Braces have changed my smile for the worse. Can I have wider smile again (more teeth appearing)? (Photo)

Question

After years using teeth braces, my smile got worse. Before the braces my smile was wider and you could see more teeth and now (first picture) it looks narrow when I smile. I'd like to know if it's possible to get back to the way it was before? If so, would some type of brackets do the job or I'd have to go for surgery? (Pics are after and then before. Thx)

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

More than likely, you had bicuspid teeth extracted in order to create enough room to align your remaining teeth. Unfortunately, this antiquated form of orthodontic treatment ALMOST ALWAYS leaves the patient with too much space and then the teeth have to be over retracted in order to close the extra space. This causes a narrow smile, small lips, long narrow face, compromised airway and possible TMJ problems. The problem can not be resolved with braces alone as you require dental arch development. This is done with removable appliances. After your arches are developed appropriately you will more than likely need to have braces again.Good luck!

John McDonald, DMD · Answer

The two photographs were taken at different angles and in different light.  This makes it hard to draw conclusion about width of the arch.  (chin is down on left, creating shadows.  On right, chin is elevated and the light is very brightThat said,It does look like your two smiles are different in other ways.  Your after smile appears to have more overbite and a greater "slant" outwards of the front teeth so your lower lip is behind the teeth. I am not sure what type or treatment you had (extractions or not) but it is clear that your teeth have not been "over retracted" as some may claim.   (research actually shows that cases where teeth were extracted usually have wider smiles,  Crowded teeth treated with out extractions often look to "horsey" with extra overbite that can create a narrow look)  The slant or lean of the side teeth can affect how wide a smile looks after treatment.  Different orthodontists choose different angles based on many factors.Bottom line:  If you don't like your smile, see an orthodontist and bring several photos of what you want fixed.  You will know when you find the right one to fix what you are unhappy with.

Braces have changed my smile for the worse. Can I have wider smile again (more teeth appearing)? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Braces have changed my smile for the worse. Can I have wider smile again (more teeth appearing)? (Photo)

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.