Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically develop between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have sufficient room in their mouths to accommodate these teeth, others do not. As a result, wisdom teeth can cause many problems, including overcrowding, infection, and pain. However, many people wonder whether wisdom teeth can affect the shape of their face. In this article, we will explore this question in detail.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Before diving into how wisdom teeth affect the face shape, let’s first understand what wisdom teeth are and how they develop.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge in the late teen years or early twenties. These teeth were once necessary for our ancestors when their diet consisted of tougher foods like roots, nuts, and meats. With modern changes in diet and improved dental hygiene, however, wisdom teeth are no longer essential.
How Do Wisdom Teeth Affect Face Shape?
The answer to whether wisdom teeth affect face shape is not a straightforward one. It depends on various factors such as the size and position of the teeth, jawbone structure, and the individual’s age.
If the jawbone has sufficient space to accommodate the wisdom teeth, then they are unlikely to affect the face shape. However, if the jawbone is too small, or there is already crowding in the mouth, then the emergence of wisdom teeth can shift other teeth forward, causing the face to appear narrower or more crowded.
Another way wisdom teeth can affect face shape is through impaction. When wisdom teeth do not emerge fully, they become impacted or stuck in the gums. Impacted teeth can cause discomfort, swelling, and even infections. In severe cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause bone loss and damage to other teeth and structures in the mouth. This can lead to changes in the facial structure over time.
In some cases, wisdom teeth can also cause sinus problems. The upper third molars are located close to the sinuses, and if they grow towards the sinuses, they can cause pressure and pain. This can affect the shape of the face, especially if there is swelling around the sinuses.
How to Prevent Wisdom Teeth from Affecting Face Shape?
The best way to prevent wisdom teeth from affecting face shape is to have them removed before they cause any problems. Dentists often recommend that patients have their wisdom teeth extracted in their late teens or early twenties, even if they are not causing any discomfort. This is because younger patients tend to heal faster and experience fewer complications after the procedure.
If you are experiencing discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to determine whether the teeth need to be extracted, and if so, when the procedure should take place.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, wisdom teeth can affect face shape, but it depends on various factors. If there is sufficient space in the mouth, then wisdom teeth are unlikely to cause any changes in facial structure. However, if the teeth are impacted or there is already crowding, they can shift other teeth and cause the face to appear narrower or more crowded.
To prevent wisdom teeth from affecting face shape, it’s essential to have them removed before they cause any problems. This will ensure that the face maintains its natural shape and structure over time.
