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.
Beyond your smile, people also notice something more subtle about you: 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, but when asymmetry leads to health issues, that’s when orthodontics offers solutions.
At Hemphill Orthodontics, we want you to have full confidence in both 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. 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. This is usually true. While your bones may no longer be growing, your cartilage is still growing, and 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, such as uneven muscles, accidents, injuries, and infections can also cause asymmetry.
There are also 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. All or a combination of these factors can lead to facial asymmetry.
What are the effects of facial asymmetry?
Smiles are a big part of what makes us feel confident. Studies have found that humans typically prefer a face that is more symmetrical. Beyond physical confidence, facial symmetry can also reveal the state of your health. While very few people are born with 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 Hemphill 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 want to seek treatment for facial asymmetry, Hemphill Orthodontics offers a variety of different solutions. Dr. Hemphill is an experienced orthodontist 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 orthodontic goals:
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, which give them long-lasting durability. Modern metal braces are also 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 fun personality to your treatment.
Clear braces
Also referred to 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. With a rigorous oral health routine and the right amount of care, they are just as effective as metal braces!
Invisalign
Don’t want to deal with 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 twenty-two hours a day. You will likely wear yours for nine to fifteen 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 your smile to the experts at Hemphill Orthodontics
Your smile deserves an expert team, and we want to guide you every step of the way along your smile journey. Whether you’re just getting started on your orthodontic journey or looking for a new office to visit, Hemphill Orthodontics is your location for modern orthodontic treatment. Our office is located in the Celina area, so your orthodontic care is always close to where you live and work. We’d love for you to reach out for your FREE consultation with our team at Hemphill Orthodontics to get started on your personalized journey to a healthy and happy smile.
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Dr. Hemphill