Walnut Creek dentists pick student for free removal of her wisdom teeth

For high school student Vivian Velte, preparing for college has also meant preparing for a complex medical journey that began when she was just a child.

Now 17, Vivian has spent years navigating orthodontic treatment in anticipation of double jaw surgery, a procedure made more complicated by the need to first remove her wisdom teeth. Thanks to the annual Wisdom for Wisdom charitable program at Walnut Creek’s Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery, one major financial hurdle has been lifted for Vivian and her family.

The program, which provides complimentary wisdom teeth removal for a selected recipient each year, is meant to ease the burden for families facing costly oral surgery while helping young people receive treatment before problems become worse. For Dr. Brad Williams at Muir Oral Surgery, early intervention is key.

“Wisdom tooth removal for most patients is recommended before complete root development occurs,” Williams said. “Early removal makes the surgery easier, lowers risk and leads to faster recovery.”

In many orthodontic patients, wisdom teeth can interfere with tooth movement, making removal an important step before braces or Invisalign treatment is complete. For patients like Vivian expecting to undergo corrective jaw surgery, removing the wisdom teeth beforehand also gives the surrounding bone and tissue time to heal before the more extensive procedure. Vivian’s journey began long before she knew what wisdom teeth were.

“When Vivian was about 7, her dentist informed us that she had a very narrow palate and an open bite,” said her mother, Jenny Velte. “We took her to several orthodontists who all agreed she needed expansion but would also most likely need jaw surgery when she was older.”

Determined to avoid surgery if possible, the family pursued multiple treatment options over the years, including orthodontic expansion and myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue and swallowing patterns. Despite those efforts, specialists later confirmed that Vivian also had jaw asymmetry, making double jaw surgery necessary after her facial growth is complete. The diagnosis has required years of planning, consultations and specialized care.

“It has been pretty overwhelming,” Jenny said.

Vivian’s treatment includes multiple phases of orthodontics, expensive imaging studies, annual scans to monitor jaw development and consultations with surgeons. More therapy will also be needed after surgery. The financial demands have been significant.

Like many families, the Veltes found themselves balancing health care costs with future educational goals. Dr. Williams said rising medical and dental costs have made charitable programs increasingly important.

“The cost of medical and dental care nationally has risen at a rate outpacing both inflation and cost-of-living increases,” he said. “We believe it is more important than ever to think about ways to make high-quality care more affordable and address needs where affordability obstructs delivery of care.”

Muir Oral Surgery annually promotes the Wisdom for Wisdom program through community outreach, with staff and doctors selecting a recipient whose needs best align with the program’s mission. Jenny learned about the opportunity while following the practice on social media.

“We had consulted with Dr. Williams for her jaw surgery because he came highly recommended by her orthodontist,” she said. “I happened to see the call for applicants and thought, ‘What the heck? We could use some help.’ I was seriously shocked when I got the call that Vivian had been picked.”

For the family, the gift represents much more than free oral surgery.

“Being chosen for this has removed a burden from our backs,” Jenny said. “It’s one less part of the puzzle to worry about, both financially and knowing she’s going to be really well taken care of.”

Vivian, an Oakland native who enjoys soccer, bicycling and classes in math and English, has tried to remain focused on school despite the uncertainty surrounding future procedures.

“It’s definitely stressful knowing that I might have to miss a sizable portion of an upcoming school year,” she said. “Now I focus on building good habits so that, when the time comes, I’m prepared and able to do my work even in tough times.”

Vivian said learning at age 8 that she could eventually need jaw surgery was frightening, but later found reassurance knowing the procedure was still years away. Receiving assistance through Wisdom for Wisdom has changed how she looks ahead.

“It means the world,” she said. “The money saved from this procedure will directly help me reach my goals of attending college by giving me more options for exploration and potential schools to attend. It will also help my family and I live more comfortably.”

After high school, Vivian hopes to attend a competitive four-year university, travel and build a meaningful career. Williams hopes the program’s impact extends beyond oral health.

“We hope that by delivering this care, we can relieve the financial stress for at least one family,” he said. “We also are happy to connect with a young member of our community in a way that perhaps inspires them to participate in other acts of community service or even develop an interest in dentistry or medicine.”

For families wondering whether wisdom teeth should be removed, Williams recommends screening around age 15 with an oral surgeon and appropriate X-rays. While not every patient requires removal, delaying treatment when it is recommended can increase the likelihood of pain, complications and more difficult recovery later in life, he says.

Patients who undergo surgery typically recover within several days. Most rest for three to five days, begin with liquids before transitioning to soft foods and resume a normal diet within about a week. Ice packs, over-the-counter pain medication and careful oral hygiene help promote healing.

As Vivian prepares for the next chapters of her education and medical journey, the support from Wisdom for Wisdom has given her family something increasingly valuable amid years of planning — relief.

“I am so appreciative of this amazing gift,” Vivian said. “Thank you so much.”

Reach Diablo Valley College journalism professor and freelance writer Charleen Earley at [email protected] or 925-383-3072.

Online

Meet Dr. Brad Williams and Wisdom for Wisdom recipient Vivian Velte, along with her mom, Jenny Velte in an online video at youtu.be/WJrzDiPvrOg?si=ypwLf8K3HkKjcnOr. See Vivian receive a consultation for her upcoming wisdom teeth removal after being selected as this year‘s Wisdom for Wisdom award recipient.