Did you know that braces can reshape your face (in addition to your teeth)? It’s true! Dr. Knight wants everyone in Louisville and Radcliff to love how they look. Our Knight Orthodontics team stands behind him, ready to do anything we can to help. A well-aligned bite can strengthen your jawline. It’ll bring symmetry to your face and better support your cheeks and lips. How does all that work exactly? We’re so glad you asked!
The Science Behind the Transformation
Braces change your smile—and your face—with pressure. Pressure makes diamonds, right? Turns out it’s useful for making new smiles, too! Braces use pressure to move your teeth into new positions. Orthodontic treatment triggers a natural body response called bone remodeling. When a tooth moves in one direction, the bone on that side breaks down to create space—a process known as resorption. At the same time, new bone, called deposition, forms behind the tooth to support its new position.
Balancing Your Bite for Better Alignment
Your bite—how your teeth come together—plays a huge role in the shape of your face. An overbite, underbite, or crossbite (you might hear our team members say “malocclusion”) can cause your jaw to look off-kilter. Braces correct these issues by moving your teeth and guiding your jaw to a better spot.
Soft Tissue Changes
The changes don’t stop with your teeth and jaw. Your lips and cheeks adjust, too. All the tissues in your body are connected. A shift in one place affects those connected to it. Once your teeth are properly aligned, your facial muscles and soft tissues like lips and cheeks follow suit. Your result is a natural, balanced look that complements your smile.
How Braces Influence Facial Structure
Most folks think braces just give you a straighter smile. By now, you know that’s not all they do. Our Knight Orthodontics team can’t move only your teeth without impacting the structures around your teeth.
It’s More Than Just a Smile
When teeth or jaws are out of sync, it can change how your face looks. Braces move your teeth where they ought to be. When your teeth line up, your face will get its “symmetry” back. If your face had a vertical line going from your forehead to your chin, both sides of your face would match.
Balanced Teeth, Confident You
A well-aligned smile isn’t just about aesthetics— it’s about how it makes you feel. Properly aligned teeth and jaws enhance your facial symmetry, giving your features a more balanced and defined appearance. Many patients share how completing treatment boosts their confidence and changes how they view themselves.
How Braces Help Younger Patients’ Growth
Young kids’ smiles aren’t set. They’re still growing. We all know how cute little ones look with a couple of crooked baby teeth. But they can’t stay like that. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that your kiddos see an orthodontist like Dr. Knight by age 7. That’s an ideal age for our team to determine if your little one needs braces. Getting our team involved earlier means we can have more oversight into helping their jaws and teeth be all they can be!
It’s like getting a more solid foundation for your house. Getting treatment for your kids or teenagers earlier sets the stage for a balanced smile and facial structure for life. The jaw still grows and develops during childhood and teen years. For young smiles in Louisville and Radcliff, it’s a good time for orthodontic treatment. Remember “malocclusions” from earlier? If your kiddo or teenager’s teeth aren’t flush, they may have a malocclusion. Treatment from Dr. Knight can help!
Benefits Beyond Facial Symmetry
By now, you know that Knight Orthodontics braces will reshape your face. But what’s the advantage of that, beyond loving the way you look?
TMJ Relief
Ever had pain in your jaw, neck, or head? It could be temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMJD). Braces ease TMJ discomfort by adjusting the alignment of your bite. A misaligned bite puts pressure on your jaw joint (TMJ). All that undue pressure leads to pain, tension, and headaches. When braces recalibrate your teeth and bite, they reduce this strain. You’ll have better jaw function and comfort.
Sleep Apnea Improvement
Does your breathing (or lack of breathing) ever interrupt your sleep? You might struggle with sleep apnea. But don’t worry! Braces from Dr. Knight can help with that, too! Sleep apnea can be linked to an improper bite or narrow jaw. Consequently, you might be dealing with restricted airflow. Braces help open up your airway. More room means better breathing! So it’s not a leap in logic to say that braces will help you sleep better!
Better Speech
Everyone wants to be understood when they talk. But if your teeth don’t line up, it will affect how you pronounce certain sounds. Braces work to correct malocclusions that can impact how you speak. As your teeth realign, your pronunciation becomes clearer. Additionally, a more balanced bite can improve the natural movement of your lips and tongue.
Breathing Benefits
Do you find yourself breathing through your mouth? A misaligned bite or narrow dental arches could be the culprits! Braces can correct these kinds of issues. As a result, you’ll notice better nasal breathing. When our Knight Orthodontics team restores your nasal breathing, you’ll get more oxygen.
Your Facial Transformation Awaits
Whether you’re an adult looking for a confident new smile or you have a child who’s just beginning their orthodontic journey, Dr. Knight and our team are here to help. We’re ready to create a smile that lights up your face—and a face that lights up the room. Your transformation starts at Knight Orthodontics in Louisville and Radcliff. Go here to schedule your free consultation.