Wisdom Teeth and Tooth Crowding: Debunking the Myths

For a long time, wisdom teeth were often blamed for causing teeth to crowd or overlap. But is this actually true? Let's delve into the science behind jaw growth and wisdom tooth eruption to find out the real story.

Myth or Reality?

The notion that wisdom teeth cause other teeth to overlap has been a point of debate for many years. Some dentists and orthodontists used to suspect that the eruption of wisdom teeth could exert enough force to push the other teeth out of alignment. However, recent studies and findings have debunked this myth, revealing a different explanation for tooth crowding.

The Truth Behind Tooth Crowding

According to dental experts, the primary reason for tooth crowding in late teens and early 20s is the natural growth pattern of the lower jaw, or mandible. Unlike the upper jaw, which grows earlier and stops growing sooner, the mandible continues to grow significantly later and for a longer period. This cephalocaudal growth, or head down growth, leads to several important developments:

Lower Jaw Growth and Tooth Alignment: As the lower jaw continues to grow, it often causes the lower incisors to move backward, into the lingual (tongue) side of the upper incisors. This movement can result in the lower incisors crowding or overlapping with the upper ones. The Role of Wisdom Teeth: While wisdom teeth do erupt during this period, they do not generate enough force to cause significant crowding of the other teeth. The force required to push teeth out of alignment would need to be much stronger, something that erupting wisdom teeth simply cannot provide. Missing or Extracted Wisdom Teeth: Some individuals are born without wisdom teeth (congenitally missing) or have them removed at an earlier age. Despite these circumstances, the amount of crowding in the lower incisors remains similar to those with full sets of wisdom teeth. This correlation further supports the idea that wisdom teeth do not contribute to crowding.

Scientific Evidence

Research studies have consistently shown that the eruption of wisdom teeth does not cause the chain reaction of crowding in the lower incisors. These studies have demonstrated that there is no correlation between the presence of wisdom teeth, or their absence, and the amount of crowding observed in the lower incisors. This makes it clear that wisdom teeth are more of a passenger in the dental journey than a driver of dental problems.

Seeking Expert Advice

Given the complexities of jaw growth and tooth movement, it is crucial to consult with an orthodontist around the age of 12-13 to properly evaluate the space available for the posterior teeth. Early detection and intervention can help prevent or manage issues that may arise later in life, ensuring that your smile remains both healthy and beautiful.

In conclusion, while wisdom teeth can cause other dental problems such as impaction or infection, they are not responsible for the most common issue of tooth crowding. The real culprit, as shown by scientific evidence, is the natural growth pattern of the lower jaw. Regular visits to an orthodontist can help in monitoring these changes and ensuring that any crowding issues are managed effectively.