Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi, so my name is Makayla, and I got 4 extractions, 2 top and 2 bottom, all premolars. My orthodontist said this needed to be done to make more room in my mouth, due to overcrowding. Since myself and my mum trusted a professional, with loads of experience, to know what she is doing, I got it done without much hesitation. I was just so proud that after years of being too afraid (I have a fear of dentists, due to a bad experience when I was younger), I finally became courageous enough to finally get the smile that I've dreamed about (I'm 19 years old, female).

So anyway, I'm around 6 months through my treatment, and I had noticed a while back that my face has literally began to sag, one side more so than the other. My eyes look tired, one eye is smaller than the other, my eyebrows are uneven, and if I take a photo or look in the mirror, I can clearly see that my face is not symmetrical. I'm someone who has dark under eyes and bags, just naturally, so since my cheeks and my chin and the skin on the sides of my eyes have gone thin and saggy, the dark circles under my eyes are much worse, making me look ill. I can't stand the look of myself. I already had a really bad self esteem issue before this and now....
The two things I admired about my facial structure is now gone.

So I did a lot of research on why my face has sagged and my facial structure has changed, and apparently a lot of people who had gotten teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment had also complained of the same issue as I am currently dealing with. When I found this out and compared photos of myself of before I got my braces and now that I have my braces, I literally began to cry. Ever since then I have been so depressed, because all I ever wanted was just to have a beautiful smile, and then this went and happened to me. Not even makeup can fix me now.

So basically all I want to know is, when my extraction gaps have filled in, and my braces removed, will my face become normal again? Or will I forever look like this now? If you have been in the same situation as me, with the same treatment, and have completed your treatment, or anyone for that matter, I'd really like to hear answers from you on whether things got better after your extractions filled in and braces removed. Is this just temporary, or not?

Makaylamarie1887 wrote:Hi, so my name is Makayla, and I got 4 extractions, 2 top and 2 bottom, all premolars. My orthodontist said this needed to be done to make more room in my mouth, due to overcrowding. Since myself and my mum trusted a professional, with loads of experience, to know what she is doing, I got it done without much hesitation. I was just so proud that after years of being too afraid (I have a fear of dentists, due to a bad experience when I was younger), I finally became courageous enough to finally get the smile that I've dreamed about (I'm 19 years old, female).

So anyway, I'm around 6 months through my treatment, and I had noticed a while back that my face has literally began to sag, one side more so than the other. My eyes look tired, one eye is smaller than the other, my eyebrows are uneven, and if I take a photo or look in the mirror, I can clearly see that my face is not symmetrical. I'm someone who has dark under eyes and bags, just naturally, so since my cheeks and my chin and the skin on the sides of my eyes have gone thin and saggy, the dark circles under my eyes are much worse, making me look ill. I can't stand the look of myself. I already had a really bad self esteem issue before this and now....
The two things I admired about my facial structure is now gone.

So I did a lot of research on why my face has sagged and my facial structure has changed, and apparently a lot of people who had gotten teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment had also complained of the same issue as I am currently dealing with. When I found this out and compared photos of myself of before I got my braces and now that I have my braces, I literally began to cry. Ever since then I have been so depressed, because all I ever wanted was just to have a beautiful smile, and then this went and happened to me. Not even makeup can fix me now.

So basically all I want to know is, when my extraction gaps have filled in, and my braces removed, will my face become normal again? Or will I forever look like this now? If you have been in the same situation as me, with the same treatment, and have completed your treatment, or anyone for that matter, I'd really like to hear answers from you on whether things got better after your extractions filled in and braces removed. Is this just temporary, or not?

Sorry to hear that. I was treated with my 4 first premolars too but I didn't experimented such changes...
At one time, I felt that my chin would protrude a lot but it was only a psychological effect caused by the retraction of my teeth.
You say that your face is becoming asymetrical. How is your midline?
Do you start with the elastics?
I wonder if the dark circles are caused by the pain. I can't imagine how an orthodontic treatment can change the shape of your eyes...
Just a last question, did you have bimaxillary protrusion or lip incompetence before your treatment? And how was your initial profile?

Makaylamarie1887 wrote:Hi, so my name is Makayla, and I got 4 extractions, 2 top and 2 bottom, all premolars. My orthodontist said this needed to be done to make more room in my mouth, due to overcrowding. Since myself and my mum trusted a professional, with loads of experience, to know what she is doing, I got it done without much hesitation. I was just so proud that after years of being too afraid (I have a fear of dentists, due to a bad experience when I was younger), I finally became courageous enough to finally get the smile that I've dreamed about (I'm 19 years old, female).

So anyway, I'm around 6 months through my treatment, and I had noticed a while back that my face has literally began to sag, one side more so than the other. My eyes look tired, one eye is smaller than the other, my eyebrows are uneven, and if I take a photo or look in the mirror, I can clearly see that my face is not symmetrical. I'm someone who has dark under eyes and bags, just naturally, so since my cheeks and my chin and the skin on the sides of my eyes have gone thin and saggy, the dark circles under my eyes are much worse, making me look ill. I can't stand the look of myself. I already had a really bad self esteem issue before this and now....
The two things I admired about my facial structure is now gone.

