Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed before Starting Invisalign?

Image
Image
By Omni Dental

Do you want to correct your smile? Are you finally considering Invisalign? It feels thrilling, right?

However, the surprise is: Your orthodontist sees your wisdom teeth and asks if you want them removed. Now, the questions are: Do you need to worry about these late-arriving molars before you begin Invisalign? Will they interfere with your aligners or be painful during treatment?

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are third molars. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Moreover, they are likely to erupt crooked, misaligned, or impacted. Additionally, they may cause pain or swelling.

Sometimes, they don’t have enough room to develop correctly in the jaw. This absence of space causes crowding and forces other teeth out of alignment.

A dental professional typically identifies troublesome wisdom teeth with routine X-rays and checkups. Early discovery significantly prevents future trouble with your teeth or Invisalign treatment.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign utilizes clear aligners to move your teeth into their ideal position gradually. Each tray of aligners is individually created to fit your unique smile and dental anatomy.

You have to change aligners every few weeks. This is because it will help continue moving your teeth into their desired position. However, the treatment depends on your current tooth positions, jaw shape, and bite alignment.

An orthodontist devises your plan of Invisalign McMurray from digital 3D scans and X-rays. It’s popular because it’s discreet, removable, and easy to handle daily.

Can Wisdom Teeth Hamper Invisalign Treatment?

Yes, they have the ability to get in the way, particularly if they’re impacted, crooked, or nudging surrounding teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are capable of moving the teeth that are already shifted by Invisalign and undo the progress. They can cause swelling, pressure, or discomfort when you wear your aligners.

However, not all wisdom teeth are problematic or require removal before initiating Invisalign. If they’re healthy, straight, and not pushing other teeth, you might not need removal. Your orthodontist will assess their position and predict how it might impact your treatment.

Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal Before Invisalign?

You may need the removal of the teeth that are impacted and growing in a sideways direction, or if they are causing crowding. These problems might interfere with Invisalign movement. This is because they can lead to discomfort during treatment.

When your wisdom teeth have not erupted and are not misaligned, removal is not imperative. An orthodontist might let you start Invisalign. They also observe the teeth afterwards. Dental X-rays significantly help determine if wisdom teeth put your alignment journey at risk.


Orthodontists extract troublesome molars before initiating Invisalign. It remarkably prevents mid-treatment surprises and delays. Your orthodontist customizes each plan to meet your dental health and long-term objectives.

What Happens If I Don’t Remove Them?

If troublesome, wisdom teeth have the ability to hinder your Invisalign progress. They can lead to your straightened teeth shifting. Moreover, they may result in pain, swelling, or infection, and delay your aligner schedule.

Crowding is capable of damaging neighboring teeth. As a result, it can slow down the alignment process altogether. Not everyone needs removal. Some complete Invisalign treatment without wisdom tooth issues.

You have to trust the process, stick to your plan, and enjoy the journey to a straighter smile. With proper care, Invisalign helps you smile confidently, regardless of whether you have wisdom teeth or not.

New Patients & Emergency
Appointments Welcome!