Facial asymmetry describes a condition in which one side of your child’s face does not match the other side. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces, can be effective in correcting facial asymmetry.
In this blog post, we discuss how orthodontic problems can contribute to facial asymmetry and how orthodontic treatment can help fix facial asymmetry in these cases.
At Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry, our child dentists and orthodontists treat many kinds of orthodontic issues. To learn more, call us at (480) 422-4544, or you can reach us online to ask a question or schedule a consultation with us.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Contribute to Facial Asymmetry?
Generally, facial asymmetry can have several causes, not all of which are related to orthodontic issues. For example, it can be caused by congenital defects, a stroke, aging, or sleep positions.
In several cases, orthodontic problems can have a direct bearing on the occurrence of facial asymmetry concerns. What follows are some of the known orthodontic factors.
Crossbite
In a crossbite, your child’s upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. This condition causes the jaw to shift to one side, which can lead to an asymmetrical face over time.
Open Bite
Having an open bite means your child’s upper and lower teeth do not meet up properly when the mouth is closed. Having an open bite will cause the facial muscles to overcompensate, leading to changes in your child’s facial structure.
Overbite
Normally, the top and bottom teeth overlap a bit when biting. With an overbite, your child’s upper teeth come down too far over the lower ones.
Underbite
In this condition, your child’s lower jaw sticks out farther than the upper jaw. This leads to a prominent chin on one side of the face.
Missing Teeth and Uneven Tooth Growth
When your child loses a tooth, the surrounding teeth can start shifting into the empty space. This affects facial balance. Teeth that are significantly different in size or shape on one side of the mouth can also contribute to facial asymmetry.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Facial asymmetry can be a sign of a TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull’s temporal bone.
How Braces Can Help Treat Facial Asymmetry
Braces apply continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into proper alignment.
Braces can positively affect your child’s overall facial structure, including the lower face and jaw. By correcting bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, braces can enhance jaw symmetry and result in a more balanced facial profile.
Some of the specific ways braces can correct facial asymmetry include:
- Improving jaw alignment to correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Improving chin and lip positioning
- Correcting teeth positioning to improve the alignment of the lips and cheeks
The orthodontic treatment plan typically involves an initial consultation, applying the braces, and then regularly adjusting them while monitoring changes in facial symmetry. When treatment with braces is complete, a retainer is often used to maintain the positive results.
Can Other Orthodontic Treatment Options Fix Facial Asymmetry?
Braces can be highly effective in treating facial asymmetry symptoms, but they are not the only option. For example, clear plastic aligners like Invisalign can have the same positive effects as wearing braces, but are removable and less visible.
In severe cases of jaw misalignment, more intensive treatments may be necessary. Braces primarily work by repositioning teeth, so if the cause of the asymmetry is more related to the jaw, then other treatment methods, such as functional braces, palatal expanders, or orthognathic surgery, may be necessary.
In some cases, a combination of orthodontic treatments and devices may be necessary. For example, oral surgery may be followed by braces treatment.
Can Braces Fix Facial Asymmetrical Jaw Problems for Your Child?
If you bring your child to Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry for a consultation, one of our pediatric dentists or orthodontists will help you understand your treatment options, allowing you to make the best-informed decision.
If orthodontic treatment is necessary to achieve facial symmetry and an aesthetically pleasing, functional smile for your child, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options and methods.
A radiant and healthy smile, as well as improved oral health, all start with a phone call to (480) 422-4544. Alternatively, you can use our contact form to schedule a consultation for your child.