Your face plays a big role in your confidence. It can affect how others perceive you, and more importantly, how you perceive yourself. A big part of this begins with your smile and jaw. There is a lot of evidence that shows that orthodontic treatment can address issues like facial asymmetry. At Timock Family Orthodontics, we want you to move through your life with confidence. Let’s examine what facial asymmetry is and how our team of orthodontics could help to remedy it.
What are the causes of facial asymmetry?
When you reach adulthood, you may think your facial structure is permanently set. This is usually true since your bones are no longer growing as when you were younger. Your cartilage is still growing, and this can alter your facial symmetry as you get older. Alongside this, 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 cause asymmetry.
There are 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?
The symmetry of your face can have an impact on how others see your smile. Studies have even found that humans usually prefer a more symmetrical face. Beyond your physical confidence, facial symmetry can 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 much deeper medical issues. In some cases, it’s a symptom or side effect of underlying, perhaps even undiagnosed, problems such as sleep apnea or a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These conditions can have a much more damaging effect on your overall oral health, with more severe consequences than less-than-stellar aesthetics. Timock Family Orthodontics is here to help. Our well-trained team will 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, Timock Family Orthodontics offers a variety of different solutions. Our office of well-trained orthodontists is passionate about helping people achieve the perfect smile they deserve. We offer several treatments that can help align your face to your ideal standards:
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most widely recognized types of orthodontic appliances. The brackets are made of a mix of stainless steel and other high-quality metals, giving them long-lasting durability. Modern metal braces are lighter and more comfortable compared to bulky, painful braces of the past. They come with elastic bands that help with bite correction and come in multiple colors so you can add some fun personality to your treatment.
Clear braces
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. Because of their nearly invisible appearance, clear braces tend to be a popular choice amongst adults and older teens. The only downside to clear braces is that they are less durable and more prone to damage. With the right care and attention, they can be just as effective as metal braces. They can be pricier, but luckily, we offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts, and we will check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits. Our treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your first consultation.
Invisalign
Don’t want 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. Much like clear braces, this nearly invisible aesthetic is a popular choice for older orthodontic patients. They will have to be worn twenty-two hours a day. Most patients wear theirs for nine to fifteen months depending on their needs and go through several trays throughout their treatment.
Find the best at Timock Family Orthodontics
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding orthodontic treatment. You need an expert team with the correct information to help you start your treatment process on the right foot. Timock Family Orthodontics wants you to have an informed and stress-free orthodontic experience with our team of eager and well-trained doctors.
If you’re interested in seeking orthodontic treatment from us, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Timock. Excellent orthodontic care is only a few minutes from your home, work, or school with offices in Fort Collins and Windsor. There’s never been a better time!