A common question when it comes to braces is whether or not they change your face shape. The impact of braces on facial aesthetics is a common concern, especially for those who are mindful of how their appearance may change during and after treatment. While the primary goal of braces is to straighten teeth and correct bites, they can also influence the overall structure of the face.
Although the short answer is yes, we look to explain how braces can affect facial features, including the jawline, and lips as well as alternative options to braces.
In childhood, braces can have a noticeable impact on face shape. Since children’s bones are still growing, orthodontic treatment can guide jaw development and correct misalignments that might otherwise cause issues later in life. By aligning the teeth and properly positioning the jaws, braces can improve facial symmetry, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance. This early intervention can prevent more severe problems and may lead to more significant changes in the shape of the face.
For adults, braces can also influence face shape, although the changes tend to be subtler. Fully developed bone structures mean that the scope for dramatic transformation is limited compared to children. However, braces can still refine the jawline and align the teeth, which can enhance facial balance and symmetry. These adjustments can lead to a more polished and aesthetically pleasing appearance, even if the changes are less pronounced than those seen in younger patients.
Braces can indeed improve the appearance of the jawline by addressing various alignment issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. When the teeth and jaws are properly aligned, the jawline becomes more defined and symmetrical.
Correcting an overbite, for example, can bring the upper jaw back into balance with the lower jaw, enhancing the overall harmony of the face. Similarly, addressing an underbite can prevent the lower jaw from protruding too far forward, which can make the jawline appear more prominent and aligned. By resolving these issues, braces contribute to a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing jawline.
So, “Do braces improve jawline?” The answer is typically yes. While the extent of the improvement can vary depending on individual factors, many patients find that their jawline becomes more refined and balanced after treatment.
Yes, braces can affect your lips, but usually in a positive way. The alignment of your teeth plays a significant role in how your lips rest when your mouth is closed. Misaligned teeth can cause your lips to protrude or not meet properly, which may affect the overall balance of your facial features.
When braces correct these misalignments, they can subtly alter the way your lips sit on your face. For instance, if you had an overbite that pushed your upper teeth forward, this might have caused your upper lip to stick out more than usual. As braces bring your teeth into alignment, your lips may also adjust, resulting in a more natural and harmonious appearance.
The good news is that any changes to your lips are typically subtle and enhance your overall look. By bringing your teeth into proper alignment, braces help your lips rest comfortably and naturally, contributing to the improved aesthetics of your smile and face.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign or spark aligners offer a discreet and flexible option for correcting misaligned teeth and enhancing your facial aesthetics. These custom-made, transparent trays gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions without the need for metal brackets or wires. Clear aligners are especially appealing for those looking for a less noticeable way to improve their smile. They can effectively address many of the same issues that braces do, including improving the jawline and overall facial symmetry.
In more severe cases of jaw misalignment, orthognathic surgery may be considered as a direct and effective solution. This surgical procedure is designed to correct significant structural issues that braces or aligners alone cannot address. By repositioning the jaws, orthognathic surgery can dramatically improve facial balance, enhance the jawline, and resolve functional problems like difficulty chewing or breathing. It’s a more involved approach, typically recommended for complex cases where other treatments may fall short.
While retainers are primarily used to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment, they also play a role in preserving the improvements made to your face shape and jawline. After braces or clear aligners, wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in their new positions, ensuring that the positive changes to your facial structure are long-lasting.
Ready to explore how orthodontic treatment can enhance your smile and improve your facial aesthetics? Contact Gullotta Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation. Our team is dedicated to providing expert, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re considering braces, clear aligners, or exploring other treatment options, we’re here to help you achieve a confident, beautiful smile.
Have you been thinking about straight teeth, nicer facial profile and confidence when smiling? Are you struggling to find time to attend appointments every 4-6 weeks? Invisalign treatment using dental monitoring at Gullotta Orthodontics will help you solve this issue. With dental monitoring, you will be achieving the straight teeth and beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of with fewer visits
Dental monitoring is an app on your smartphone that enables you to take weekly selfies of your teeth and automatically send them to our dental monitoring team. If everything is on track you will receive a reply, within 12 hours, to confirm you can continue treatment (change aligners) and not need to see us. In this way, our patients are not required to come back to have their teeth checked on a regular basis and know they are progressing well.
If you have any question about your treatment, you can use dental monitoring app to ask us questions, making communication efficient and saving time. Don’t worry if you forget your weekly selfies – the app will remind you!
At Gullotta Orthodontics, we currently use dental monitoring for patients who are wearing Invisalign aligners. There are many benefits to this software including:
Ready to find out how dental monitoring could enhance your orthodontic treatment experience? Book your free consultation with our team today.
Dental Monitoring a registered medical device, you should always read and follow the label and the instructions of your treating orthodontist.
It’s true that orthodontists can be expensive.
I mean, they’re specialists. They’ve finished dental school (which takes at least 5 years) and then spent another three years in post-graduate training.
So, a dentist is a bit like a GP who can treat common health complaints. Whereas, an orthodontist is like an eye specialist or a surgeon, who can tailor treatment to a specific problem.
Orthodontists can straighten teeth, but they do more than that. They get to the cause of the misalignment and correct the problem.
So orthodontic treatment can be costly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t afford it.
We’ve put together a short guide to help ensure you find an orthodontist you can afford, but who’ll still give you great results.
Choose an orthodontist who offers an initial consultation free of charge. You need to get to know each other and decide if you’re a good match.
