Scared of getting braces at 24 due to the changes it may make to my bad face. But, I have TMJ, an open and crossbite. (Photos)

Question

Hi guys. I have asymmetry, a flat zygoma, sunken nasolabial folds, and a mismatched smile that really makes my face look odd. I really want to have a better face; no guy has ever been attracted to me and they constantly tell me how ugly I am....and I've heard bad things about how braces can affect the face. Such as....the profile getting flatter, lips thinner, etc. And that adult braces can actually make things worse. How do I avoid this issue?

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS · Answer

First of all, you do have a beauty that with proper treatment will be unleashed. Your photos do not show all that is necessary to fully evaluate your situation, but I can shed some light on the type of treatment that we would recommend.  You mentioned crossbite (I assume left side) and TMJ Dysfunction that I would suspect would also be on the left.  You have an underdeveloped upper jaw with teeth that are ‘trapping’ the lower jaw into a retrusive position. To properly treat your situation, functional facial orthopedics would be needed prior to braces or Invisalign.  Our treatment would be expansion of the upper jaw to make it wider (correcting the crossbite) and come more forward.  This would allow your lower jaw to come more forward to correct your TMJ dysfunction and facial asymmetry.  Then braces or Invisalign would correct your bite completing a beautiful result that would give you a much improved facial profile with stronger lower jaw.  I hope this is helpful.  Good luck in finding the right doctor.  Many do not have experience in this area (of orthopedic restructuring of the face). You might reference my book Straight Talk about Crooked Teeth for further information.

Navid Zamani, DMD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sending your pictures and question. I would like to let you know that you are NOT ugly and your teeth are beautiful as well. However since they are not position properly they tend to stand out more. The correct approach would be to align then in a normal relation where they meet better and are in good contact and harmony, which will also allow your natural beauty to come out. Typically most patient undergoing orthodontic treatment see considerable cosmetic results, because the teeth support that facial musculature which give you the definition in your face. Another words when you have straighter teeth your facial feature can positively stand out. With the TMJ issues you would need proper screening and examination, however generally TMJ can also be the outcome of the misaligned teeth, therefore by considering orthodontic treatment your TMJ can be addressed as well. The good news is that you can be treated  with Invisalign, clear aligner systems which can be more convenient and more discrete vs conventional braces. I am confident your final results will look amazing. Feel free to come in to one of our offices closest to you and we can discuss your needs more. All the best.

Scared of getting braces at 24 due to the changes it may make to my bad face. But, I have TMJ, an open and crossbite. (Photos)

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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.

Scared of getting braces at 24 due to the changes it may make to my bad face. But, I have TMJ, an open and crossbite. (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.