Metal Mouth Message Board

My face is changing and I am only three months into treatment.
My ortho told me in the consult that in correcting my overbite, I would develop a more pronounced chin, possibly a sharper jawline and perhaps a reduction in the size of my big bottom lip as it rests against my top lip with my jaw in it's right position.
I was fully aware of the changes to expect, and I have been gradually noticing them, but today I finally realized that my face is changing and I am having some trouble accepting how I look.
Last night my boyfriend was helping me take progress photos and he took a couple of me that I just hated and made him delete. In some I complained about my new hairstyle (that everyone has been complimenting) in others it was the positioning of my mouth or an awkward smile. I couldn't pinpoint the problem, but I just couldn't accept how I looked in the photos.
Today at work I showed co-workers a picture of me from just over a year ago and they were shocked! My jaw and chin are more pronounced and this pesky double-chin I had for years is also gone (yeay) but they all said they didn't notice the changes as they were happening until the saw the photo. Everyone says I look better now and if anything, it just looks like I lost weight.
I think it's ultimately the jawline. For the last 23 years, my jaw has just bled into my neck and was not as defined. I also have a short hairstyle and, while still very feminine, I think the sudden sharp jaw is making me feel like I look masculine or just ... different.


I just wonder if anyone else has had this? I know most faces or features change slightly, but has anyone noticed the changes quite abruptly and needed to take some time to come to terms with their new appearance, even if is was for the better? If so, how did you do it?

My plan is to mix things up again, that always helps. I need to get a fresh, spunky haircut and my nose pierced (as though I need more metal on my face right now lol!!!)

Hi Dramagyrl,

I'm starting to notice little changes too. My chin looks more pronounced and the little double chin I sometimes got from smiling seems to be disappearing. My ortho did tell me he would give me a really nice profile, and I'm liking my new face!

I know it can be hard to see yourself change, I was concerned that I would "miss" my teeth once they moved, but I'm just enjoying all the changes so much. I also realised that they are still the same teeth even if they look different. You are still Dramagyrl, even though your jaw has moved! It's perfectly normal to feel strange about it all. I think your plans to mix things up again sounds great! Hopefully a bit of TLC will make things better.

Take care,

Jennifer

I'm sure it is normal to have to get used to some changes in appearance Dramagyrl. You have looked a certain way for many years & now things are slightly different. It will look more like you in time.

I haven't really noticed much of a change in my face yet, but think my top lip is fuller.

Yes! My face has changed too! People think I look skinnier. My family thinks I don't eat. But I got 4 extractions and so in closing the gaps, I am not as "bucky" looking so there is less space for my teeth to fill up my face. If that makes sense. I feel like I can see my cheekbones more so that's kind of cool.

But yeah, I know what you mean to not really notice differences until you see the picture. I remember I'd always look in the mirror, but one time I looked and realized just how much my face changed and I was kind freaked out. I did lose some weight after getting braces and new job and moving etc. I felt like I looked like a heroine addict compared to before. I had a big head. Hehe now my head is smaller and thinner. But I like that I can see my cheek bones better.

I knew that I would have some facial changes after 4 teeth were extracted. I didn't really see the changes fully until after the braces came off.

I do look a bit different -- my cheekbones are more angular -- but I think it made me look better in the end. It's hard to tell sometimes if I look different because of the extraction/braces, or just because I'm getting older (I'll be 46 soon....but hey, I'll be celebrating turning 25 again, LOL).

Thanks for the responses everyone, and glad to hear your stories as well.

I think it was just a moment of shock when I posted. I've noticed some subtle changes over the three months, but when I looked at some pictures and compared, I saw a dramatic change!
Like I've said on here too, I've had a short hair style most of my life so I always worry people will think I am a boy (althouth there's enough beyond my hair that should show otherwise lol). Anyway, I think it was just sudden definition in my jaw and chin (which is great) made me feel like it looked sharp and masculine, if that makes sense. I know they are great qualities for males and females, and I look thinner ... honestly, I have nothing to complain about, I was just having a moment of self doubt and fear in the changes.

To compensate, I did get my nose piercing and chopped my hair off really, really *pixie* short again. I'm practically "all face" now, as opposed to the style I had which seemed to draw more attention to my jaw and lower half of my face than I am ready for. Got some new eye cosmetics and I'm going to play up my favourite feature with the new do'. Everyone will be so distracted by my hair and eyes, they won't be looking at my jaw and I sure won't be thinking about it!

Post some pics, lets see.
I after only 2 1/2 months am noticing some change, my boyfriend did and pointed it out. I don't know if it's good or bad.