Can Orthodontics Fix Facial Asymmetry?

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It’s an important part of making a first impression and can impact how people perceive you. On top of that, it can impact how you perceive yourself, which can affect your confidence. There’s one more subtle thing about you that people notice: your facial symmetry. Asymmetry of the face can include uneven brow lines, offset nostrils, or even an unaligned jaw shape. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. Most people have asymmetrical facial features, and perfect facial symmetry is far less common. However, some facial asymmetry is more pronounced and may cause or be a cause of oral or general health concerns. Every face is unique, and there are a number of ways that orthodontics can fix facial asymmetry. 

At Williams & Hamman Orthodontics, we want you to have full confidence in your smile and oral health. So when an asymmetrical face impacts your comfort, health, or just how you feel about yourself, we want to help get you back where you want. To help you understand how we can help you achieve the perfect smile, let’s examine the relationship between your facial symmetry and the ways orthodontic treatment can fix your smile.

What are the causes of facial asymmetry?

You may think that once you reach adulthood, your facial structure is set in stone. While that is typically true, as your bones are no longer growing and your cartilage is still growing, this can alter your facial symmetry as you age. There are other reasons you may find yourself dealing with asymmetry that you may not have thought about. For example, genetics and aging, uneven muscles, accidents, injuries, and infections can cause asymmetry. 

There are severe health complications 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. A less common condition is called Torticollis, also known as “twisted neck.” This condition 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. Other causes can include lifestyle choices such as smoking, sun damage from tanning or overexposure, and certain dental procedures. 

What are the effects of facial asymmetry?

Smiles are a big part of how we make a good first impression and give us confidence. However, beyond physical confidence, facial symmetry can reveal the state of your health. While nobody has perfect facial symmetry, there are cases where your asymmetry may be more than just a matter of how you look. Facial asymmetry can cause functional problems, such as disrupting the way you speak and eat and even causing jaw or head pains. 

In some cases, facial asymmetry could be a sign of a much deeper medical issue. For some patients, it’s a symptom or side effect of underlying, and perhaps undiagnosed, issues like sleep apnea or a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These conditions can have a much more drastic effect on your overall health, with far more severe consequences than lackluster aesthetics. That’s where we can help. At Williams & Hamman Orthodontics, our well-trained team is able to provide specialized care for your unique needs to give you the smile you want. 

How can orthodontics help?

If you’re interested in treatment for facial asymmetry, Williams & Hamman Orthodontics offers a variety of different solutions. Our experienced orthodontic team is passionate about helping people achieve the kind of smile they deserve. At our office, we have several treatments that can help align your face to your ideal standards:

metal braces

Traditional metal braces are one of the most common and widely recognized types of orthodontic treatment. The brackets are made of a mix of stainless steel and other high-quality metals, giving them long-lasting durability. Modern advancements have made metal braces lighter and more comfortable compared to bulky, painful braces of the past. They also come with elastic bands that help with bite correction and come in multiple colors so you can add some personality to your treatment.

clear braces

Also known as “ceramic braces,” clear braces work in the same way metal braces do but with a sleeker, more invisible appearance. While clear braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re made with tooth-colored, polycrystalline ceramic material and elastic ties. The only downside to clear braces is that they are less durable and more prone to damage. This is a popular option for older patients, such as teens and adults, because of its more discreet appearance. 

invisalign

Don’t want brackets and wire? Invisalign retainers have the discreet appearance of clear braces but without wires and metal. They are easily removable and made using photos and X-rays of your mouth taken by our team to make a custom fit for you. To be effective, they will have to be worn 22 hours a day. You will likely wear yours for 9-15 months depending on your needs and go through several trays throughout your treatment.

early interceptive treatment

Also known as “Interceptive treatment” or “Phase I treatment,” this option occurs when all of the permanent teeth erupt and usually involves a full set of braces. This treatment helps create facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth. It guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later.

Trust Williams & Hamman Orthodontics

You deserve the right guidance on your journey to a better smile, and that means finding the right team to show you the way. Our experienced team at Williams & Hamman Orthodontics is dedicated to making your experience a professional and personalized one, from initial consultation to your most recent checkup. If you are wondering what the best route to your perfect smile is, schedule your FREE consultation in Southaven today, and let Dr. Williams and Dr. Hamman help you navigate this journey with confidence.