Concerned about my chin strain after braces with no extractions. Am I a candidate for orthognathic surgery? (Photos)

Question

I just got my braces off after 3 years and I'm starting to regret not getting four teeth removed as suggested. I've noticed that my profile isn't as great as I thought it would be after orthodontic treatment because my mentalis muscle is flexed making my profile look blunt. I think I may have been a mouth breather as I had a narrow palate and was diagnosed with having a longer downward growing mandible going into consultation. Would jaw surgery fix this? Would I need braces again?

John McDonald, DMD · Answer

Lip strain is from position of teeth.  Changing position of teeth will solve the problem.  Jaw surgery can not do this as well and it is 2-4 times as expensive.Having 4 teeth removed is the best option.  Sounds like that was your orthodontists first choice.  This requires another year in braces.I am sure you researched tooth extraction prior to deciding which route to take 3 years ago.  The internet is full of misinformation regarding extractions and you are a good example.  Every person is different.

Raj Kumar, BDS, LDSRCS · Answer

Your profile does not look too bad and not enough that you have a very long chin, or that you need surgery. have you considered removing 2 upper and 2 lower premolars and haveing either fixed or Invisalign braces?

Concerned about my chin strain after braces with no extractions. Am I a candidate for orthognathic surgery? (Photos)

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