My orthotropist/orthodontist told me to get my wisdom teeth taken out but she wants me to go to a cheap clinic, so she isn't making any money on me with that. She said my wisdom teeth never fully came above the gumline, they are causing excess tmj pain, and taking them out will help make my face shorter. She also said taking out my wisdom teeth will help with maxillary expansion as well.

Posted by: Warda

My orthotropist/orthodontist told me to get my wisdom teeth taken out but she wants me to go to a cheap clinic, so she isn't making any money on me with that. She said my wisdom teeth never fully came above the gumline, they are causing excess tmj pain, and taking them out will help make my face shorter. She also said taking out my wisdom teeth will help with maxillary expansion as well.

Why would they help with facial shortening?

Posted by: Indigenous

"SHe said they are causing tmj pain" to manipulate you into extractions, and she recommended a cheap clinic, so she clearly doesn't care about your safety- extracting teeth can be very dangerous. Does your mind independently think they are causing TMJ pain?  What WRITTEN proof does she provide to substantiate her assertions!?  You could carefully watch the situation to see if chewing on adjacent 2nd molars helps 3rd molars to erupt fully. Never trust dentists when they first suggest the most extreme and irreversible.  In fact, 3rd molars protect the TMJ from an intrusive, damaging force because they are closest to the TMJ.  No WRITTEN PROOF equals NO TRUST. Be Smart. Analyze the position of your teeth and think of an alternative way to save the 3rd molars. 

This orthotropist said she will not treat me unless the wisdom teeth are removed. She recommended a cheap clinic because I am on Medicaid. My regular dentist can do it too just with a fee. He removed my mom's and sister's wisdom teeth. My mom and sister have not had any issues so far and it's been several years later.

Apparently, there are dental clinics at NYU and Jacobi that do dentofacial orthopedics and use maxillary expansion devices on adults with TMJ. I'm going to them for more opinions. If they will do what she does without the extractions then I go to them and get free treatment as well.  

Posted by: Indigenous

Wisdom teeth serve several mechanical, SAFETY purposes, which extraction dentists don't want you to know: If an upward force pushes up against the mandible, the wisdom teeth (3rd molars) are positioned below the TMJoint, helping to prevent the mandible from being intruded through the joint, thereby destroying it. WIthout 3rd molars such an upwards force could damage the TMJ. The 3rd molars are at one end of the curve of spee, and when contacting opposing 3rd molars, they help to prevent an extreme forward dislocation of the mandible. The 3rd molars are in line with the masseter, perfectly positioned for generating the greatest chewing forces. WIthout 3rd molars, the remaining teeth are subjected to excessive forces and a greater number of chewing strokes given the same amount and kinds of food are being chewed. 

 Interesting. And has strong implications for the role facial development plays in the pathology of TMDs. Wondering if there are some references you could provide which I could dive into?

The official paperwork from my orthodontist said that all wisdom teeth must be removed to prevent orthodontic relapse. I have no idea what this means.

Posted by: Warda

The official paperwork from my orthodontist said that all wisdom teeth must be removed to prevent orthodontic relapse. I have no idea what this means.

Ask for references supporting this recommendation.