Will braces change my face length? Would like to shorten the length of my face. (photo)

Question

Hi docs, i was wondering if theres any way i can shorten the length of my long face non surgically? I have a bad open bite situation as well. I was also considering a full braces treatment with expanders and a face mask. Would that help shorten my face length as well? Please help, thanks!

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

Orthodontics (moving teeth) will always tend to make the face longer and more narrow; ESPECIALLY if teeth are extracted. You have extremely narrow dental arches along with an anterior open bite. Your jaws are a symptom of an underdeveloped craniofacial complex. Your genetic potential did NOT dictate that you have such narrow dental arches and an anterior open bite. Something happened to limit your genetic potential. The good news is that your genetic potential is still encoded in your genes and simply needs to be kick started. You are on the right track with arch development and forward pull headgear. Any and all of your development should be forward and lateral. Please run away from anyone who wants to extract or retract teeth. Your situation is more than just a cosmetic issue. You should be even more concerned about the health of your TMJ and airway because the health of those structures will literally affect the quality and longevity of your life. Good luck!

Will braces change my face length? Would like to shorten the length of my face. (photo)

Answers (1)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will braces change my face length? Would like to shorten the length of my face. (photo)

Answers (1)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.