Do Braces Change Your Face Shape?

The short answer is, "Yes." But, the long answer gets complex. The idea behind orthodontic treatment is to move any misaligned teeth that you have into alignment. Misalignment could be horizontal, which is called malocclusion, or vertical, which is called ankylosis. Through the process of moving the teeth, the bone of the jaw is destroyed and rebuilt at the same time. It's similar to dragging your hand through the water. You break the surface tension in front of your hand, and the water closes in behind your hand. Therefore, it follows that when your teeth are in their new spots, and your jaw has aligned itself to match the new position of your teeth, your face will have changed shape. Depending on the severity of the misalignment of your teeth before beginning treatment, the change could be either subtle or pronounced.
 

What Actually Changes?

Despite a study where patients, especially female patients, complained about sunken temples, protruding cheekbones, and an overall thinner, even dolichocephalic shape of the face, the changes tend to be relatively minor. The collective name for the aforementioned three conditions is "braces face." Although the changes are relatively minor, the patient's perception of those changes may not be so minor. The study concluded that it was difficult, if not impossible, to tell if the changes were noticeable enough to affect people's perception of the patient or if the patient simply thought that they were.
 

The Power of Technology

These days, it's possible to use 3-D imaging to project how your face will look after the completion of your orthodontic treatment. It's also possible to see how you'd change over time. That way, you can balance your medical need with the perceived outcome to make a well-informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the treatment.

And, it's not just cosmetic uses that are helpful for FL Orlando patients. The imaging technology is useful for the dentists who provide adult orthodontics in Orlando. Needing and getting FL adult braces shouldn't be a difficult proposition, which is why we aim to make it as comfortable as possible. Check out our website to see what we're about and to make an appointment.
 

Actual Improvement in Face Shape

When it comes to FL adult braces, they can actually help with certain conditions. These include common conditions in FL Orlando, such as overbites, underbites, and overjets. In some instances, these conditions must be corrected with surgery, but in many cases, adult orthodontics in Orlando will suffice.
 

Find Out What's What

At Dr. Dann Orthodontics for Children and Adults, you can meet with Dr. Dann himself to discuss possible treatments for the misalignment of your teeth. You can see how you will look after the completion of your treatment. And, you can feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns that you might have regarding treatment. Give us a call, or drop by the office to make an appointment today.