How can I expand my smile and jaw? (photos)

Until a few years ago your only choices were orthognathic surgery or Rapid Maxillary Expansion with a surgical assist.There is now a new field of orthopedics/ orthodontics called Epigenetic Orthopedics/ Orthodontics.  A new term Pneumopedics had to be  created to describe the airway growth.The DNA is probably the best appliance for adults but there is also BioBlocks and other functional appliances that can be used.  The DNA Appliance will soon be called the Vivos Breathe Well Appliance.The good news is that an appliance you wear 12-14 hours / day, mainly during sleep time, coute time, television time you can grow your jaw to an ideal `form.Expansion will improve breathing and sleep, prevent or cure headaches, migraines, chronic daily headaches, TMJ disorders and many other problems while giving you a full wide healthy and Physiologic smile.Another advantage is in your case it will improve your profile by giving you a stronger chin.5 years ago I would have said this was impossible but you are lucky that science has advanced considerably due to Dr David Singh who invented the DNA Appliance based on his research at the NIH.Ira L Shapira DDSChair, Alliance of TMD OrganizationsDiplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep MedicineDiplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep MedicineRegent and Fellow, International College of CranioMandibular OrthopedicsAcademy of CranioFacial PainAmerican Equilibration SocietyLifetime Member American Dental AssociationCertified DNA Appliance Provider

Hello there, you can still expand and achieve the smile you are looking for. That can be done with orthopedic appliances such as DNA. You will also gain many other health benefits by doing so.

Unfortunately at your age, in my opinion palatal expansion will not work. You need to see an Orthognathic surgeon or a board certified orthodontist first. Your narrow smile might be from either dental issue or skeletal. If it is dental then a qualified orthodontist would be able to align your teeth.  If it is skeletal (which to me it looks like) you would need braces and then surgical intervention. 

Having a narrow arch can detract from a young healthy smile often leaving only the front six teeth showing and dark spaces on the side of the smile corners known as the buccal corridor. There are a number of ways to bring the bicuspid teeth behind your canines into the smile such as using Invisalign, placing porcelain laminate veneers and/or a palatial expansion device. To determine the treatment that would be best for you requires an exam and evaluation based on proper dental records. With that said, based on a limited exam of the photos you submitted, I do not believe "jaw surgery" is warranted.

Thank you for providing these pictures.  I agree that your smile will be significantly improved by expansion since a broad smile is much more aesthetically-pleasing.  The Damon Smile System could be an excellent option for your case. Damon braces produce broad, beautiful smiles with less discomfort typically as compared to traditional braces that require elastic color bands.  My recommendation is to visit the Damon website to learn more about the system and to locate a provider who can provide an evaluation.  Best of luck!

Palatal expansion is recommended for individuals who have bilateral or unilateral crossbite of your teeth. If crossbite is present, expansion can be accomplished using a traditional palatal expander, mini implant palatal expander and surgically assisted palatal expander. The type of expander chosen will most often depend on age/skeletal maturity. When crossbite is not present, we look to see if the crowns of the upper teeth are tipped inward. If so, orthodontic treatment with braces may help to upright the crowns and sometimes give the appearance of a broader smile. Please make an appointment with an orthodontist for an evaluation.