Concerned about effects of braces on facial growth and profile.

[Luca4496]

I had braces for 9 months a few years ago when I was 14, and am concerned about the impact it had on my facial growth and profile. It would really put my mind at ease if someone could explain to me if these changes were partially caused by orthodontic treatment or just normal growth. Here is a before(

https://imgur.com/OlTtwO8

) and after(

https://imgur.com/ROjVi3D

) x-ray. The main changes I'm concerned about are the position of my chin and lower jaw. For clarification I simply had fixed braces for 9 months.

 

[Dr M]

Orthodontic treatment does affect jaw growth and facial profile. Growth is stimulated in certain directions in order to achieve a more harmonious occlusion. However your normal skeletal growth was not finished after that. This continues into your early 20's. If you are worried about your profile and chin now, normal skeletal growth could have had a major influence as well.

 

[Luca4496]

In this case do you think the treatment I received could have significantly impacted my profile or jaw growth?

 

[Dr M]

It most likely did have an influence alongside your normal growth as well.

 

[Luca4496]

It most likely did have an influence alongside your normal growth as well.

Sorry to pester you but could you explain how it could have had an impact? It's really eating me up inside and I'd like some closure.