Does tooth extraction for braces at the age of 12 permanently alter your face’s development or is it reversible?

Question

I had braces when I was 12 and have noticed unwanted changes. Now I’m wondering whether or not these changes affected the normal bone development of my face and whether I can get my facial features the way they are supposed to be, without the effect of tooth extraction, at age 19.

John McDonald, DMD · Answer

The removal of teeth generally does not change the underlying bone of your mouth and none of the bones that make up your face.   If you had an over bite or your teeth were protrusive, there may have been a change in how much your lips had to stretch to get them over your teeth but usually this is an improvement and can give your chin better definition.  The main cause of facial change is puberty, both your nose and chin grow and your face can significantly lengthen or shorten.  Changes due to orthodontic treatment are minimal compared to just normal pubertal growth.Your face looks like it does because of your parent genes.  To make it look like it did when you were 12 years old requires significant facial surgery.

Ira Shapira, DDS (in memoriam) · Answer

The space for the tongue and size of the airway are both affected adversely when Extraction (amputation) orthodontics are done.  It is far better to grow the bone to make room for the teeth that to extract and the downsize bone and airway.You can reverse the effects of extraction orthodontics with orthopedic growth appliances.My favorite system is the DNA Appliance by Vivos and Dr David Singh.  It reliably grows the bone orthoppedically and the airway orthopedically.

Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMO
Past Chair, Alliance of TMD Organizations
Diplomat,  Academy of Integrative Pain Management
Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Regent & Fellow, International College of CranioMandibular Orthopedics
Board Eligible, American Academy of CranioFacial Pain
Dental Section Editor, Sleep & Health JournalMember Cranio Editorial Board, Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice
Member, American Equilibration Society
Member, Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences
Member, Academy of Cosmetic DentistryLife Member, American Dental Association

Does tooth extraction for braces at the age of 12 permanently alter your face’s development or is it reversible?

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