Anyone who has ever watched an after-school special or Disney Channel sitcom will tell you that braces are child’s play. Traditional braces were the only available option as recently as a decade ago, so it was taken for granted that anyone would wanted straighter teeth might take care of it before reaching maturity. Today, this is no longer the case. Six Month Smiles and other advanced orthodontic treatments make straightening crooked teeth in Shrewsbury, MA more accessible for the over-20 crowd. Dr. Todd Pizzi explains that braces don’t just change the appearance of your teeth; they can also change the appearance of the whole face—in a good way, of course.
Subtle, Yet Effective Changes
Many of our patients observe that the appearance of their face changes following orthodontic treatment. This is especially true in patients whose face or smile was slightly asymmetrical; once the teeth are aligned, they restore symmetry. The more pronounced the initial asymmetry, the more dramatic the improvement.
Several types of corrections can alter facial shape:
If you have an underbite: An underbite is characterized by a protruding chin that creates a “moon” shape. Once the teeth have been straightened, the face appears less concave. Facial features become slightly softened, and the teeth and lips fit together more attractively. Note that braces alone may not address severe underbites caused by structural anomalies of the jaw.
If you have an open bite: An open bite causes the lips and mouth to appear somewhat unnaturally stretched. A severely open bite prevents the mouth from closing at rest, and the lips may not cover the mouth altogether. This can cause the upper lip to flare out, which is especially noticeable in profile. Once the problem has been addressed, the facial area between the nose and chin takes on a softer, more natural appearance.
If you have an overbite: A patient who has an overbite will usually have a protruding upper lip. Sometimes the patient’s lips do not cover the teeth as a result. As with treatment of an open bite, the facial features appear softer and more harmonious.
For patients who require jaw expansion: Although Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury does not perform jaw expansion, this procedure is helpful for patients whose top or bottom arch has too little space. The condition causes the face to become narrow and may give the cheeks a sunken-in appearance. Children are the most typical candidates for expanders, although some adults may require them along with surgery. Ultimately, the face takes on a more symmetrical appearance, particularly in the mid-face area.
Additional Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Straighter teeth aren’t just more attractive. Our patients also find that orthodontic treatment makes cleaning their teeth and gums easier and more effective. Crowded or crooked teeth are prime areas for plaque buildup, which could increase the risk of gingivitis and more severe gum infections. When the teeth are evenly spaced, brushing and flossing is much simpler and can reach all surfaces of the teeth and gums.
Want teeth straightening in Shrewsbury, MA? To learn more about orthodontic treatment, or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome patients residing in Shrewsbury, Southboro, North and South Grafton, Worcester, and the neighboring communities.
