ou only get one smile, and it’s the first thing most people notice about you. It can define so much of your personality and affect how you carry yourself. The symmetry of your face can even influence how you position yourself in photographs and interviews. The asymmetry can actually cause some people pain in the jaw and head.
At Wiesemann Orthodontics, we know that having an asymmetrical face and smile can affect your confidence and your overall health. We are passionate about helping you achieve the symmetry that will give you a radiant and healthy smile. Let’s take a look at the relationship between your facial symmetry and the ways orthodontic treatment can fix your smile and your confidence.
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 pain.
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 excessive stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems worsen 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 Wiesemann Orthodontics, our experienced team can provide specialized care for your unique needs to change your smile and your life.
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, your cartilage continues to grow and it can alter your facial symmetry. There are other reasons such as uneven muscles, accidents and infections that can also contribute to asymmetry issues.
There are also severe health concerns that can cause facial asymmetry. Bell’s Palsy is a viral infection that causes facial paralysis of the muscles on one side of your face. Another less common condition is called Torticollis, or “twisted neck,” which causes your neck muscles to rest in an abnormal position and result in facial asymmetry. This usually only occurs in the womb, and both of these conditions are generally temporary.
How can Orthodontics help?
If you have issues with facial asymmetry, there’s a good chance you already know about it and have wondered what could be done. Luckily, Dr. Ryan Wiesemann and his skilled team have plenty of experience correcting facial asymmetry with advanced options. We can evaluate the relationship between your facial features and your oral health to create a treatment plan that best fits your needs!
In the past, the most common and best-practiced solution to facial asymmetry 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.
For cases that are considered typical or mild, such as with an underbite or overbite, our orthodontists can utilize traditional braces or even 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 a more comfortable process, which you can even personalize with colored elastic bands to make it 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. This option utilizes 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 special 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.
Wiesemann Orthodontics for an aesthetic AND functional smile
You only get one smile, and you can trust Dr. Wiesemann and his skilled team to give you the care you deserve. Our Wiesemann Orthodontics team is knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to guide you through your orthodontic process. We value the relationship we build with you and your family and want you to be confident that you receive the best orthodontic care possible.
Choosing an orthodontic practice to trust with the beauty of your smile is an important decision. We welcome you and your family to our practice and pride ourselves on staying up-to-date on the latest orthodontic treatments and technologies. We have four offices conveniently located in Bowling Green, KY, Russellville, KY, Portland, TN, and White House, TN, making your orthodontic care close to home, school, and work. When you’re ready to start your orthodontic journey to facial symmetry, we are prepared to help you. Schedule your FREE consultation today!