Wisdom teeth generally do not cause dental crowding, and removing them does not guarantee prevention of crowding. Despite this common belief, current scientific evidence does not support routine wisdom tooth removal solely to prevent teeth from becoming crooked or crowded. Why Do Teeth Become Crowded Over Time? Many people experience crowding of their teeth as they get older, regardless of whether wisdom teeth are present. This natural process is known as tertiary crowding. Tertiary crowding is more common in the lower jaw, and is more common in women. We have many female patient who comment that they used to have very straight lower teeth when they were younger, and their lower teeth have become significantly crowded in their later years. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, teeth tend to slowly drift forward over time. Factors such as jaw growth changes, bite forces, and soft tissue pressures all appear to contribute. What Does the Evidence Say About Wisdom Teeth and Crowding? Research shows that dental crowding is multifactorial. While wisdom teeth may play a role in crowding for some individuals, there is currently no reliable way to predict who is at risk. As a result Wisdom teeth are not considered a proven cause of dental crowding. Preventative (prophylactic) solely to avoid crowding is usually not reccomended. For patients who have completed orthodontic treatment, the decision to remove wisdom teeth is a personal choice, based on individual circumstances rather than definitive evidence. When Is Tooth Removal Necessary? Although removing wisdom teeth may not prevent crowding, tooth removal can be required to correct crowding once it has already occurred. It is common for dentists and orthodontists to recommend removing certain teeth as part of orthodontic planning. In some cases, this may include wisdom teeth particularly if they are: - Impacted - Infected - Difficult to clean - Likely to interfere with orthodontic treatment Your dentist or orthodontist will assess your bite, jaw space, and long-term oral health before making a recommendation. Wisdom Teeth Removal in Adelaide – An Individual Decision At our Adelaide practice, wisdom teeth removal is never a one-size-fits-all decision. Each patient receives a thorough assessment, including clinical examination and imaging where required, to determine whether removal is appropriate for their situation. If you are considering wisdom teeth removal in Adelaide or have been advised to remove them as part of orthodontic treatment we recommend a personalised consultation to discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives. Want to read some scientific literature on this topic? Check out this article: Reference Hyam, D. M. (2018). The contemporary management of third molars. Australian Dental Journal, 63(S1), S19–S26.