Before & After Braces: How orthodontist ruined my face

Summary

In this personal story, the speaker reflects on their experience with braces, despite having no major dental issues. Initially, they had crooked teeth but no bite problems. However, after three years of braces, they noticed significant changes in their facial structure, including a shrinking chin and misaligned teeth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of individualized dental care and cautions against blind trust in standardized treatments. They suggest exploring alternatives like mewing and maxillary expansion, which could better address facial development and overall health, and encourage people to be more involved in their treatment decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Braces may not always be necessary for everyone, especially for those without significant bite issues, as demonstrated by the speaker's experience of only having two crooked teeth.
• 😀 Dental professionals may recommend treatments like braces even if the patient does not have major dental problems, which can lead to unintended consequences, as seen with the speaker's lower teeth misalignment after treatment.
• 😀 Braces can affect facial appearance, including the jawline and chin, and these changes may not always be immediately apparent to the orthodontist or dentist.
• 😀 The speaker experienced a rapid and noticeable facial change after braces, including a smaller chin and a loss of jawline, which negatively affected their self-image.
• 😀 Orthodontic treatments such as braces can lead to unexpected issues like a gap between teeth and jaw misalignment, especially if the treatment is not customized to the patient's unique facial structure.
• 😀 Regular check-ups and progress photos should be taken during orthodontic treatment to track changes and ensure the treatment is progressing as expected.
• 😀 The speaker advises against blindly trusting dental professionals without questioning their approach, as every patient's needs may vary, and one-size-fits-all treatments can have detrimental effects.
• 😀 Proper tongue posture (mewing) can help correct misalignments that may result from braces, as it works with the natural growth and alignment of the jaw and facial bones.
• 😀 The speaker's experience with orthodontics highlights the importance of researching treatment options, including alternatives like orthotropics or myofunctional therapy, which can offer better, more holistic outcomes.
• 😀 The speaker urges patients to be more involved in their dental treatments, track their progress, and seek second opinions to avoid the potential long-term impact of misguided orthodontic decisions.
• 😀 While perfect teeth are often prioritized in orthodontics, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering facial health and structure, including proper airway function, which can be harmed by poorly planned treatments.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial experience with braces?

The speaker had no major dental issues but had two crooked teeth. They were advised by their dentist to get braces at age 17 since braces were free until the age of 18. Despite being hesitant, they agreed to proceed with the treatment.

What was the unexpected consequence of wearing braces for the speaker?

After wearing braces for three years, the speaker's lower teeth became misaligned, with some teeth sticking out. The speaker believes this happened due to issues with their lower jaw, which was not properly addressed during treatment.

Why does the speaker believe their orthodontist did not take progress pictures during treatment?

The speaker suspects that the orthodontist may have been aware that the facial changes were negative, leading to a deterioration in the speaker's chin and jawline, which were once considered attractive.

What facial changes did the speaker notice after getting braces?

The speaker observed a significant reduction in the size of their chin and a loss of their jawline. Over two years, their face changed drastically, becoming flatter, which affected their overall appearance.

What was the primary reason the speaker started looking into mewing?

The speaker began researching mewing after noticing that their lower teeth were sticking out and developing a gap. They initially thought their tongue posture might be the cause but later discovered that mewing helped address their lower jaw and teeth positioning.

What is the speaker's opinion about traditional orthodontic treatment?

The speaker feels that traditional orthodontic treatments, such as braces, are often used inappropriately for patients with minor dental issues. They caution against relying on standard treatments without considering alternatives like maxillary expansion or functional therapies.

What alternative treatments does the speaker suggest?

The speaker recommends considering treatments such as maxillary expansion, mewing, or other less mainstream approaches like orthotropics, especially if you don't have serious bite issues. They emphasize the importance of personalized care.

Why does the speaker advise taking progress pictures during orthodontic treatment?

The speaker encourages taking progress pictures to track any changes that may occur during treatment. This allows individuals to notice subtle shifts in facial structure and dental alignment, and make more informed decisions about their treatment.

What does the speaker warn against when it comes to orthodontic care?

The speaker warns against blindly trusting orthodontists who apply the same treatment to all patients, regardless of their specific needs. They stress that every patient’s situation is unique and requires a tailored approach.

What is the main takeaway the speaker wants viewers to understand from their experience?

The main takeaway is to be proactive in researching and understanding your own orthodontic care. Don't sacrifice your facial aesthetics and health for the sake of achieving straight teeth, especially if your case doesn't warrant traditional treatments like braces.