your mouth for yours to come through, it can put pressure on the adjacent teeth. If the wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, then they can become jammed behind the last tooth in the mouth. This is commonly referred to as impaction, and it can lead to swollen gums. Partially erupted teeth are also difficult to clean thoroughly, which can set you up for recurrent infections, and cause potential damage to the healthy molars beside them as well.  

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight are able to tell how your wisdom teeth are coming in by taking an x-ray of your mouth. Our doctors will take the results of that x-ray into account along with the impact these are having on the rest of your mouth before recommending any further treatment, including wisdom tooth removal.

Can my wisdom teeth undo all my orthodontic progress?

It’s not uncommon for patients to see a slight shifting, or relapse, of their teeth around the same time their wisdom teeth begin erupting, but research shows the two are not related. A study done by the University of Iowa placed sensors between the teeth to compare the amount of pressure on them with and without wisdom teeth, and found there was no difference between the two. But if our wisdom teeth don’t exert enough pressure on the surrounding teeth to cause them to move, what causes that shifting? The truth of it is pretty simple: we get older!

Our teeth naturally begin drifting as we age, along with showing signs of general wear and tear. This can cause our teeth to overlap and move slightly forward, with the upper teeth pressing the lower teeth in towards the tongue. Residual jaw growth can also force the teeth into undesirable positions. This is precisely why our entire Craig & Streight team will remind you over and over (and over…) how important it is for you to wear your retainer as directed once you get your braces off! By following our instructions carefully, you’ll give your teeth the best chance to stay as straight as possible after your treatment is complete.

family with braces

Craig & Streight Orthodontics has the wisdom to keep your smile straight

Although it’s unlikely that your wisdom teeth will affect the results you’ve achieved through braces or aligners, removing them may still be recommended if our doctors feel it would benefit the overall health of your mouth to do so. Every patient and case is different, though, so we recommend you schedule a consultation with us to find out more about wisdom teeth in general and how they work with braces treatment, or a newly straightened smile.

With three conveniently located offices in Norman, Mustang, and South OKC, we’ve got a talented and dedicated team in place to create a rewarding orthodontic experience for you. Your comfort and care are important to us, and we’re here for you throughout the course of your treatment, and beyond. You can count on us to guide you towards a beautifully straight smile that will last a lifetime!

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Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Hilary D.
Patient & kind staff. My kids were stoked to get t-shirts & play games while waiting.
Michelle B.
Such great staff and extremely attentive to making sure my treatment is effective. Love coming in!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Michelle! We're thrilled to hear that our staff has made a positive impact on your treatment experience. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!
Rachel A.
We have been seeing Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight for about 18 months. They were recommended to us by several others, as well as our dentist. We have had a very positive experience. We are hopefully almost done, and our next child is starting to see them now as well. We are confident he is in good hands.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review!
Mike C.
Did us a solid job. We agreed on a price and they held up their end. No complaints.
Response from the owner:Hey Mike. Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate your support!
Vanessa Monik R.
First, I am extremely thankful and happy with the customer service here at Craig & Streight orthodontics! After going to a total of 3 different Orthos, I decided CSO was perfect for my needs. I was able to get my braces on same day and they tailored a payment schedule to my budget. Kari and Ryan listened to me and answered all my questions. Thank you everyone! A BIG Thank you to the gal that applied my braces. I look forward to this journey with CSO!
Response from the owner:Hi Vanessa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to meet your needs and make your journey with braces a positive one. Your kind words about Kari, Ryan, and our staff mean a lot to us. We’re excited to support you every step of the way!
Alyssa C.
My kids and I had a great experience! The staff was informative, the new technology was impressive, and the pricing was very reasonable. We were in and out quickly with a same-day consultation, and they were able to start the services my son needed right away. Plus, the fun arcade games kept the kids entertained while we waited. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Alyssa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids enjoyed your visit and found our staff informative and our technology impressive. It's great to know that the quick service and entertainment options made your time with us enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back!
Jen K.
They are always encouraging and give her such positive feedback each time my daughter scans for her invisaline. Every step of the process has been excellent
Response from the owner:Hi Jen. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your daughter is receiving such positive encouragement throughout her Invisalign journey. We’re dedicated to making every step a great one, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the good work!
Susn J.
The best Orthodontist office you’ll ever find. Everyone goes above and beyond to help! Can’t imagine going anywhere else! The kids love going!
Response from the owner:Hi Susan. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids have such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care!
Rachel D.
We went in for a consultation after a horrible consultation with another orthodontist and let me say Dr. Craig and her staff are absolutely AMAZING!! My daughter was super hesitant after the previous encounter with the other orthodontist but the staff here at Craig and Streight are top notch! They immediately eased my daughter's mind with their kindness! Went in for a consultation walked out with braces and a great office to take care of her dental needs! Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Rachel. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Craig and our team were able to provide such a positive and reassuring environment for your daughter. It's wonderful to know that we could help ease her concerns and support her dental journey. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to care for your family's needs!
kammy B.
Very kind very observant always asking and answering questions best dentist visit I’ve had by far
Response from the owner:Hi Kammy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made your visit so positive and engaging.
Jennifer M.
I’m on the Invisalign journey and 11 weeks in. The staff has been great on keeping me informed about my treatment. No matter your treatment plan - you can’t go wrong with this amazing team!
Response from the owner:Hi Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team has been supportive and informative during your Invisalign journey. Your positive feedback motivates us to continue providing exceptional care. If you have any further thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out!
Jaycie J.
Dr.Craig did me and my sister braces many many moons ago (over 10+) and here I am now with my child getting his done by her. Her staff makes him feel comfortable and is always so professional. We love it here.
Response from the owner:Hi Jaycie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartwarming to see families returning for care over the years. We’re delighted to hear that Dr. Craig and the team continue to provide a comfortable and professional environment for you and your child. Your trust in us means a lot, and we look forward to creating more beautiful smiles together!
Kristi B.
I can’t say enough great things about my experience! From the moment I called to schedule, I felt welcomed and at ease. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and efficient — you can tell they genuinely care about their patients.

Dr. Craig took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions, and made me feel totally comfortable throughout the consultation. The entire team’s attention to detail and commitment to providing top-notch care is truly impressive.

The office itself is modern, clean, and equipped with the latest technology, which made everything from x-rays to treatment planning seamless and quick. I was extremely impressed at how smooth the entire experience was.

If you're looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise, kindness, and a passion for creating beautiful smiles, look no further. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Kristi. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartening to hear that our team made you feel welcomed and comfortable from the very start. We take great pride in our commitment to patient care and are thrilled that you found our office modern and efficient. Your kind words about Dr. Craig and the staff truly inspire us to continue providing exceptional service. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
A Google U.
Each visit we experienced happy, efficient staff that took care of our boy!
Response from the owner:Hi Mindy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made each visit enjoyable and efficient for you and your son. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing excellent care.
Michael G.
They done a good job on helping my son get his teeth straight he got them off and they look pretty good
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your son’s teeth look great after his treatment. We appreciate your support!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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Norman, OK 73069

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Mustang, OK 73064
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