Why has my facial profile changed after braces and extraction of my premolars? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi there, The purpose of extractions of teeth for braces treatment is usually to create space for:

1) de-crowding crooked teeth (crooked teeth need space to align)

2) correcting midlines of teeth that are off to one side

3) pushing teeth inwards if they are protruding

4) creating a better bite if the jaw bases are imbalanced (e.g. if the lower jaw is smaller of further back than the upper jaw, the upper front teeth may be too protruding relative to the lower jaw and extractions of teeth in the upper jaw will help to push the upper teeth inwards to achieve the ideal bite)

You orthodontist or dentist would discussed with you why extractions were advised in your case. Not all cases need extractions. From your photos, it appeared that your teeth have been pushed inwards as they were previously more forward and rotated. I believe that is the intention of your orthodontist. And yes, it will be the same after braces.

If you have queries about how your profile looks, it would be best for you to discuss this with your orthodontist or dentist as soon as possible. In my opinion, good communication is the key to successful treatment.

Hope this helps and all the best.

Warm regards,

Dr Geraldine Lee

Orthodontist

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Do braces change your facial profile?

You have asked a very interesting question and I am afraid the answer is yes and no! I will try to explain it as best I can. Braces CAN change profiles: Braces can change profiles only when the orthodontists and the patient plan to get it changed from the START of the treatment. A good example is when patients complain that when taking photographs, they notice that their side profile is sticking out and they have a very full smile (most patients use the terms, I look like a horse!) In this case, braces can help to retract the teeth to allow the patient to have a softer, gentler profile.

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