When you look in the mirror, do subtle asymmetries in your facial features bother you when you look in the mirror? While some degree of asymmetry is natural and adds character to your face, more pronounced imbalances can impact both aesthetics and function. Your jaw’s position, tooth alignment, and facial bone structure all work together to create your unique appearance. When these elements are significantly out of balance, oral surgeries, like dental implants, orthognathic surgery, and wisdom tooth removal, offer effective solutions that enhance both function and facial harmony.
At Legacy Oral Surgery, we understand the connection between facial aesthetics and oral health. Our experienced oral surgeons combine extensive expertise with an artistic eye to address structural issues that affect facial symmetry, proportion, and balance. Through advanced surgical techniques, we help you achieve improved function and enhanced natural facial aesthetics that boost your confidence and quality of life.
Oral Surgery Procedures That Enhance Facial Symmetry
The oral surgery we recommend to enhance your facial symmetry depends on your unique oral health and the root cause of your concerns. We start your treatment process with a detailed consultation to help you understand the best option for you, which may include one of the following specialized procedures:
Orthognathic Surgery
Also known as corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic procedures reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to achieve proper alignment. This surgery addresses significant bite problems while dramatically improving facial balance and profile.
If you have a receding chin, protruding jaw, or asymmetrical jaw positioning, orthognathic surgery can create more harmonious facial proportions. The transformation often includes improvements in the appearance of the cheeks, lips, and nose as facial structures achieve better balance.
Dental Implants and Bone Grafting
Tooth loss often leads to bone deterioration in the jaw, which can cause a sunken facial appearance and premature aging. Dental implants replace missing teeth and preserve bone structure, maintaining facial volume and preventing further deterioration.
If you already have significant bone loss, bone grafting procedures can rebuild the foundation you need for implants while restoring proper facial dimensions. This comprehensive approach addresses function and aesthetics by rebuilding the structural support that facial tissues depend on.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Beyond preventing pain and dental complications, timely wisdom teeth extraction can help maintain the natural shape of your jaw and avoid crowding that could alter facial symmetry. By removing impacted wisdom teeth before they cause shifting of other teeth, we can help preserve your natural facial structure and dental alignment.
TMJ Surgery
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect 11 to 12 million U.S. adults and can cause facial asymmetry when one side of the jaw functions differently from the other. In cases where conservative treatments haven’t provided relief, surgical intervention may correct joint dysfunction while simultaneously addressing the resulting facial imbalance.
The Connection Between Function and Aesthetics
While oral surgery offers significant aesthetic improvements, they don’t come at the expense of function. The most successful outcomes occur when we address form and function simultaneously. When your bite aligns properly, your TMJ functions smoothly, and your breathing pathways are unobstructed, your face will naturally settle into more balanced proportions.
This functional improvement often relieves chronic issues like headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. The ripple effects extend to better sleep, reduced tension in facial muscles, and even improved posture as the head and neck achieve better alignment.
Candidates for Facial Enhancement Through Oral Surgery
At Legacy Oral Surgery, we want you to make the best decisions for your oral health and specific circumstances. Our knowledgeable professionals work closely with you to determine if oral surgery for facial enhancement would be right for you. These procedures can be most beneficial for the following concerns:
- Pronounced underbites, overbites, or crossbites
- Significant facial asymmetry affecting quality of life
- Congenital conditions affecting facial development
- Post-traumatic facial irregularities
- Age-related changes in facial structure due to tooth loss
- Failed previous orthodontic treatment due to underlying skeletal issues
We start your journey with a comprehensive evaluation, which can help determine if surgical intervention would provide meaningful benefits in your specific case.
Transform Your Smile and Facial Symmetry with Legacy Oral Surgery
The connection between your oral structure and facial appearance means addressing dental and jaw issues can transform your overall look. Beyond the functional benefits of improved bite and jaw alignment, oral surgery offers the opportunity to enhance your natural facial harmony and balance.If you’ve been concerned about facial asymmetry or how dental issues may affect your appearance, we invite you to explore your options with Legacy Oral Surgery. Our experienced team provides personalized evaluations and treatment plans to address your unique concerns. Schedule your consultation today by calling (201) 601-9262 or through our contact form to take the first step toward facial harmony.
