If you have impacted teeth, you may wonder if orthodontic treatment can help. Impacted teeth are trapped beneath the gum line and unable to erupt through the gums properly. This can cause several problems, including pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can sometimes help move impacted teeth into their proper position. However, not all cases of impacted teeth are candidates for orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will need to evaluate your case to determine if orthodontics is an appropriate option for you.
There are a few factors that will be taken into consideration when determining if orthodontics is right for you, including:
The position of the impacted tooth: In some cases, the tooth may be able to be moved into its proper place with orthodontics. However, orthodontic treatment may not be possible if the tooth is in a strenuous or unusual position.
The severity of the impaction: If the impaction is severe, it may not be possible to move the tooth with orthodontics.
The health of the gum tissue around the impacted tooth: If there is a lot of inflammation or infection present, this may need to be resolved before orthodontic treatment can begin.
The overall health of your teeth and gums: Orthodontic treatment may not be recommended if you have other dental health problems that must be addressed first.
Types of impacted teeth
There are two main types of impacted teeth: soft tissue impaction and hard tissue impaction.
- Soft tissue impaction occurs when the tooth is covered by gum tissue but cannot erupt through the gums. This impaction is less severe and may be more likely to respond to orthodontic treatment.
- Hard tissue impaction occurs when the tooth is blocked by bone or another tooth. This impaction is generally more severe and may be less likely to respond to orthodontic treatment.
Treatment options for impacted teeth
If you have an impacted tooth, a few different treatment options may be recommended, depending on the severity of the impaction. These treatment options include:
- Observation: In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend monitoring the impacted tooth to see if it erupts on its own. This is generally only an option for milder cases of impaction.
- Braces: Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and can be used to move teeth into their proper position. The procedure involves the placement of brackets and wires on the teeth, which are then adjusted over time to move the teeth gradually.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a newer type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. This treatment is often used for patients with milder misalignment cases or those who want a more aesthetically pleasing option than traditional braces.
- Surgery: In more severe cases of impaction, surgery may be necessary to expose the impacted tooth and allow it to erupt correctly. Surgery may also be required to remove bone or gum tissue blocking the tooth from erupting.
Which treatment is the best for impacted teeth?
The best treatment for impacted teeth will vary depending on the individual case. Your orthodontist will determine which treatment option is best for you based on several factors, including the tooth’s position, the impaction’s severity, and your overall dental health. For example, a patient with a mild case of impacted teeth may be a good candidate for Invisalign, while a patient with a more severe case may require braces or jaw surgery.
Impacted tooth: Signs and Symptoms
There are a few different signs and symptoms that may be associated with an impacted tooth, including:
- Pain in the gums or jaw.
- Swelling in the gums.
- Redness or inflammation in the gums.
- A visible bump on the gums.
- Difficulty biting or chewing.
What are the risks of an impacted tooth?
If an impacted tooth is not treated, it can lead to several serious dental problems, including:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Bone loss
- Cysts or tumours
- Damage to adjacent teeth
Who is a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Almost anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatment, regardless of their age. However, treatment is generally most effective for patients in their teens or early twenties, when the bones are still growing, and the teeth are more likely to respond to treatment. That being said, several orthodontic treatments can be used to treat patients of all ages.
If you think you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with our dentist. During the consultation, our experts will examine your teeth and mouth and let you know if you are a good candidate for treatment. They will also discuss your treatment options and help you choose your case’s best course of action. So, call Designer Smiles at (02) 8074 1722 to book an appointment at the earliest.
Frequently Asked Questions
It typically takes between 6 and 18 months for an impacted tooth to come down with braces, depending on the severity of the impaction. If the impacted tooth is only partially erupted, it will come down sooner than if fully impacted. If your dentist suspects that you have an impacted tooth, they will probably order a panoramic X-ray to see the entire dental arch. If it is determined that you do have an impacted tooth, your dentist can then plan a treatment strategy that includes braces to help bring the tooth down into proper alignment. If you have an impacted tooth and are considering orthodontic treatment, be sure to consult with an experienced dentist to discuss your options. They will be able to create a customized treatment plan that is right for you.
Yes, you can have Invisalign with an impacted tooth. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth gradually. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and then replaced with the next in the series. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move slowly,
week by week, until they have straightened to the final position. However, it is essential to consult your dentist to ensure adequate space in your mouth for clear aligners and that the impacted tooth is not causing any other problems. Invisalign is an excellent option for straightening your teeth and can be used to correct a wide variety of dental issues. Talk to your dentist about whether Invisalign is right for you.
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has failed to erupt into the mouth or has only partially erupted. The most common cause of an impacted tooth is crowding of the teeth, which can prevent a tooth from erupting properly. Other causes include:
- Trauma to the mouth or face, can damage the teeth and impede their growth
- Cysts or tumours in the mouth can interfere with the development of the teeth
- Cleft palate, which can cause problems with the alignment of the teeth
Talk to your dentist if you think you may have an impacted tooth. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.
There are many benefits of Invisalign, including:
- Nearly invisible – people may not even notice that you’re wearing them!
- Removable – you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
- Comfortable – no wires or brackets to cause mouth irritation.
- Easy to care for – clean them with a soft toothbrush and soapy water.
There are a few potential cons to Invisalign:
- They can be more expensive than traditional braces.
- They require more diligent oral care than traditional braces to avoid infection and discolouration of the teeth.
- They can be less effective in correcting severe misalignment issues.
- They may not be suitable for all orthodontic cases.
If you are considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, be sure to consult with your dentist first. They will be able to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you and help you through the process.
Traditional braces have been proven more effective than Invisalign for specific orthodontic procedures. For example, traditional braces are better at correcting severe overbites and underbites.
Traditional braces are also more comfortable for children than Invisalign. Since the brackets and wires are metal, they do not cause the irritation that Invisalign does. And, since traditional braces are cemented to the teeth, they provide more stability and are less likely to come loose than Invisalign.
Patients should be aware of several disadvantages to traditional braces before choosing this type of treatment. First, traditional braces are much more visible than other braces, which can be a drawback for some people. Second, they can be challenging to keep clean since food and plaque can quickly become trapped in the brackets and wires. Finally, traditional braces can be pretty
uncomfortable when they first tighten the teeth. Patients may experience soreness and irritation of the gums and lips as well.