Are Wisdom Teeth the Same as 12-year Molars? – Sims Orthodontics

Are Wisdom Teeth the Same as 12-year Molars? - Sims Orthodontics

Are Wisdom Teeth the Same as 12-year Molars? - Sims Orthodontics

are 12 year molars wisdom teeth

Like our bodies, our teeth grow and develop throughout life. When we are born, we typically start out with 20 baby teeth, which begin grow in starting at about 6 months of age. We lose our baby teeth over time and begin to get our adult (permanent) teeth in place of them. Typically, around the age of 21 or so, all 32 permanent teeth have erupted in the mouth.

This leads us to decipher between the types of teeth that we have in the mouth. Of the permanent teeth, there are incisors, canines, premolars and molars; each of which help to perform different functions to aid in chewing and digestion. Most importantly, there are three sets of molars: the first molars (6-year molars), the second molars (12-year molars) and the third molars (wisdom teeth).

12-Year Molars

Many people may not know of the types of molars that adults have, however; the 12-year molars and the wisdom teeth are not the same type of teeth. The 12-year molars sit in front of the wisdom teeth, which is why they’re called the “second molars”. The 12-year molars generally erupt around the age of 12, which is how they coined their common name. Although, the “12-year molars” can erupt prior to the age of 12 or after the age of 12, depending on genetics, which plays a large role in tooth eruption.

Wisdom Teeth

The wisdom teeth tend to erupt around the age of 21, but may erupt sooner or later. Today, the wisdom teeth just aren’t as necessary as they used to be to our much distant ancestors. Many individuals do not keep their wisdom teeth in the mouth because of crowding, impaction, decay, etc. For this reason, an oral surgeon may remove the wisdom teeth before they are erupted or after depending on the specific scenario.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about 12-year molars or wisdom teeth, Dr. Sims or Sims Orthodontics would be happy to provide any information you may be looking for. As an orthodontist, he has years of experience and knowledge with the growth and development of teeth of all ages. Please contact us for any questions or if you would like to schedule an initial consultation.

This post was last modified on November 16, 2024 3:53 am