You need to be able to ask questions before you commit to an ongoing health care relationship. So look for an orthodontist who offers the first appointment free to help you understand:
Your orthodontist should also give you information on living with Invisalign or braces.
Look for an orthodontist that helps you get straight teeth with fewer appointments. Sounds almost unbelievable, doesn’t it?
But if your orthodontist is staying up to date with technology, they should be offering dental monitoring services.
This is a way of using your smartphone as a remote monitoring device, to help your orthodontic treatment, and to help straighten your teeth.
Dental monitoring allows you to take a video or photos of your teeth using a smartphone. These are then analysed by the dental monitoring algorithms and the results are delivered directly to your orthodontist.
So, your orthodontist can see the changes right from the photos, which means you don’t need to come into the office for a check-up unless you need new aligners. Pretty cool, huh?
Straight teeth don’t just look good, they function better. They help you chew and digest your food effectively, prevent or relieve pain, and decrease bacteria (helping to prevent gum disease).
In fact, even small alignment issues can have a major impact on your dental health.
So, having crooked or misaligned teeth is a risk, whether you’re a child or an adult. You owe it to yourself and your family to prevent health problems.
Your orthodontic treatment plan should be tailored to your unique needs, because no two people are the same. Your orthodontist should also be able to tailor a payment plan that fits your budget.
You should expect to make an initial deposit and regular payments, but they should be affordable. A great orthodontic practice can help you work out a plan that will work for both of you.
And that’s what you want. Someone who’ll work with you. Someone to partner with you during this journey.
That’s what we do at Gullotta Orthodontics because our dream is to make you smile!
Are you ready for a revolution?
I don’t mean we’re going to overthrow the government. I mean a revolution in dentistry.
Don’t roll your eyes until you hear more! This is seriously amazing stuff.
You see, at Gullotta Orthodontics we like to stay at the forefront of technology. We like to offer our patients the very best.
And that’s why we’re excited to announce that we now offer dental monitoring services.
Wondering what that is? Well, it’s a way of transforming your smartphone into a remote monitoring device, to help your orthodontic treatment, and to help straighten your teeth.
Amazing, huh? That’s right, there’s an app for that!
Dental monitoring is innovative new technology that makes it easier than ever to achieve beautiful, straight teeth. Here’s what you need to know.
Dental monitoring allows you to take a video (or photos) of your teeth using your Apple or Android smartphone. The scans are then analysed by the dental monitoring algorithms.
Results are delivered directly to your orthodontist who can make adjustments to your treatment according to the movement of your teeth. That’s right, we can see the changes right from the photos, so there is no need to come into the office for a check-up. Simply snap a photo and you’re good to go!
At your first appointment with your orthodontist, they will create a digital 3-D model of your teeth. Then, when you send in photos using the app, the system matches those photos to your model, adjusting it as your teeth move.
The system can also detect the fit of your aligners and whether you can change into the next clear aligner. This means you’ll change the aligner at the optimal time, and that reduces your treatment time.
We get it: getting to orthodontic appointments can be inconvenient. You have a lot of priorities.
With dental monitoring, you’ll have fewer appointments, freeing you up for the other important things in your life. Like spending time with your friends and family.
Fewer appointments also means less expense for you, as you won’t need to pay for as many visits.
Your treatment will also be more efficient, as we can monitor the changes in your mouth in real time. This enables you to get your teeth straightened as quickly as possible.
We are proud to be among the first orthodontists in Australia to offer dental monitoring services. Because this technology is so new, we’re sure you’ve got plenty of questions.
We welcome you to get in touch with us or schedule a free consultation to learn more. Call us today to book your appointment.
Like a little brain teaser?
What you know (or think you know) can make a difference when you’re making a decision about braces. Misconceptions about braces or dentistry can affect your health.
Try our quiz, to test your knowledge of orthodontics.
False: While it’s true that people vary when it comes to their teeth, no one is born with perfectly straight teeth.
Even if you are born with reasonably straight teeth, you could still have an overbite or underbite. And an orthodontist can correct that.
False: While it’s ideal to have braces to correct your bite or straighten your teeth at a young age, it’s not mandatory.
Many Australian orthodontists report that 25 to 30 percent of their patients are adults. Some are even going back for braces a second time after having them as a child.
False: There is evidence of braces in ancient Egypt. Archeologists have found mummies with metal bands and braces that are roughly similar to what we use.
True orthodontics began in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1728 a French dentist by the name of Pierre Fauchard used a metal device to expand the arch of his patients.
False: Braces do have a cost. Luckily, most orthodontists offer payment plans and some costs may be covered by insurance.
You can also save up ahead of time. In fact, forgoing braces may mean much more expensive dental work in later years because the straighter your teeth, the easier they are to clean.
False: Some of the DIY methods going around might straighten teeth. However, they won’t correct an overbite or underbite.
What’s more, you run the risk of damaging your teeth and gums.
False: When your braces come off, your teeth are in alignment with your mouth.
However, it takes time for them to stabilise and they will start to shift again once they speciality in position by braces. You need to wear a retainer for an absolute minimum of one year or as long as your orthodontist recommends.
False: Of all the items on this list, this one may be the most important misconception.
Braces improve the health of your teeth and jaw. Orthodontists decrease the risk of tooth decay, receding gums, uneven wear and jaw pain.
If you or your child need braces, you should find a qualified orthodontist – it’s a dental specialty. Please contact us for an appointment and assessment.
Don’t let misconceptions stop you from improving your oral health and appearance.
