When it comes to transforming your smile, you may have heard that orthodontic treatment like braces can do more than straighten your teeth. Many people wonder if braces can actually change the shape of their face. The answer is yes – advanced orthodontics has the potential to reshape your facial features as they align your bite subtly.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how orthodontic treatment works, how it can influence face shape, and the benefits of properly aligned teeth. But first, let’s examine the science behind how braces reshape facial structure.
What is orthodontics?
Diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws are the main goals of the specialty area of dentistry known as orthodontics. The main goals of orthodontic treatment are:
Alignment of crooked or misaligned teeth
Crooked or misaligned teeth occur when the teeth don’t erupt in their proper positions. Orthodontic treatment uses appliances like braces or clear aligners to apply gentle pressures that gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment along the dental arch. Straight teeth make a smile look better and are simpler to maintain.
Correcting abnormal bites (underbites, overbites, crossbites)
Different abnormal bites or malocclusions can develop due to tooth/jaw discrepancies.
Achieving proper jaw posi ion and teeth occlusion (bite)
The upper and lower teeth come together properly when biting down when the jaw is aligned properly and the bite is in the correct position. Orthodontic appliances like braces reposition the jaws and teeth so the bite fits ideally for proper chewing function.
Improving the overall appearance of the teeth and face
While orthodontics is primarily about correcting dental issues, improving facial aesthetics is also a goal. Aligning teeth and jaws can enhance the facial profile and smile attractiveness by creating better symmetry, jaw definition, and balanced proportions.
What is Invisalign aligner treatment?
At Luth & Heideman Center for Dental Care, Invisalign is a cutting-edge orthodontic procedure that gradually straightens teeth using a set of transparent, removable aligners rather than traditional metal braces.
Here’s how Invisalign aligner treatment works:
- The orthodontist takes 3D scans or impressions of the patient’s teeth to create a digital model.
- Using computer software, the orthodontist maps out a precise treatment plan of how and where the teeth will move from their current position to the desired final position.
- Based on this plan, a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligner trays will be manufactured. Each tray is slightly different, and minor adjustments are made to shift the teeth little by little.
- The patient wears each aligner tray for about 1-2 weeks before moving to the next tray in the sequence. The aligners apply gentle pressure to gradually reposition the teeth.
- Patients change to a new aligner tray every 1-2 weeks and visit the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress.
The following are the key benefits of Invisalign over braces:
- Nearly invisible appearance for confidence
- Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
- Smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable than metal wires/brackets
- Allows you to view the virtual treatment plan before starting
Most mild to moderate orthodontic problems, including crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, and underbites, can be successfully treated with Invisalign. However, more complex cases may still require traditional braces. Treatment time is comparable, averaging 12-18 months.
What are the different alignment issues that Invisalign treatment can correct?
- Gapped teeth – This refers to excess spacing or gaps between two or more teeth. Invisalign aligners apply precise forces to close these gaps and gradually align the teeth.
- Overbite—When biting down, an overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Invisalign can treat mild to moderate overbites by adjusting the angles and positioning of the teeth.
- Underbite—An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes out, causing the lower front teeth to extend past the upper front teeth. Invisalign treatment can gently reposition the teeth and jaws to correct an underbite.
- Open bite—An open bite means the upper and lower front teeth don’t overlap vertically when biting down, leaving an open space between them. Invisalign treatment plans reposition the teeth to interlock properly.
- Crowded teeth—Crowded teeth occur when there is insufficient room along the jawbone for teeth to erupt properly, causing overlapping and misalignment. Invisalign creates space and straightens crowded teeth.
- Crossbite—A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside. Invisalign aligners gradually shift the teeth to correct this misalignment.
While Invisalign can treat many alignment problems, more severe or complex cases may require traditional braces. Your orthodontist can evaluate if Invisalign is suitable for your specific dental misalignment.
Will there be any facial changes when you go for an orthodontic treatment?
While orthodontics primarily aims to straighten your teeth and correct your bite, this bone remodeling around your teeth can lead to subtle changes in your facial appearance. The extent of facial reshaping depends on the degree of bite correction needed. Here are some of the ways signature orthodontics can influence your face shape:
Improved Jawline Definition: If you had protruding top or bottom front teeth before treatment, properly aligning your bite can allow your lips to rest together without straining. This relaxed lip posture often enhances the definition of your chin and jawline.
Refined Chin Projection: These treatments can increase or decrease chin projection by gently repositioning the lower jaw, resulting in better facial balance.
More Balanced Facial Proportions: Severe underbites or crossbites cause asymmetries that distort the shapes of your nose, lips, and cheeks. Correcting major bite issues tends to harmonize your facial features for improved symmetry.
Experience the Advantages of Orthodontics
As you can see, orthodontic treatment provides substantial benefits beyond just a straighter, more attractive smile. The bite correction and subtle jawbone remodeling achieved through advanced orthodontics can enhance your facial appearance while improving oral health and function.
If you’re in Dover, OH, and are interested in exploring your orthodontic options, we invite you to contact the skilled team at Luth & Heideman Center for Dental Care. Our experienced orthodontists use the latest techniques and technologies to create beautifully aligned smiles tailored to each patient’s needs. Contact us today!
