The branch of general dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaw is called orthodontics
Orthodontics commonly uses braces to fix the misalignment problems of natural teeth for children and adults
Braces can correct several types of crooked teeth issues, including:
- Overcrowding
- Misalignment
- Uneven spacing
- Malocclusion problems of overbites and underbites
The Las Vegas braces experts at Absolute Dental will explain how we can help bring your teeth into proper alignment so that when you close your mouth, your teeth match together in an even bite. We offer four different types of braces to correct your dental misalignment problems. Contact us today to discuss your braces options.
Did you know that braces can alter the shape of your face?
It’s known that braces can affect the look of your teeth, but they will also have a definite impact on how your face appears. That’s because various orthodontic problems, as mentioned above, can cause lips, cheeks, and even your chin to look uneven. Let’s look at what to expect from orthodontic treatment and how braces can change your face and jawline shape.
Braces improve asymmetrical faces
Severe overcrowding and spacing issues can cause your face to look asymmetrical. One side of your face may look more lifted than the other, or your lips might be noticeably ill-matched. In many cases, braces can help improve the look of your lips, causing them to look more or less pronounced. Bringing the teeth into better symmetry will enhance your overall facial appearance and boost your confidence levels. Take a look at these celebrities’ braces before and after face shapes.
How do braces help your jawline?
The impact of how a jaw is positioned depends on the severity of the malocclusion or misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. The jaw extends outward for patients with an underbite because the teeth are misaligned. For overbites, the chin may look weak, and the lips may protrude from the face in an unflattering manner.
Braces can correct misalignment of both the teeth and jaw by returning the jaw to a more favorable position. This results in a symmetrical face, mouth, and smile, making it less likely to grind or gnash teeth while sleeping at night. It will also make chewing food easier to do and improve dental health.
View mouths with braces showing jaw overbite before and after photos.
Do braces change your jaw?
Ideally, teeth should come down evenly and rest on top of each other. This is known as intercuspation, a term used in orthodontics that simply refers to correcting misalignment issues affecting a patient’s bite. A corrected bite doesn’t just feel better; it also looks better for the entire face. There is less likelihood that your lips will protrude unevenly or your face will look asymmetrical. What’s more, intercuspation improves oral health, making it less likely you will grind your teeth or fracture a tooth when chewing.
Braces create distinct cheekbones and jawlines
Certain orthodontic conditions, especially underbites, and overbites, can cause problems with the jaw and cheeks. The uneven spacing of the teeth may cause your cheeks to look sunken in rather than pronounced. The appearance of your lips can either look too thin or pronounced because of the way your teeth are positioned.
Reduce double chins and uneven jawlines
Braces can help improve your smile’s look, directly impacting how your cheekbones and jawline work together. Your cheeks will look more distinct and sharp as a result, which can improve your facial structure, helping you maintain a youthful appearance. A more even, streamlined jawline can also help in enhancing the face. It’s not uncommon for orthodontic treatment to help reduce or eliminate double chins, as the jawline is put into a more even position.
Braces reduce uneven bites
Certain malocclusion problems can affect the way your mouth closes. Severe underbites, overbites, and open bites can prevent your lips from touching. Not only does this affect the look of your face at any given time, but it can also contribute to dry mouth and bad breath. Braces help to eradicate malocclusion problems, aligning your lips to touch more evenly and look natural. Orthodontic treatment will even out a face symmetrically.
Results from braces depend on maintaining a treatment plan
Orthodontic treatment is essential to correct a range of malocclusion and misalignment problems. Most often, braces are worn for anywhere from six months to about three years until treatment is considered finished. It is important that patients maintain their results by wearing a retainer nightly or every other night, even after treatment has finished. By maintaining your results, you’ll feel better with an attractive smile that looks youthful, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing.
All ages can wear braces
Braces, as well as other orthodontic treatment appliances, can be worn by children, teens as well as adults. Treatment is effective regardless of age, so it’s never too late to get braces to correct misalignment and malocclusion problems. In fact, it’s not uncommon for adults who have worn braces in the past to want or need re-treatment simply because they failed to maintain their results after the braces were removed.
Corrected teeth means to smile with confidence
By improving your smile, not only will you feel more confident talking and laughing with people, but you’ll find out how your facial features benefit from braces. You’ll notice the improvement of a more even facial structure, smooth jawline, and distinct cheekbones and lips that come correctly into contact with one another. You’ll feel more assured about your appearance and gain confidence in your smile, not to mention you’ll eat better, too!
Contact us to learn more about braces
Absolute Dental offers general dentistry for the whole family. We also have specialists in orthodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Are you in need of braces for children or adults? Give us a call at (844) 8-SMILE-NOW. We have convenient locations in Nevada, including Las Vegas and Reno.
Absolute Dental makes it easy to book your braces consultation appointment online today!
Sources:
Brennan, R. June 30, 2023. What is Malocclusion?
Maximum intercuspation – Everything Dentistry. 2018.
Metal Mouth! Photos of Celebs Before & After Braces. (2020).