Social media has made it easier than ever to stay connected in today’s society. While that certainly has its perks, it also comes with a few cons. We can all experience the face-tuning trend that turns selfies into visions of unattainable perfection. The trend is causing patients throughout Greensboro and High Point to turn to their doctors to answer one glaring question: Can orthodontics fix my facial asymmetry?
Facial asymmetry can be a source of insecurity for many people. While our team at Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics encourages a healthy sense of body positivity, we’re here to explain how orthodontic treatment can affect facial asymmetry and ways you can gain self-confidence without the filters.
What is facial asymmetry?
Facial asymmetry is the imbalance of your facial structures on either side of your face. Nearly everyone has some degree of facial asymmetry, so don’t let it get you down if you’ve noticed this in your features. It is part of being human to have some slight asymmetry caused by genetics, facial growth as you get older, or the way your jaw is structured.
Usually, this slight asymmetry is unnoticeable or even considered an integral part of what makes you, but anxieties and insecurities may arise in some more severe cases of asymmetry. Asymmetries may cause a “weak” chin, sunken cheeks, or double chins, and many patients with more noticeable cases feel pressed to find a solution.
We typically chalk it up to your bite when it comes to the orthodontic side of facial asymmetry.
Types of Bites
Everyone’s mouth is different, and everyone’s bite falls into several categories. Each bite pattern tells of your jaw structure, which plays a massive role in facial symmetry. The first step your orthodontist will take toward addressing your facial asymmetry concerns is determining your bite pattern.
Overbite
Overbites are arguably the most common bite pattern. If your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth when your mouth is closed, you may have an overbite. Not every overbite needs correction, but more severe overbites may cause your chin to have a receding appearance known as a “weak” chin.
Underbite
You can recognize an underbite by a protruding lower jaw that causes the bottom teeth to rest in front of the top teeth when your mouth is closed. People with underbites may see the most significant change in facial symmetry with orthodontic treatment with Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics.
Crossbite
Crossbites consist of a mix of the above two malocclusions (bite patterns) so that in this pattern, some of the front teeth overlap the bottom teeth, and some rest behind the bottom teeth.
Open Bite
You can recognize an open bite by the distinctive gap between the top and bottom teeth – they don’t meet in the middle. While this bite pattern can cause issues, including difficulty chewing, it can also cause the face to appear longer, meaning that people with it may also see significant results with orthodontic treatment.
How can my orthodontist help with asymmetry?
It’s ideal to address asymmetry early when you notice it at a young age. The jawline and face structure are still growing and changing, which means the face and bones adapt much more readily to orthodontic treatment. Even still, Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Seitz can correct facial asymmetry in older patients with braces and corrective jaw surgery in more severe cases.
Typically, depending on the unique characteristics of your teeth, your orthodontist will use one of several treatment methods to attempt to bring your bite pattern to a more neutral position with a process called intercuspation. The goal of intercuspation is to align your teeth. By aligning your teeth, the hope is that your face and jaw angles are adjusted to produce a more symmetrical effect without physically changing any of your other facial features. Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics offers the following treatment options to help you get a more beautiful smile.
Metal Braces
As the traditional option, metal braces are often the first to consider orthodontic treatment. Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever and can straighten your smile faster, too. These braces work by tightening the wire attached to a bracket glued to each tooth. Gentle, continuous pressure will guide your teeth over 12-36 months, depending on the severity of your case, your mouth’s response to treatment, and your desired outcome.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces. The difference is that clear braces use translucent ceramic brackets that blend in with the color of your teeth and provide a less noticeable appearance. Clear braces are an excellent option for adults and teens who have cosmetic concerns about their treatment.
This removable treatment option uses a series of clear trays that adjust your teeth without wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth with an almost invisible look. By wearing these trays for 22 hours per day for 9-15 months, you’ll see results in no time.
Gain confidence with treatment from Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics
At Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics in Greensboro and High Point, we’ll work with you one-on-one to get your desired results. We don’t want insecurities around facial asymmetry to get in the way of your unique and beautiful smile, and orthodontic treatment can be a step in the right direction to addressing your concerns. If you’re ready to meet with Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, or Dr. Seitz to learn how orthodontics can help you, schedule an appointment for your free consultation!