Wisdom teeth, known as third molars, emerge during the late teens or early twenties, marking the final stage of permanent tooth development. This often prompts questions about their role in oral health, including a common belief that they might help close gaps between other teeth. This article explores the nature of wisdom teeth and tooth movement to address whether these molars can indeed fill existing dental spaces.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, with four usually present, one in each corner of the jaw. Because they are the last to develop, they often face challenges due to limited space in the jaw.
Common issues associated with wisdom teeth include partial eruption, where they only partly break through the gum line, or impaction, where they remain trapped under the gum or against an adjacent tooth. They can also grow at awkward angles, leading to pain, swelling, and an increased risk of infection or decay. These problems highlight their tendency to cause complications rather than contribute to dental alignment.
How Teeth Naturally Move
Teeth are not static structures; they exhibit a natural tendency to shift and move throughout life. One significant process is “mesial drift,” which is the gradual, forward movement of teeth towards the front of the mouth. This natural drifting helps maintain contact points between neighboring teeth, preventing gaps from forming as teeth experience wear from chewing.
Gaps between teeth, also known as diastema, can develop for various reasons, including natural spacing, missing teeth, or gum disease. Habits like tongue thrusting can also contribute to the formation or widening of spaces. Understanding these natural movements and causes of gaps provides context for why wisdom teeth typically do not assist in closing them.
Why Wisdom Teeth Don’t Fill Gaps
Wisdom teeth do not fill gaps between other teeth; instead, they contribute to crowding and misalignment. When wisdom teeth erupt, their force is often misdirected or insufficient to move an entire arch of teeth into an existing gap. Their eruption primarily pushes against adjacent teeth, which can lead to shifting and overlapping rather than space closure.
Impaction, where wisdom teeth are unable to fully emerge, means they cannot align to fill a space. Even if they do erupt, their size and shape are not suited to fill spaces elsewhere in the dental arch. The consensus in modern dentistry is that wisdom teeth worsen existing crowding in the front teeth.
Effective Ways to Close Gaps
Since wisdom teeth are not a viable solution for closing dental gaps, various professional methods are available. Orthodontic treatments are a common approach, including traditional braces and clear aligners like Invisalign, which apply gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into desired positions. Braces are particularly effective for larger spaces or when other alignment issues are present.
For smaller gaps or cosmetic concerns, dental bonding offers a cost-effective and minimally invasive option, involving the application of a tooth-colored resin to fill the space. Veneers, either composite or porcelain, are thin custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of teeth, providing an immediate solution for gaps while also improving tooth shape and color. In cases of missing teeth creating gaps, dental implants or bridges can replace the missing tooth, thereby restoring the space and function. Consulting a dental professional is important to determine the most suitable treatment plan for individual needs.