So I did a lot of research on why my face has sagged and my facial structure has changed, and apparently a lot of people who had gotten teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment had also complained of the same issue as I am currently dealing with. When I found this out and compared photos of myself of before I got my braces and now that I have my braces, I literally began to cry. Ever since then I have been so depressed, because all I ever wanted was just to have a beautiful smile, and then this went and happened to me. Not even makeup can fix me now.

So basically all I want to know is, when my extraction gaps have filled in, and my braces removed, will my face become normal again? Or will I forever look like this now? If you have been in the same situation as me, with the same treatment, and have completed your treatment, or anyone for that matter, I'd really like to hear answers from you on whether things got better after your extractions filled in and braces removed. Is this just temporary, or not?

I think its likely that your face will improve at some point in the treatment even if its towards the end.
The same thing happened to me the last time i had braces and my face improved so much at the very end. If you want to talk you can maybe add me on fb. Im 22 but we sound kind of similar. I have self esteem issues too. ><

Im in braces for the second time

Your face may well change from how it is now as teeth move and gaps close but sorry to have to confirm that extractions have been linked to permanent face changes.

I refused to go the extraction route due to this (and not wanting to lose good teeth) and only had treatment when I found an ortho that I was comfortable with who would do non-extraction. Actually, one ortho specifically said he would not recommend the extraction route as it would worsen my profile.

Some people do have treatment to reverse extraction orthodontics. I realise that's probably the last thing you need to hear right now. I would suggest to try not to think about it too much and see how things go. I would suggest to take photos on a fairly regular basis from the same angles and you can then look back and see if things have actually changed over time.

BracesGuy wrote:Your face may well change from how it is now as teeth move and gaps close but sorry to have to confirm that extractions have been linked to permanent face changes.

I refused to go the extraction route due to this (and not wanting to lose good teeth) and only had treatment when I found an ortho that I was comfortable with who would do non-extraction. Actually, one ortho specifically said he would not recommend the extraction route as it would worsen my profile.

Some people do have treatment to reverse extraction orthodontics. I realise that's probably the last thing you need to hear right now. I would suggest to try not to think about it too much and see how things go. I would suggest to take photos on a fairly regular basis from the same angles and you can then look back and see if things have actually changed over time.

It depends. Sometimes extractions of bicuspids are made to improve the profile. It was my case, as I initially had bimax protrusion.
I agree when you say that's nice to take facial photos regularly to see the evolution, that's what did my orthodontist for me, as I was very stressed of the extractions possible side effects.

Hey lovespain5, 3 months in and I am experiencing similar issues. Face looks more gaunt and old, face shape has changed to become sunken around the cheeks. It's a blow to the self esteem, especially when you're expecting to look prettier as your teeth get fixed. But I think withholding judgment until the end seems to be the best course of action as things tend to get worse before they can get better. Focus on keeping your body healthy, feeling upset about your appearance will exhaust you. I look and feel so much better when I smile, even with braces and gaps in my mouth. Chin up girl! It's going to be okay

Meowmei wrote:Hey lovespain5, 3 months in and I am experiencing similar issues. Face looks more gaunt and old, face shape has changed to become sunken around the cheeks. It's a blow to the self esteem, especially when you're expecting to look prettier as your teeth get fixed. But I think withholding judgment until the end seems to be the best course of action as things tend to get worse before they can get better. Focus on keeping your body healthy, feeling upset about your appearance will exhaust you. I look and feel so much better when I smile, even with braces and gaps in my mouth. Chin up girl! It's going to be okay

Normally your face will become prettier after the treatment if you are treated for bimax protrusion.

Hi there

I am newly 24, but started my treatment at newly 22. Turns out the dentist did it all wrong and it's going to take another 2 years to fix however....

I experienced exactly the same changes. It's absolutely devastating. I just want to look like me. My undereyes became hollow as it seems like the fat under my eyes dropped - my cheek looks fatter at the bottom now and my cheekbones stick out. I've had so many people say "wow you've lost so much weight" etc. I haven't lost - if anything I gained. Some people don't even recognise me. Some mornings I can't believe it's me in the reflection.

I wonder if this is all TMJ related as the dentsit well and truly screwed my teeth up at the back (well, everywhere), and so now none of my teeth come together correctly. He basically tried to correct a class 2 maloclussion without extractions or surgery, which was never going to work and just gave me a massive overjet.

So much research and still I haven't a clue why this has happened or if it can be reversed. I used to look like a 14 year old. Now i look like I could be 30.

[quote="Seasaltmind"][quote="Makaylamarie1887"]Hi, so my name is Makayla, and I got 4 extractions, 2 top and 2 bottom, all premolars. My orthodontist said this needed to be done to make more room in my mouth, due to overcrowding. Since myself and my mum trusted a professional, with loads of experience, to know what she is doing, I got it done without much hesitation. I was just so proud that after years of being too afraid (I have a fear of dentists, due to a bad experience when I was younger), I finally became courageous enough to finally get the smile that I've dreamed about (I'm 19 years old, female).

