The Link Between Orthodontics and Overall Facial Aesthetics

It’s no secret that orthodontic treatment can transform a person’s appearance. When teeth are shifted, it can turn previously misaligned or overcrowded teeth into a picture-perfect, straightened smile. However, orthodontics can impact appearance in more ways than that. In fact, the entire composition of a face can be affected, changing facial balance and symmetry. At Bronsky Orthodontics, we understand the overall impact orthodontic care can have on a person, from better health to more balanced facial aesthetics. 

The Impact of Oral Alignment on Facial Appearance

The health and position of our teeth have a larger correlation to our appearance than many realize. When we talk about facial aesthetics, this can encompass many elements of the face - jaws, teeth, lips - and their relationship to each other proportionally.

When the teeth or jaw are misaligned, it can create much larger issues than just an unbalanced smile. Imagine a line dividing your teeth into quadrants: upper, lower, right, and left. This imaginary line is known as the dental midline, and the goal is for that line to be perfectly centered. When it’s not, it creates an asymmetry within the mouth that extends throughout the face, in both subtle and more obvious ways. While on the subject of imaginary lines, this can relate to the concept of facial thirds as well, dividing the face into upper, middle, and lower segments, which can also affect the aesthetic balance of a face.

Bite and alignment play a big role here, impacting the lower portion of the face to potentially throw off overall balance. For example, when someone has an overbite, they may notice that their jaw appears sunken back or that their facial height appears short. With an underbite, their jaw and chin may protrude forward. In either instance, their facial profile will be significantly altered compared to what they’d see if their bite and jaw alignment were correct.

When considering smile aesthetics, the relationship between the teeth and lips can be changed through orthodontic treatment, too. Misalignment and malocclusion can affect the smile line (the natural curve of the upper teeth to the lower lip in relation to a smile) and the amount of gum tissue visible. The width of the dental arch can also change the appearance of the smile by determining how much space is visible on each side of the mouth while smiling. 

Left untreated, alignment, spacing, and bite issues can continue to create facial changes through lack of optimal functioning. When jaws are not properly aligned, it can create lasting problems with eating and speaking while causing strain and deterioration. Over time, this can cause changes to the jaw, chin, lips, and the surrounding soft tissue. 

Orthodontic Treatment with Facial Aesthetics in Mind 

Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can improve facial aesthetics, and if done early can even prevent more extensive issues later on. Early treatment allows experts like those at Bronsky Orthodontics to recognize problem areas before or as they are developing instead of after they’ve begun. Children and adolescents have the advantage of youth - they are still growing, making it a simpler process to alter the facial harmony and orientation of the jaw bones. Early intervention can modify the current path by guiding jaw growth, expanding the upper arch, and leading teeth into their optimal positions for a more balanced bite and facial appearance. While starting early is always beneficial, there are still options for children, teens, and adults wishing to invest in their teeth with aesthetics in mind at any time in development.

• Braces
  A well known orthodontic solution, braces are an effective tool to enable teeth and jaws to function better and improve facial balance. Depending on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle there are various types to choose from: traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or lingual braces that are fitted to the backside of the teeth. Braces work through the combination of brackets and wires to shift the position of teeth to improve bite, alignment, and spacing. 

• Invisalign®  (Clear aligner therapy)

  Invisalign® - or clear aligner therapy - is a popular treatment option among adults and teenagers looking for a more subtle and aesthetic option. The custom-fitted removable aligners work well for mild to moderate cases. 

• Orthodontic Appliances
  Certain orthodontic appliances may be an option either independently or in conjunction with fixed orthodontic treatment, both for initial treatment and for long-term consistency. This may include a palatal expander, Herbst appliance, retainers, and more. 

• Orthognathic Surgery
  Orthognathic surgery - also known as corrective jaw surgery - is surgery to reposition one or both jaws when problems are too severe for traditional, non-surgical treatment. 

Complexity of treatment will vary from patient to patient. In more complicated cases, traditional orthodontic treatment may be implemented along with oral surgery. In certain instances, individuals may choose to combine their orthodontic care with cosmetic procedures that will refine soft tissue contours more effectively. The best option for your needs can be determined by visiting an experienced, reputable orthodontic office like Bronsky Orthodontics. Using state-of-the-art technology, our team can visualize existing and incoming problems while mapping the best way forward for your specific situation. 

Find Facial Balance with Bronsky Orthodontics

When it comes to overall facial aesthetics, the importance of orthodontic evaluation cannot be overstated. For what seems like such a small part of our body, the mouth holds power over many elements of our lives. Proper bite and alignment can pave the path toward not just a straighter smile, but improved function, better oral health, and a more balanced and symmetrical facial profile. Early intervention can prevent future problems, but it’s never too late to find out how to improve your situation. Schedule a consultation with the expert team at Bronsky Orthodontics to start your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.