Proper orthodontic treatment can help the face look more youthful, especially by moving the upper front teeth forward, which makes the lips fuller and tighter. Adjusting the alignment of the front teeth also helps create a more beautiful smile because more of the upper front teeth are visible when smiling. This enhances personality and confidence, as well as improves chewing function. This can be done by orthodontics alone or combined with jaw surgery.
Side facial images looking more youthful after orthodontic treatment
Corrected crooked smile with no visible teeth by orthodontics combined with jaw surgery
Generally, there are 3 types of side facial profiles:
- Proportional straight face
- Convex face
- Concave face
People with a concave facial profile often have the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth, and their upper front teeth are not visible when smiling, which makes them look older than they actually are. This can be seen in villain characters in movies, such as witches, who often have a concave face with a protruding long chin, appearing aged.
Protruding chin and lower teeth overlapping upper teeth causing a concave and unattractive facial profile
If the abnormality is caused by the teeth, it can be corrected by orthodontics alone. However, if there is also a jaw abnormality, orthodontics alone may require moving the front teeth too far forward, resulting in a broad and unattractive appearance and weak teeth. In this case, orthodontics combined with jaw surgery is more appropriate. People with concave faces and protruding chins often have up to an 80% chance of having a crooked chin, which cannot be corrected by orthodontics alone. Additionally, tooth extraction in cases with thin lips may cause the facial dimensions to look prematurely aged. Surgery may therefore be a better option.
Besides aesthetics, in adult cases with snoring or sleep apnea problems, treatment can involve repositioning the jaw forward, making the face and lips look firmer and more youthful. This also helps open the airway, contributing to the treatment of sleep apnea.
Preparation for orthodontics combined with jaw surgery
Treatment methods
Orthodontics is a step that helps align the teeth properly on the jawbone base and allows proper occlusion after surgery. Generally, there are 2 treatment methods:
- Orthodontics before jaw surgery which is the traditional method. When the teeth are aligned, surgery is easier and occlusion is proper after surgery. The downside is that when the teeth are aligned on the jawbone base, the teeth may appear more protruded and the facial appearance may worsen before surgery, which often causes patient dissatisfaction.
- Jaw surgery before orthodontics is a feasible method where the facial structure is corrected first, such as protruding or crooked chin, before orthodontics. Then orthodontics is done to fit the surgically corrected facial structure. This method speeds up treatment and can immediately address aesthetic issues or sleep apnea.
Preparation for jaw surgery
When the patient is ready for surgery, the doctor will perform a physical and facial structure examination before surgery to analyze and plan the surgery in detail again. After surgery, the patient must stay in the hospital for 3-4 days for recovery, then return home for another 1-2 weeks to adjust and practice eating. After that, the patient can resume work, study, or light exercise. Food should be liquid or soft and easy to swallow or require minimal chewing. After 1-2 months, the patient can start chewing more. Common symptoms include numbness after surgery, but this numbness is beneficial as it reduces pain and will disappear within 6-8 months.
Orthodontic appliances
Phyathai 2 Hospital offers both metal and clear orthodontic appliances. Adults who are concerned about their appearance during orthodontic treatment, fear pain, cheek irritation from wires, or difficulty cleaning their teeth can choose clear orthodontic appliances.
Treatment with Invisalign clear aligners for surgical cases
Patients often fear jaw surgery, but jaw surgery is like any other surgery. Patients come for consultation and surgery daily as usual. At the Dental Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital, we have a specialized medical team and multidisciplinary staff ready to provide close care. You can come for consultation before deciding on any treatment, whether it is dental treatment, orthodontics, or jaw surgery.
Dr. Pholkorn Buranaprasertsuk
Orthodontic Specialist
Dental Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
