Does Orthodontic Treatment Help Facial Asymmetry?

It’s a well-known fact that if you didn’t get the luck of naturally straight teeth, orthodontic treatment is the best route to your most aligned smile. From traditional metal braces, clear and champagne braces, to Invisalign, the options seem to increase as quickly as teeth are straightened. But, does orthodontic treatment help facial asymmetry, too?

Here at Selden Orthodontics, we know having an asymmetrical face can really take a toll on your confidence and keep you from going after the things in life that you want. For some patients, the asymmetry in their face is not a concern, or they feel it helps define their individuality. If your facial asymmetry only brings good vibes, we don’t think you should change a thing. But, if you’re one of the many patients suffering from physical or self-esteem issues from the imbalance in your face, orthodontic treatment may actually be your solution, and Selden Orthodontics has the experience and options to get it done!

Effects of Facial Asymmetry

Studies have found that the symmetry of one’s face can affect how attractive one appears to others and that humans usually prefer a more symmetrical look. While nobody has perfect facial balance, there are cases where your asymmetry may be more than just aesthetically complicated. When it comes to functionality, facial asymmetry can disrupt the way you speak and eat and even cause jaw or head pains. 

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems become worse and require additional dental care later in life. 

In some patients, facial asymmetry is actually a symptom or side effect of an underlying and undiagnosed issue like sleep apnea or a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These conditions can have a much more drastic impact on your health than just a crooked smile. At Selden Orthodontics, our experienced team can provide specialized care for your unique needs to give you the smile you deserve. 

Causes of Facial Asymmetry

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Genetic causes of facial asymmetry could be tooth crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, and even jaw growth problems. Some facial imbalances can be attributed to thumb- or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, or other incidents that result in bite irregularities.

You may think that if you managed to make it to adulthood with a pretty symmetrical face, you’re in the clear. While that is typically true, and while your bones are no longer growing, your cartilage is, and it can alter your facial symmetry as you age. But there are other reasons you may face asymmetry that you may not have thought about besides genetics and aging, such as uneven muscles, accidents, and infections. 

There are also severe health conditions that can cause facial asymmetry that is not likely to be corrected with orthodontics. When there is reduced blood flow to the brain, it can cause a person to suffer a stroke. Drooping of one side of the face after the stroke can often result in a noticeable imbalance and asymmetry. Another medical condition called Graves disease causes fatty tissue to accumulate in the lower face making the lower cheeks and jawline appear too wide for the face as a whole.

How can Orthodontics help?

If you have asymmetry, you probably already know about it. Dr. Robert Selden and his skilled team can correct facial asymmetry with advanced options. We can evaluate your facial features and oral health to create a treatment plan that fits your needs! Let’s look at a few ways we can help.

The most common and best-practiced solution to facial asymmetry in the past was jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery. Now, that procedure is reserved for extreme cases and patients who are not likely to see adequate results from orthodontic treatments like braces. We will also best solve some cases with replacement, such as through implants and dental bridges. 

For cases considered typical or mild, such as under or overbite cases, Dr. Selden can utilize traditional braces, champagne braces, clear braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign to correct your symmetry. Don’t let the prospect of braces deter you from looking in the face of your dreams. Modern technology has made metal braces much smaller and more of a comfortable process, which you can even personalize with colored elastic bands to make the process that much more fun. And for those looking for the bang of traditional braces without the buck of an adolescent appearance, clear and ceramic braces swap that metal for a clear or tooth-colored ceramic that makes your orthodontic treatment a bit more inconspicuous. 

In certain situations where the facial asymmetry is caused by an upper jaw that is too small, a palatal expander is another orthodontic treatment option that uses high-grade metal bands attached to corresponding molars and joined high in the center of the roof of the mouth by a screw. This appliance is tightened at the screw with a unique key daily to slowly and carefully expand the upper palate to create the desired symmetry. 

In most cases, our skilled team can resolve facial asymmetry with non-invasive treatments, and by utilizing modern orthodontics, you can get the smile you deserve efficiently. It is a partnership between you and our orthodontic team, though. Your efforts in following Dr. Selden’s instructions and making it to your routine appointments while maintaining excellent oral hygiene will help you get your best results. 

For straight teeth AND symmetrical facial alignment, trust Selden Orthodontics

At Selden orthodontics, getting a straight new smile or fixing facial asymmetry is affordable and comfortable. We have two convenient offices located in Charlotte and Huntersville, so you don’t have to sacrifice your life for your orthodontic treatment. We care about you like you’re our own family, and we promise to give you the best quality care in a comfortable and fun setting. 

Get in touch with our skilled team today and schedule your FREE consultation to see how our orthodontic treatment options can help your smile or facial alignment. We offer easy appointments, flexible financing, and cutting-edge treatment to give you the confidence you’ve always wanted. 

Posted by Dr. Selden