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Are you worried about facial asymmetry after getting braces? In this article, Dr. Luke Hamman will help you understand the causes and effective solutions to address this issue, helping you regain confidence with a balanced face and a radiant smile!
Common Causes of Facial Asymmetry After Braces
Inaccurate Treatment Plan and Orthodontic Errors
The initial orthodontic treatment plan is crucial. A well-designed plan ensures proper bite alignment and correct positioning of the teeth.
However, an inaccurate treatment plan can lead to facial asymmetry, affecting the aesthetics of your face and even your chewing ability.
Errors in orthodontic techniques, such as uneven or incorrect application of force, can also result in facial asymmetry.
Tooth Movement During Braces
As teeth move during orthodontic treatment, the way you open and close your mouth and chew food changes. Over time, this can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) misalignment.
The TMJ plays a crucial role in enabling jaw movements for activities like eating, speaking, and swallowing. When the TMJ is misaligned, it can affect facial muscles and lead to an unbalanced appearance.
Solutions for Correcting Facial Asymmetry After Braces
Using Retainers
After completing orthodontic treatment, using retainers is essential to ensure that teeth do not shift back to their original positions. Retainers help maintain the new position of the teeth, preventing facial asymmetry caused by tooth movement. There are two common types of retainers:
Fixed Retainers: These are bonded to the back of the teeth and cannot be removed. They ensure that the teeth remain in the correct position but require meticulous cleaning to avoid plaque buildup and cavities.
Removable Retainers: These can be taken out for eating or cleaning. They are more flexible but must be worn for the prescribed amount of time to be effective.
Getting braces for a second time
In some cases, getting braces for a second time may be necessary to correct facial asymmetry. This process helps realign the teeth and bite, ensuring a balanced and harmonious facial structure.
However, undergoing a second round of braces requires patience and strict adherence to the orthodontist’s guidelines, which can last from several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of the case.
TMJ Adjustment with a Chiropractic Doctor
Consulting and treating with a Chiropractic doctor is a safe and effective solution. This method is currently favored by many due to its numerous advantages. Chiropractors are extensively trained in adjusting the TMJ, helping the joint return to its proper position.
Kindly note:
Chiropractic adjustments can help with TMJ problems but can’t correct teeth problems or change bone structure.
If your face is uneven due to teeth problems (e.g: misaligned, crowded, snaggletooth, etc), you should also check with your dentist.
Benefits of TMJ Adjustment
TMJ adjustment not only corrects facial asymmetry but also enhances chewing function, reduces headaches, and alleviates facial muscle tension. This non-invasive, safe method requires no downtime and is suitable for many patients.
Why Choose ACC Chiropractic Clinic for TMJ Adjustment?
Expertise and Experience: ACC Chiropractic Clinic has over 18 years of experience in correcting facial asymmetry caused by TMJ misalignment. Our chiropractors are professionally trained in Chiropractic treatment, ensuring high levels of knowledge and skill.
Safety and Effectiveness: TMJ adjustment requires high expertise and extensive treatment experience. If done by an unqualified person, it can worsen your condition. At ACC, our specialists will directly perform the adjustments, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Collaboration with FV Hospital: ACC Chiropractic Clinic is a member of the FV Group. In complex cases, you can receive multidisciplinary consultations, such as dental or cosmetic specialists.
TMJ Adjustment Process
Our doctors will conduct a thorough examination of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and facial muscles. Then, they will adjust the misaligned TMJ back to its correct position and relax any tight facial muscles.
Doctor will also adjust your spine. Since the spinal structure is interconnected, a misaligned jaw joint can cause headaches or neck pain.
The treatment will include physiotherapy (e.g: massages, ultrasound, heat therapy etc) and laser to reduce pain, promote healing and improve joint function.
Contact ACC Clinic today for consultation. Let us help you regain confidence with a balanced face and a radiant smile!
