Can orthodontics widen a smile for a 50 year old?

Question

I had braces at age 25-29 and the smile is quite narrow with shadows at the edge of the smile. The original orthodontist pulled eight teeth and the result is also that the teeth tip inward. What I *really* wanted (besides straightening the teeth) was a wider smile. Is that still possible? Thank you.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

It depends on what you are calling "orthodontics." Strictly speaking, with "orthodontics" you can NOT appreciably widen a smile because orthodontics deals only with teeth movement. Using "orthopedics" (bone development) you can widen a smile EVEN IN A 50 YEAR OLD. The reason your smile is so narrow is because your dental arches are underdeveloped. By extracting teeth, your underdeveloped dental arches were perpetuated, not resolved. Alas, it is NOT too late to develop your dental arches WITHOUT any surgery. Many doctors will tell you that it isn't possible to develop dental arches in adults, but it's being done every day to thousands of patients worldwide using simple, comfortable, removable appliances. These removable appliances, if worn properly, will not only restore the space you lost from the dental extractions but more than likely gain enough space to allow room for straight teeth AND dental implants to replace the teeth that were amputated. By doing this you will have a wider smile, fuller lips, less wrinkles and a more well-developed airway. In other words, not only will your smile be broader and more beautiful but your face will also change for the better. Many of our patients are quizzed by their friends about the type of cosmetic surgery they have had performed.This type of orthodontic treatment is termed "dental orthopedics" or epigenetic orthodontics. I hope this helps and...good luck!

Carlos Caballero, DDS, MS · Answer

Hello,Thanks for your question. There are many ways a smile can be "widen" in an adult it is possible by surgical means. A surgeon splits the upper jaw during surgery allowing the to move the segments and make the upper jaw( maxilla ) wider.Another option is by "dento-alveolar" compensations. This is; when the teeth are leaning inwards or tilting it is possible to upright them with braces thus creating a relative "wider" smile.However is not that simple because everything is determined by having also in consideration the lower jaw and how they fit within each other. They both depend on the fit of the other.Get a professional consultation to more accurately determine if you are a good candidate and can benefit from orthodontic treatment.Smile!

Can orthodontics widen a smile for a 50 year old?

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Can orthodontics widen a smile for a 50 year old?

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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.