Can Braces Change Your Jaw?
Yes, braces can indeed influence the position and shape of your jaw, but the extent of this change depends on several factors. While braces primarily focus on straightening teeth, their impact on the jaw is a significant aspect of orthodontic treatment, particularly in cases involving malocclusion (improper bite) or jaw discrepancies. Let's delve deeper into how and when braces might affect your jaw.
How Do Braces Affect Jaw Growth and Position?
Braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth. This pressure isn't just limited to moving individual teeth; it can also stimulate changes in the underlying bone and, consequently, the jaw itself. This occurs primarily during the growth and development phases of adolescence.
For younger patients whose jaws are still growing, braces can guide jaw development, helping to correct problems like:
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Underbites (Class III Malocclusion): Where the lower jaw protrudes too far forward. Braces, sometimes in conjunction with other appliances like headgear, can help restrain the growth of the lower jaw or stimulate the growth of the upper jaw to improve the bite alignment.
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Overbites (Class II Malocclusion): Where the upper jaw protrudes too far forward. Braces can help to restrict the upper jaw's growth or promote the growth of the lower jaw.
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Crossbites: Where the upper and lower teeth don't align correctly. Braces can help to shift the jaw to improve the positioning of the teeth.
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Open Bites: Where there's a gap between the upper and lower teeth when they're together. Braces, in some cases, can work to close this gap by influencing jaw positioning.
For adult patients, whose jaw growth has largely ceased, braces are less likely to drastically change the jaw's overall shape or size. However, they can still subtly affect the jaw's position by moving teeth to improve the bite, indirectly impacting the jaw's alignment.
Can Braces Change the Shape of Your Jaw?
The ability of braces to change the shape of your jaw is more limited than their ability to change its position. While subtle changes in jaw shape can occur as a result of tooth movement, significant alterations to the jaw's overall shape are typically addressed through other procedures like orthognathic surgery.
Do Braces Affect Jawline Definition?
The perceived definition of your jawline isn't directly affected by braces. However, the improved tooth alignment and bite correction that braces provide can enhance facial harmony and give the illusion of a more defined jawline. This is because correcting a misaligned bite often leads to better facial proportions.
What Type of Jaw Problems Can Braces Correct?
As mentioned earlier, braces, in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances if necessary, can help correct various jaw problems including:
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Open Bites
- Crowding
- Spacing
When Is Orthognathic Surgery Necessary?
In cases of significant jaw discrepancies or severe malocclusions, orthognathic surgery might be necessary in addition to, or instead of, braces. This surgery involves repositioning the jawbones themselves to correct the misalignment. Orthognathic surgery is typically only considered for severe cases where braces alone cannot achieve the desired results.
Will Braces Affect My Face Shape?
The impact of braces on your face shape is primarily indirect. By improving the alignment of your teeth and bite, braces can subtly improve the overall balance and harmony of your facial features. Major changes to your face shape, however, are unlikely unless orthognathic surgery is also involved.
In conclusion, while braces primarily straighten teeth, their influence on the jaw's position and, to a lesser extent, shape, is a notable aspect of orthodontic treatment. The extent of this influence depends on individual factors, such as age, the severity of the malocclusion, and the specific treatment plan. Always consult with an orthodontist to understand what braces can achieve in your specific case.
