I have a weak chin, do I need a chin implant, jaw surgery or braces? (Photos)

Question

Which procedure would help balance out my facial features more? I have an overbite so I am not sure if braces are a better option.

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS · Answer

The most common cause of a 'weak' chin is a 'trapping' of the lower jaw when facial development occurs.  This occurs as a result of the upper jaw not developing fully which leads to almost all malocclusions including overbites, underbites and crowded teeth.  This underdevelopment can be caused by several factors. Chronic mouth breathing or having a tongue tie are two of the most common reasons for having a low tongue posture which typically is the cause of upper jaw underdevelopment.  The lack of ability to have the tongue at the roof of the mouth when at rest is the culprit.  Low tongue posture causes a lack of stimulation needed for the normal development of the upper jaw.  Then the trapping can hold back the lower jaw and results in the recessed lower jaw, do mostly a displacement posterior of the lower jaw.  It is a bit complicated as you can see.The correction involves freeing up of the lower jaw to come more forward.  the jaw joints have to be evaluated to understand how far the lower jaw can come forward, but usually this can be achieved non-surgically, but the dentist/orthodontist needs to fully understand this principle.  My book Straight Talk about Crooked Teeth explains this in more detail.  Good luck with your treatment.

Curtis B. Bedont, DMD · Answer

The answer to your question depends on how your teeth are positioned.  I recommend having a consultation with an orthodontist to find out the best way to get your teeth into the correct position.  If the lower teeth are too far back compared to the upper teeth then orthodontics in conjunction with orthognathic surgery (a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy or BSSO) to bring your jaw forward is the best option.  If you teeth are in a good position in relation to each other, then a chin surgery is recommended (a sliding genioplasty).  I do not recommend chin implants because over time they can negatively affect the bone of your chin and also potentially damage the lower incisors.
Orthodontists work with oral surgeons to give you all of your options and they work together to treat your condition.  I wish you the best in your journey!

I have a weak chin, do I need a chin implant, jaw surgery or braces? (Photos)

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I have a weak chin, do I need a chin implant, jaw surgery or braces? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.