Can Braces/Elastics Help a Slight Receding Chin?

Question

I've had braces for almost a year now, and I'm getting elastics soon. I have a slight receding chin, and I was wondering if elastics will help improve it a bit?

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

No, elastics will not improve a receding chin and can sometimes create more problems than they resolve. A receding chin or a lower jaw that is too far behind the upper jaw can only be fixed surgically or with orthopedic appliances. A receding chin can sometimes cause problems beyond aesthetics.

	 

	Good luck!

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

elastics will not "grow" a small lower jaw....only surgery will do this.  Sometimes however, reducing the overjet by use of elastics and braces will hide that the lower jaw is recessive

Can Braces/Elastics Help a Slight Receding Chin?

Answers (2)