When considering orthodontic treatment, a common question arises regarding its ability to alter the shape of the jaw. The relationship between braces and jaw structure is nuanced, extending beyond simple tooth alignment. Understanding this complexity involves examining the specific mechanisms of orthodontic treatment and the various appliances utilized.
How Braces Primarily Work
Braces operate by applying gentle, continuous pressure to the teeth. This sustained force triggers bone remodeling within the alveolar bone. Specialized cells, osteoclasts, break down bone where pressure is applied, creating space for tooth movement. Simultaneously, osteoblasts deposit new bone where tension is created, stabilizing the tooth.
This bone remodeling, mediated by the periodontal ligament (PDL), allows teeth to gradually shift. The primary aim of traditional braces is to align teeth for improved bite function and aesthetics. This repositions individual teeth within the existing jaw structure.
Braces and Jaw Bone Adaptation
While braces primarily facilitate tooth movement, the surrounding alveolar bone undergoes significant adaptive remodeling. This process can lead to subtle changes in the dimensions and contour of the alveolar bone itself. For instance, substantial tooth movements, like retracting protrusive front teeth, can influence soft tissue support around the lips and subtly alter perceived chin and jawline prominence.
These changes result from the bone adapting to new tooth positions and differ from wholesale reshaping of main jaw bones like the mandible or maxilla. The jawbone’s response is adaptive, contributing to subtle rather than dramatic alterations in overall jaw appearance.
Appliances That Directly Influence Jaw Growth
For direct changes to jaw shape and size, especially in younger patients with developing bones, specialized orthodontic appliances are used. These devices influence and guide jaw bone growth. Palatal expanders, for example, widen the upper jaw (maxilla) by gently separating its two halves. This creates more space and corrects crossbites.
Functional appliances guide lower jaw (mandible) growth in specific directions, encouraging forward growth to correct bite discrepancies. Headgear modifies jaw growth patterns, either restricting upper jaw forward growth or promoting lower jaw forward growth. These appliances apply forces directly to jaw bones, leading to skeletal rather than just dental changes.
Addressing Significant Jaw Discrepancies
Orthodontic treatment achieves considerable tooth alignment and some jaw adaptation or growth guidance. However, limitations exist with braces and growth-modifying appliances alone, especially for adults or severe skeletal misalignments. When jaw discrepancy is significant and uncorrectable by orthodontics alone, orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, may be necessary.
This surgical procedure physically repositions or reshapes jaw bones to correct major discrepancies in size, position, or shape that impact facial aesthetics and function. Braces are frequently used with jaw surgery to align teeth precisely with newly positioned jaws, both before and after intervention. Surgery is often the path for profound changes to underlying jaw structure.