Metal Mouth Message Board

I would like to discuss anyone's experiences with facial changes from braces other than the teeth.
I have recently gotten lines- saggin sort of bunched up lines- 2-3 of them- on my smile lines on the cheeks.
I am a 35 yr old woman so maybe it is just age? But it feels weird to me and I only noticed them recently.
Also had wisdom teeth out ( mistake) 3 yrs ago but these lines are RECENT>
Ortho says it is not related to teeth moving but I am not sure.

I have had definite changes in face shape, but these have been in part due to braces themselves and but probably largely due to surgery- so I'm not sure if that is helpful to you...

I do understand that it is hard to get used to yourself looking different sometimes, particularly when it isn't in ways you'd actually imagined.

I have gotten some small nasolabial (laugh) lines since I got braces almost 2 months ago and I'm only 25! I believe the causes of mine are having to smile bigger than I ever did due to the brackets being in the way (though I find I have a more attractive smile when it's bigger) and to have my mouth open more often and for greater lengths of time for brushing/flossing.

Therefore, my case doesn't seem to be related to the actual tooth movement.

I am really hoping they are not permanent.

I totally understand what you are saying. I was braced appx. 4mo ago and I have noticed the smile lines/wrinkles that you are talking about. I didn't have them before or maybe I didn't notice them before. I have purchased some antiwrinkle cream in hopes that it will help. If you have any suggestions, please advice. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that it is due to our mouth having to adjust to the new hardware and all will go back to normal after the braces come off or further along into the treatment.

Stacey

[quote="lindesd"]I totally understand what you are saying. I was braced appx. 4mo ago and I have noticed the smile lines/wrinkles that you are talking about. I didn't have them before or maybe I didn't notice them before. I have purchased some antiwrinkle cream in hopes that it will help. If you have any suggestions, please advice. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that it is due to our mouth having to adjust to the new hardware and all will go back to normal after the braces come off or further along into the treatment.

Stacey[/quote]

I would be really happy if these went away but I don't know. I am 7 months into braces (5 months to go) and I only notced them a month ago.
It ages me so much I do not like it.
And I take really good care of my skin and used to look younger than my age so man what a drag.

I still don't get how it happened- for me my teeth before braces were more protruded so maybe moving them back collapsed some of the skin?
Oh letting go of beauty is HARD>

I have always looked younger too. At 36, I am not aging gracefully at ALL and I am going to fight this $hit every step of the way! I am telling you this as I get ready to apply face cream LOL! Anyway, keep your chin up and let me know if you come across any miracle aging cures.

Also, why is it that men are distinguished with age and we are not?????


Stacey

The thing is that I don't mind the aging process- or being a woman in that respect. But I taken good care of myself except for some teeth troubles and I just get bymmed out that I have these lines from my teeth stuff! I already use good face cream and stuff and have nice skin. That is why I know my lines and stuff are from teeth related stuff.
Maybe when the braces come off the lines will go away? Probably not. That would be cool though.

I have definately noticed the smile lines since I got my braces, and I'm only 2 months in. But speaking of aging, I found my first gray hair a month ago, so I think its clear the braces have made me an old lady. Oh yea, and I just got an eye exam and have my first pair of distance glasses. So picture me: smile lines, gray hair, glasses, all at the ripe old age of 25.

My dentist commented that my side profile has gotten better. My lower jaw was back, but it seems that it has come forwards. I have had braces for 16 months.

I am pretty sure lines and such have to do with aging and not teeth moving....but I could be wrong.

Like I stated earlier, I didn't notice any smile lines until the braces. Hopefully they will diminish once the braces are off. Silly as it sounds, this has been a concern of mine for several weeks. I am so glad that this subject was brought up and that I am not the only one that has noticed this.

Again thanks for all of your feedback. I am so glad I have the privilege to visit this forum and vent.

Have a great evening,

Stacey

Mine are actually creases more than lines, and I also did not notice them until recently so I know it is braces related!
I don't think they will go away when braces come off though. Just gotta live with it or get some nasty injectable to freeze my facial nerves- not.

Luckily my boyfriend is in love with me and thinks I am beautiful even with these problems :wink: which makes it easier to deal with.
But I still don't like it!!

I had dermal fillers about 8 months ago because my naso labial lines were getting more pronounced and I didn't like it. I was due to have some more around now, however, I feel that since having my expander and upper braces put on my upper jaw has widened out and softened the lines on my face ......result!

I have noticed a change in my facial shape and in profile. My jaw feels and looks wider, making me smile "bigger" and fuller. I love it! I feel like my face is more in proportion now, more even and level.

My profile still needs some work, as I feel like my chin protrudes out... but I still have a year left in braces for them to fix that, but it is minor in comparison to everything else.

That's really odd that all of you are noticing more lines - or maybe I'm the odd one. I just turned 40 in January, so I expected deepening laugh lines. However, after I got my braces in March, the lines are not near as noticeable. They were pretty faint before braces, but now the are non-existent. I do get creases when I floss, but they don't stay. Last week, I ran into an ex-coworker who told me I look younger. I've been pretty happy with the facial changes I'm seeing. I hope the lines the rest of you are experiencing are temporary.