Facial symmetry has long been an aspiration for men and women for nearly all of human history. Our brains are hardwired to seek out symmetry in the faces around us. Typically, we find those individuals with the highest degree of facial symmetry the most attractive, and we are subconsciously drawn to them as figures of beauty. From Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to modern-day popular culture icons like Kim Kardashian, facial symmetry has always captured our attention and sparked a following. It is no wonder, then, that most of society seeks out ways to improve their own facial symmetry.
Insecurities abound when it comes to facial structure, but with our years of experience, Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics is here to guide you down the road to confidence. So feel free to put down the gua sha, stop doing facial yoga, and come speak with an expert at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics because we know how to give you a confidence boost that starts with aligning your teeth for a straighter smile.
Causes
Facial asymmetry is defined as the imbalance of an individual’s facial features on either side of their face. It is a common belief that your facial structure is set in stone once you have entered adulthood. While this is mostly true, genetics, aging, facial trauma, or even smoking can cause facial asymmetry, even if you were born with a mostly symmetrical appearance.
When seeing a patient with questions about facial asymmetry, Dr. Pedersen begins by looking at the bite pattern of the patient:
Overbite
Overbites are arguably the most common bite pattern. If your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth when your mouth is closed, you may have an overbite. Not every overbite requires correction, but more severe overbites may cause your chin to have a receding appearance known as a “weak” chin.
Underbite
Underbites are recognized by a protruding lower jaw that causes the bottom teeth to rest in front of the top teeth when your mouth is closed. People with underbites may see the greatest change in facial symmetry by implementing an orthodontic treatment plan.
Crossbite
Crossbites consist of a mix of the above two malocclusions (bite patterns) so that in this pattern, some of the front teeth overlap the bottom teeth and some rest behind the bottom teeth.
Open Bite
You will recognize an open bite by the distinctive gap between the top and bottom teeth – they don’t meet in the middle. While this bite pattern can pose a range of issues, including difficulty chewing, it can also cause the face to appear longer. People with this bite pattern may also see significant results with orthodontic treatment.
How can orthodontics fix my facial asymmetry?
Ah, the burning question: what steps can we take toward creating a happier, more confident smile? The younger a patient is, the likelier that orthodontic treatment is to work for them, so it is crucial to catch facial asymmetry early if you can.
If you want to seek treatment for facial asymmetry, Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics offers a variety of solutions for any age. At our office, we have several treatments that can help align your face to your ideal standards:
Metal Braces
As the traditional option, metal braces are often the first that come to mind when considering orthodontic treatment. These braces work by tightening the wire attached to a bracket glued to each tooth. With gentle, continuous pressure, your teeth are aligned over a period of 12-36 months, depending on the severity of your case, your mouth’s response to treatment, and your desired outcome.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces. The difference is that clear braces use white ceramic brackets that blend in with the color of your teeth and provide a less noticeable appearance.
Clear Aligners
This removable treatment option uses a series of clear trays that adjust your teeth without the use of wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth with an almost invisible look. By wearing these trays for 22 hours per day for 9-15 months, you’ll see results in no time.
If your facial asymmetry is unresponsive to the above methods of orthodontic treatment, corrective jaw surgery may be the best path to a symmetrical smile. Be sure to ask Dr. Pedersen if surgery is the right move for you.
Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics: Here for YOUR Smile
At Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics, our goal is to completely transform your smile – and your happiness as a result. It is common to feel insecure about facial asymmetry, but our team wants you to know that we are here to help you gain back the confidence you desire to feel comfortable in your own skin. If you’ve been considering getting treatment for facial asymmetry, reach out to our office for a free consultation today.