Some types of orthodontic treatments can permanently change the appearance of your face. Most commonly, your jaw position, your lip relationship and the fullness of your cheeks. Firstly, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t apply to everybody and orthodontics will not always change your facial appearance. Secondly, it tends to always be an improvement in proportions and therefore, a change for the better.
It’s extremely common for the human face to have a certain degree of asymmetry. But for some people, this asymmetry is particularly pronounced, and it is often caused by misalignment of their jaws.
Orthodontics slowly and subtly restores symmetry, proportions and improvements to your face.
When will braces change your face?
Here are some common problems that braces change effectively
- Underbite or Reverse Over Jet When you have an underbite your chin sticks out, making it look larger and causing what is often called a “moon face”. This because the proportions are all wrong and your upper jaw appears sunken and pushed back. When the problem is corrected with orthodontics the overall features of the face soften, and your smile, your chin and your cheek bones are more more in proportion.
- Overbite or Over Jet This is one of the most common alignment issues and a source of embarrassment for many people. An overbite can cause the upper lip to jut out and curl up. While causing the cheeks and lower lip to look sunken. Braces change the way your jaw and teeth fit together, creating better harmony throughout the lower half of the face. Including giving the chin a stronger, more proportionate appearance. An overbite can quite often give the upper teeth a ‘goofy’ or ‘Bugs Bunny’ look, by correcting the relationship between the top and bottom jaws, this is all but eliminated.
- Open Bite An open bite is when the mouth always appears stretched your front teeth do not meet and your tongue can quite often fill the space. And, in severe cases, it prevents the mouth from completely closing naturally. This is typically caused by a “thumb sucking” habit and it’s an especially noticeable problem that is even visible in profile because it causes the upper lip to jut out. Braces correct the underlying alignment problem, close the gap between the front teeth and give the mouth a more natural resting position and appearance.
- Crooked Teeth Even minor issues with the alignment of the teeth can make it embarrassing to smile or laugh. Braces correct spacing and directional issues so that patients never hesitate to reveal their teeth. Making you much more inclined to, and comfortable when, smiling – making the biggest difference to your face!
When will braces not change your face?
Corrections of any subtle misalignments and crowding won’t an effect on the appearance of your face. equally, If the misalignments are severe , orthodontics alone will not be enough to make changes to your face. If this is the case you may need to explore the options of orthognathic surgery.
See our brace treatments here.