Do Braces change facial shape and appearance?
Orthodontists don’t just focus on making teeth straight and fixing bad bites with braces – they also manage and enhance a person’s entire facial shape and appearance. In addition to a general dental degree, orthodontists train for three years in a number of specialty areas including how braces change facial shape and development.
A highly skilled orthodontist can correct crooked teeth, gappy teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites and other orthodontic issues very subtly and the result can actually be improved facial appearance and symmetry.
How do braces change a person’s face?
Orthodontists manage the developing teeth and faces of young children and adolescents, as well as adults who have long since stopped growing.
Pre-adolescent treatment
Not all children will need pre-adolescent treatment, but early assessment is imperative to ensure successful long-term outcomes. Children between the ages of 7-10 with obvious dental problems should be seen by an orthodontist to assess whether early intervention is needed to correct problems such as crossbites or overbites.
This initial phase is critical in assessing problem areas at an early age and can often reduce the need for further treatment down the track.
Adolescent treatment
Once teenagers have their full set of adult teeth, treatment options such as braces can be considered when necessary. This type of ‘traditional’ orthodontic treatment is usually required to achieve ideal dental alignment and facial balance.
Adolescents who have protruding, crooked, crowded or gappy teeth are great candidates for braces, which can bring about very subtle changes in the facial profile and restore symmetry whilst simultaneously creating a beautiful smile.
The rapid growth and change that orthodontists see during this period also allows them the opportunity to influence facial growth and function in other ways, too.
Adult treatment
With advances in technology there is now a range of treatments available for adults requiring orthodontic treatment – including clear or tooth-coloured braces, clear aligners and lingual (inside) braces.
Although most improvements can be achieved through non-surgical, routine orthodontic treatment, for severe jaw and facial imbalances, orthodontists will work with other specialists (such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons) to form an expert team that can achieve dramatic, life changing cosmetic and functional improvements for adult patients.
How do I know if my facial shape will change with my treatment?
In many cases, these facial enhancements are simply one of the positive side effects of having the teeth and bite realigned. However, in some cases, facial profile enhancements are actually part of the treatment objectives, and the end result (what your smile and face will look like after treatment) can often be predicted during your consultation.
When it comes to assessing treatment options for yourself or your children, it’s essential that you get advice from a specialist orthodontist. After all, orthodontists dedicate all day, every day to aligning jaws and teeth – so you can rest assured that any possible changes in facial appearance will be positive!
Your smile is unique...
…so your treatment will be as well.
Your local Orthodontist can discuss the benefits of orthodontic treatment, and they will be able to explain your options and discuss with you what suits you best and what you want.
So click the link below to find your nearest Clear Choice Orthodontist and get ready for your new smile.
all Orthodontists are qualified dentists
they then study for an additional 3 years
including 5,000 hours of practical training
specialists in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws