A New Smile With Orthodontics

Orthodontics are a great way to rebuild our smiles. For a long time, orthodontic braces was a treatment only used for children. The advances in orthodontic materials have led to changes in the appearance of orthodontic technology, and increased speed of movement of our teeth. Many teenagers and adults now seek orthodontic treatments to feel more confident about their teeth. There are many treatments available now to improve your facial aesthetics through cosmetic treatments. When a person's teeth is being moved during orthodontic treatments, changes do occur to the mouth, lips, chin, and cheeks. Many people wonder if an orthodontic treatment can change a person’s facial appearance.

Once an orthodontic treatment is completed, many patients will look in the mirror and notice changes to their face. The biggest change happens when they smile for the first time, as this will show off the new symmetry of their smile. The change will be even more noticeable if there are major corrections completed during the orthodontic treatment.

How Do Orthodontic Corrections Change Your Facial Appearance?

• Correction of overbite - an overbite can cause the upper lip to protrude outward. In extreme cases, the upper lip is so far advanced that the lips are not able to completely cover and close the mouth. In the side profile, the upper lip flares and the mid face is pronounced. After the completion of orthodontic movement, the facial area from nose down to chin flattens, and the appearance can soften.
• Correction of underbite - an underbite causes the chin to protrude and the lower lip to retrude, giving you a “Moon Shape” profile. After the orthodontic movement, the face loses much of this concavity. This helps to flatten and soften the features, bringing the lips together in a more natural look. Underbite correction may in some cases require surgery.
• Openbite correction - before correction, the mouth and lips may seem a bit overstretched. In more severe cases, the lips do not touch at rest. After the movement, The mid-face appears more relaxed and the lips come together at rest. A severe openbite may require surgery to be fully corrected.
• Upper or lower jaw expansion - there are times when a patient has too little space in one or both of their arches. The middle of the face may be narrow and cheeks a bit hollow. If space needs to be created, a device is custom-made called an orthodontic expander. If it is used on the top jaw, it is referred to as a palatal expander. When used on the lower jaw, it is called a mandibular expander. Expanders are mostly used for children, but they can also be used on adults in combination with surgery. The expansion is usually done in very small increments and usually will go unnoticed. A more symmetrical smile and wider mid-face will be the end result.

Orthodontic Treatments

Having an orthodontic treatment can change a person's physical appearance in multiple ways. These changes can include a bigger smile, straighter teeth, and balancing of one’s facial appearance. The changes to a person’s face are often more pronounced when surgery is involved. A person’s side profile can be the most dramatic change. When teeth are in proper alignment, the profile of a person will be more in line with the rest of their facial features, creating a more symmetrical facial appearance. 

The facial changes can usually be predicted prior to orthodontic treatment. Ask your dentist what changes you can expect based on your unique smile.