Facial asymmetry is a natural feature of everyone’s appearance. No face is perfect.
However, bite alignment has a great impact not only on oral health but also on the appearance of the face.
What is a correct bite
A correct bite is when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, both jaws are tightly closed without gaps or distortions, allowing proper chewing and biting.
However, when your bite is incorrect, it can cause a number of dental problems, including:
• teeth grinding;
• jaw pain;
• headache;
• speech problems;
• difficulties with chewing;
• facial asymmetry.
Bite problems lead to facial asymmetry
When we talk about orthodontics and facial asymmetry, it often concerns the patient’s bite.
Deep bite (overbite)
In the case of an overbite, the upper front teeth strongly overlap or partially cover the lower front teeth. This can lead to excessive wear of the teeth, especially the incisors (the two front teeth). Another problem with an overbite is the possibility of gum tissue damage, which leads to their excessive exposure. An overbite can contribute to facial asymmetry, making the cheeks look sunken and the jawline less defined. Traditional braces or even aligners, such as Invisalign, can correct the issues that cause an overbite.
Underbite
Also known as anterior crossbite, this is when the lower jaw protrudes in front of the upper jaw. If untreated, this can lead to excessive strain on the jaw and facial joints, and as a result to headaches, teeth grinding, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). In more severe cases of malocclusion, a dentist may refer the patient to a gnathologist – a doctor who specializes in TMJ disorders.
Crossbite
This means improper positioning of the teeth and/or jaws, where one or several lower teeth overlap the upper ones, and the dental arches intersect crosswise.
It often worsens over time and can lead to problems with proper chewing of food.
A crossbite can cause facial asymmetry, leading to misaligned jaw bones and uneven functioning of facial and jaw muscles. A crossbite is usually easily corrected with various orthodontic treatment methods, including traditional metal or ceramic braces, Invisalign, or similar approaches.
Consequences of malocclusion
Understanding the consequences of malocclusion is extremely important, as it significantly affects both function and aesthetics.
• Functional problems: malocclusion can make chewing difficult, cause jaw discomfort, create problems with sleep and breathing, and contribute to TMJ disorders. These problems not only affect how you eat and speak but can also reduce overall quality of life, causing constant discomfort or pain.
• Aesthetic problems: malocclusion can cause aesthetic issues that affect how people perceive themselves, leading to dissatisfaction with appearance, influencing confidence and self-esteem.
How bite alignment affects facial aesthetics
Bite alignment has a major impact on the appearance of the face. Let’s look at how bite alignment affects facial aesthetics:
• Facial symmetry. Your facial features will be more symmetrical if the bite is properly aligned. Facial asymmetry can result from changes in jaw size and shape caused by malocclusion. Your features may look uneven, creating the impression that one side of the face is more pronounced.
• Lips. Uneven teeth can also affect the appearance of the lips. The lips may move around the bite, creating the impression that they are uneven or disproportionate. This can affect the overall look of your smile, which in turn may change the aesthetics of your face.
• Cheeks. Malocclusion can change the fullness and shape of the cheeks, altering the overall facial profile. For example, cheeks may appear flatter or excessively muscular, disrupting facial harmony.
• Jaw structure and position. Bite problems can significantly alter jaw position. For example, malocclusion can make the chin appear recessed, or the jawline more pronounced.These changes not only affect appearance but can also cause discomfort and functional jaw difficulties.
• Facial profile. The bite also affects the facial profile. The position and size of the jaw may change due to malocclusion, which can affect the structure of the face, making it look longer or shorter.
How to improve bite and facial aesthetics
• Orthodontic treatment. One of the most popular methods of treating malocclusion is orthodontic therapy. Teeth can be gradually moved into the correct position using braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic devices.
• Jaw surgery. In severe cases of malocclusion, surgical intervention may be required to correct the problem. This procedure involves surgically moving the jaw to improve tooth position and facial aesthetics.
• Mouthguards. If malocclusion is caused by grinding or clenching of the teeth, a dentist may recommend mouthguards. This custom-made device is worn on the teeth and helps correct the bite, protecting the teeth from damage.
• Dental restorations. Dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, and bridges can also align the bite and facial aesthetics. These treatments may be applied with or without initial orthodontic correction, depending on the current condition and severity of bite problems.
Correcting the bite significantly affects both oral health and facial aesthetics. Various oral problems and changes in facial appearance can result from malocclusion.
Fortunately, there are numerous procedures available to achieve better bite alignment and improve facial aesthetics, including orthodontics and dental restorations.
Consult an orthodontist at YAREMA DENTAL to check your bite and, if necessary, begin treatment.