So anyway, I'm around 6 months through my treatment, and I had noticed a while back that my face has literally began to sag, one side more so than the other. My eyes look tired, one eye is smaller than the other, my eyebrows are uneven, and if I take a photo or look in the mirror, I can clearly see that my face is not symmetrical. I'm someone who has dark under eyes and bags, just naturally, so since my cheeks and my chin and the skin on the sides of my eyes have gone thin and saggy, the dark circles under my eyes are much worse, making me look ill. I can't stand the look of myself. I already had a really bad self esteem issue before this and now....
The two things I admired about my facial structure is now gone.

So I did a lot of research on why my face has sagged and my facial structure has changed, and apparently a lot of people who had gotten teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment had also complained of the same issue as I am currently dealing with. When I found this out and compared photos of myself of before I got my braces and now that I have my braces, I literally began to cry. Ever since then I have been so depressed, because all I ever wanted was just to have a beautiful smile, and then this went and happened to me. Not even makeup can fix me now.

So basically all I want to know is, when my extraction gaps have filled in, and my braces removed, will my face become normal again? Or will I forever look like this now? If you have been in the same situation as me, with the same treatment, and have completed your treatment, or anyone for that matter, I'd really like to hear answers from you on whether things got better after your extractions filled in and braces removed. Is this just temporary, or not?[/quote]

I think its likely that your face will improve at some point in the treatment even if its towards the end.
The same thing happened to me the last time i had braces and my face improved so much at the very end. If you want to talk you can maybe add me on fb. Im 22 but we sound kind of similar. I have self esteem issues too. ><

Im in braces for the second time[/quote]



Hi! I have the same case. Is there any better changes no? It’s so depressing.

[quote="Makaylamarie1887"]Hi, so my name is Makayla, and I got 4 extractions, 2 top and 2 bottom, all premolars. My orthodontist said this needed to be done to make more room in my mouth, due to overcrowding. Since myself and my mum trusted a professional, with loads of experience, to know what she is doing, I got it done without much hesitation. I was just so proud that after years of being too afraid (I have a fear of dentists, due to a bad experience when I was younger), I finally became courageous enough to finally get the smile that I've dreamed about (I'm 19 years old, female).

So anyway, I'm around 6 months through my treatment, and I had noticed a while back that my face has literally began to sag, one side more so than the other. My eyes look tired, one eye is smaller than the other, my eyebrows are uneven, and if I take a photo or look in the mirror, I can clearly see that my face is not symmetrical. I'm someone who has dark under eyes and bags, just naturally, so since my cheeks and my chin and the skin on the sides of my eyes have gone thin and saggy, the dark circles under my eyes are much worse, making me look ill. I can't stand the look of myself. I already had a really bad self esteem issue before this and now....
The two things I admired about my facial structure is now gone.

So I did a lot of research on why my face has sagged and my facial structure has changed, and apparently a lot of people who had gotten teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment had also complained of the same issue as I am currently dealing with. When I found this out and compared photos of myself of before I got my braces and now that I have my braces, I literally began to cry. Ever since then I have been so depressed, because all I ever wanted was just to have a beautiful smile, and then this went and happened to me. Not even makeup can fix me now.

So basically all I want to know is, when my extraction gaps have filled in, and my braces removed, will my face become normal again? Or will I forever look like this now? If you have been in the same situation as me, with the same treatment, and have completed your treatment, or anyone for that matter, I'd really like to hear answers from you on whether things got better after your extractions filled in and braces removed. Is this just temporary, or not?[/quote]


Hi! May i know what happend now? I have same issue and and don’t know what to do.

abro884 wrote:Hi there

I am newly 24, but started my treatment at newly 22. Turns out the dentist did it all wrong and it's going to take another 2 years to fix however....

I experienced exactly the same changes. It's absolutely devastating. I just want to look like me. My undereyes became hollow as it seems like the fat under my eyes dropped - my cheek looks fatter at the bottom now and my cheekbones stick out. I've had so many people say "wow you've lost so much weight" etc. I haven't lost - if anything I gained. Some people don't even recognise me. Some mornings I can't believe it's me in the reflection.

I wonder if this is all TMJ related as the dentsit well and truly screwed my teeth up at the back (well, everywhere), and so now none of my teeth come together correctly. He basically tried to correct a class 2 maloclussion without extractions or surgery, which was never going to work and just gave me a massive overjet.

So much research and still I haven't a clue why this has happened or if it can be reversed. I used to look like a 14 year old. Now i look like I could be 30.

Hi! I have the same case how are tou now did your face back to normal? I’m so confused right now. Need some advice.

I’m so sorry to hear all your experiences of your face shape changing
I’m due to have two extractions of pre molars, the orthodontist said it is something I will require due to over crowding but now I’m worried that it is going to change my face shape aswell.
Should I allow my dentist to remove the teeth or not? Ahhh something else to worry about.

Hey guys! I'm in the same boat LOL! I don't think I'll be having any extractions after reading the things I've just read now on the internet! I'm so glad I did because now I feel like my ortho hasn't been upfront with me. But my case is to fix my maxillary hypoplasia so it's treatment dependent obviously.