Can Orthodontics Fix Facial Asymmetry?

Your face is the first thing people notice about you. It can affect how others perceive, and more importantly, how you perceive yourself. When it comes to specific issues like facial asymmetry, the solution may be in the orthodontist’s office. At Central Virginia Orthodontics, we want you to have the confidence to move through the world and express yourself fully. To help you out, let’s take a look at what facial asymmetry is and how orthodontic treatment can help remedy it.

What are the causes of facial asymmetry?

If you make it to adulthood with a symmetrical face, you think it will stay that way for the rest of your life. This is usually true since your bones are no longer growing like they were when you were younger. But your cartilage is still growing even as you age, and this can alter your facial symmetry as you get older. On top of that, there are other reasons you may find yourself dealing with asymmetry that you may not have thought about. Genetics and aging, such as uneven muscles, accidents, injuries, and infections can also cause asymmetry. 

There are also severe health issues that can lead to facial asymmetry. Bell’s Palsy is a viral infection that causes facial paralysis of the muscles on one side of your face. A less common condition is called Torticollis, also known as “twisted neck.” This causes your neck muscles to rest in an abnormal position and result in facial asymmetry. This usually occurs in the womb, and both of these conditions are typically temporary. Other causes can include lifestyle choices such as smoking, sun damage from tanning or overexposure, and certain dental procedures. 

What are the effects of facial asymmetry?

Your face is a big part of what makes you feel attractive and has a big impact on how others perceive you. And the symmetry of your face can have an impact on how others see your smile. Studies have even found that humans often prefer a more symmetrical face. But beyond physical attractiveness, facial symmetry can also reveal the state of your health. While nobody has perfect facial symmetry, there are cases where your asymmetry may be more than just a matter of how you look. Facial asymmetry can be problematic for functionality, such as disrupting the way you speak and eat and even causing jaw or head pain. 

Facial asymmetry could even be a sign of a much deeper medical issue. In some cases, it’s a symptom or side effect of underlying, maybe even undiagnosed, problems such as sleep apnea or a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These conditions can have a much more dramatic effect on your overall health, with more severe consequences than less-than-stellar aesthetics. That’s where we can help you. Central Virginia Orthodontics Orthodontics is here to help. Our well-trained team can offer personalized care for your smile goals to give you the smile you deserve.

How can orthodontics help?

If you want to seek treatment for facial asymmetry, Central Virginia Orthodontics offers a variety of different solutions. Our team of well-trained orthodontists is passionate about helping people achieve the kind of confidence they deserve. No matter what issues you’re looking to address, we’ve got a variety of solutions to choose from. At our office, we have several treatments that can help align your face to your ideal standards:

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces are one of the most common and widely recognized types of orthodontic treatment. The brackets are made of a mix of stainless steel and other high-quality metals, giving them long-lasting durability. Modern metal braces are also lighter and more comfortable compared to bulky, painful braces of the past. They also come with elastic bands that help with bite correction and come in a variety of colors so you can add some fun personality to your treatment appearance.

Clear braces

Also called “ceramic braces,” clear braces work in the same way metal braces do but with a more subtle and invisible appearance. While clear braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re made with tooth-colored, polycrystalline ceramic material and elastic ties. The only downside to clear braces is that they are less durable and more prone to damage. But with enough attention and care, they can be just as effective as traditional braces. They can be pricier, but we offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts, and we will also check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits. Our goal is to provide outstanding value for affordable fees. Our treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your first free consultation.

Invisalign

Don’t want to deal with brackets and wire? Invisalign retainers have the discreet appearance of clear braces but without wires and metal. They are easily removable and made using photos and X-rays of your mouth taken by our team to make a custom fit for you. To be effective, they will have to be worn twenty-two hours a day. You will likely wear yours for nineteen to fifteen months depending on your needs and go through several trays throughout your treatment.

Invest in your smile at Central Virginia Orthodontics

There are a wealth of benefits to orthodontic treatment, and we want you to enjoy every one of them. At Central Virginia Orthodontics, our team of eager and well-trained orthodontists wants to provide you with a safe, informed treatment experience. During your evaluation, our team will create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs and smile goals.

At Central Virginia Orthodontics, our goal is to provide patients with exceptional results that match their unique goals. We believe every patient should have access to high-quality, affordable orthodontic care, and have made it our mission to ensure this for every patient. To learn more about how you can achieve a beautiful smile that fits your budget, get in touch with us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.