13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It’s an important part of making a first impression and can impact how people perceive you. Do you show your teeth, or do you shy away? A smile can say a lot.
But beyond your smile, people also notice something more subtle about you: your facial symmetry. Asymmetry of the face can include uneven brow lines, offset nostrils, or even an unaligned jaw shape. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Most people have asymmetrical facial features, and perfect facial symmetry is far less common. However, some facial asymmetry is more pronounced and may cause or be a cause of oral or general health concerns. Every face is unique, but when asymmetry leads to health issues, that’s when orthodontics offers solutions.
At Grubaugh Orthodontics, we want you to have full confidence in your smile and oral health. So when an asymmetrical face impacts your comfort, health, or just how you feel about yourself, we want to help get you back where you want. To help you understand how we can help you achieve the perfect smile, let’s examine the relationship between your facial symmetry and the ways orthodontic treatment can fix your smile.
You may think that once you reach adulthood, your facial structure is set in stone. If you reach adulthood with a symmetrical face, it will stay that way for the rest of your life. While that is usually true, and your bones are no longer growing, your cartilage is still growing, and this can alter your facial symmetry as you age. But there are other reasons you may find yourself dealing with asymmetry that you may not have thought about. For example, genetics and aging, such as uneven muscles, accidents, injuries, and infections can also cause asymmetry.
There are also severe health complications that can cause 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 condition causes your neck muscles to rest in an abnormal position and result in facial asymmetry. This usually only occurs in the womb, and both of these conditions are generally temporary. Other causes can include lifestyle choices such as smoking, sun damage from tanning or overexposure, and certain dental procedures.
Smiles are a big part of what makes us feel attractive, and what makes us attractive to other people. Studies have found that humans usually prefer a face that is more symmetrical. 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 cause functional problems, such as disrupting the way you speak and eat and even causing jaw or head pains.
In some cases, facial asymmetry could be a sign of a much deeper medical issue. For some patients, it’s a symptom or side effect of underlying, and perhaps undiagnosed, issues like sleep apnea or a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These conditions can have a much more drastic effect on your overall health, with far more severe consequences than lackluster aesthetics. And that’s where we can help. At Grubaugh Orthodontics, our well-trained team is able to provide specialized care for your unique needs to give you the smile you want.
If you want to seek treatment for facial asymmetry, Grubaugh Orthodontics offers a variety of different solutions. Dr. Grubaugh is an experienced orthodontist passionate about helping people achieve the kind of smile they deserve. At our office, we have several treatments that can help align your face to your ideal standards:
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 multiple colors so you can add some personality to your treatment.
Also known as “ceramic braces,” clear braces work in the same way metal braces do but with a sleeker, more invisible appearance. While clear braces are about 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.
Don’t like 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 22 hours a day. You will likely wear yours for 9-15 months depending on your needs and go through several trays throughout your treatment.
Also known as “Interceptive treatment” or “Phase I treatment,” this option occurs when all of the permanent teeth erupt and usually involves a full set of braces. This treatment helps create facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth. It guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later.
You deserve warm, professional orthodontic experience. Grubaugh Orthodontics provides the exceptional skill, expertise, and level of care for every patient that visits us! Our sole specialty is orthodontics, so you’ll receive nothing but the best in treatments, cost, and efficiency as we work to give you the perfect smile. No matter what your smile goals are, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your orthodontic journey, we would love to meet you and talk more about the right treatment for you! There’s never been a better time to go after the smile you’ve always wanted, so contact our Lansing or DeWitt office today to schedule your FREE consultation!