Now that we've got to know the the development of wisdom teeth, let's look at the myths surrounding wisdom teeth:

Wisdom teeth cause tooth distortion.

In my experience, this is the most common misconception about wisdom teeth. Dozens of scientific articles have been published on the relationship between crowding and wisdom teeth. 

They analysed different situations, groups such as: 

• people who have the wisdom teeth knocked out, 
• people who had impacted wisdom teeth, 
• people who have had their third molars removed after orthodontic treatment, and even
• people who had not developed wisdom teeth at all, i.e. people who had virtually no wisdom teeth.

The study tools were radiographs, analysis of plaster casts and clinical examinations. Different congestion indices were used as indicators.

83% of published papers found no correlation between incisor crowding and the presence of third molars. Therefore, it can be concluded that prophylactic (preventive) removal of wisdom teeth to avoid incisor crowding is not justified.

The scientific evidence suggests that there is no causal link between the presence of wisdom teeth and dental crowding.

Do wisdom teeth need to be removed before/because of orthodontic treatment?

I often hear the following phrases at the first consultation: 

" I have not dared to go into orthodontics because I am afraid of wisdom teeth surgery "

" I know I had to pull my wisdom teeth before the treatment but I came for a consultation " etc...

Orthodontic treatment alone does not indicate the removal of wisdom teeth. In other words, a simple orthodontic treatment does not require the removal of third molars. It is usually possible to move and arrange the teeth in the dental arch even in the presence of wisdom teeth.

It is important to remember, however, that each treatment is unique, so we also decide on the position of the wisdom teeth by analysing the situation and taking into account all the circumstances. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis and a detailed treatment plan prior to orthodontic treatment is of paramount importance, including an analysis of the position, degree of development and root development of the wisdom teeth.

In each case, we use a strategy and biomechanics that are appropriate to the treatment objective. Thus, for certain treatment steps and goals, or to reduce the treatment time itself, wisdom teeth removal may be recommended. For example, in the case of distalisation (moving the teeth backwards), the teeth can be moved more easily by removing the physical obstruction of the tooth.

In conclusion, the presence of wisdom teeth is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment, but an individual evaluation is always required. You will be informed of this at the first consultation.

Can anterior crowding be resolved by removing wisdom teeth?

As it has already been shown, the appearance of anterior crowding has no relation to the presence or position of wisdom teeth.

The answer is clearly that the removal of these teeth is not sufficient to solve this problem effectively. (Unfortunately.)

The other problem is that wisdom teeth are the rearmost teeth in the dental arch, and in the case of crowding, the problem is in the front of the arch. So the space gained at the back is of very little, in most cases no, use to resolve this tooth misalignment.

• In the treatment of malocclusion, the space needed to align the teeth is gained by other means. For example, expansion of the dental arches, polishing of the contact points of the teeth, correction of the inclination of the front teeth, etc...