Case Details: Protruding Upper Jaw and Metal Braces
When diagnosing jaw and teeth alignment, we must examine them from three angles: front, arched, and side.
Frontal View of the Jaws:
In this position, when you look at yourself in a photo with your face parallel to the ground, the upper and lower teeth should be aligned.
In terms of their positioning relative to each other and their straightness, the lower jaw should fit inside the upper jaw. The midline between the two central incisors in the upper jaw should align with the midline between the two central incisors in the lower jaw and be parallel to the midline of your lips and the tip of your nose. If this is the case, we can say there is no issue with the frontal view.
View of the Dental Arch from the Inside:
You can check for optimal jaw alignment by standing in front of a mirror, opening your mouth, and observing whether the upper and lower dental arches are parallel. When you try to close your mouth, you should feel a light, comfortable contact between your upper and lower teeth.
Side View:
Position your teeth in a biting position, pull your cheek to the side, and take a photo of yourself perpendicular to the side teeth and parallel to the ground. Then, examine the photo:
- In the ideal scenario:
- The lower jaw should fit inside the upper jaw.
- The upper front teeth should slightly overlap the lower front teeth at an angle and distance of 2-4 mm.
The lower teeth should bite against the back of the upper teeth.
The lower canine should naturally precede the upper canine.
If these conditions are met, we can say you have an ideal side view of the jaws.
Protruding Upper Jaw
A protruding upper jaw refers to the misalignment of the upper and lower jaws due to the upper jaw being too far forward, preventing optimal alignment. It is divided into several degrees based on its health and aesthetic impact.
This is a medical condition that not only affects a person’s appearance, making it difficult to close the lips easily as the upper jaw protrudes outward, but also impacts the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In terms of dental health, this protrusion can cause an open bite, which affects dental health by making teeth more prone to decay and breakage.
In severe cases, relying solely on orthodontic treatment to correct jaw defects and adjust the position of the upper and lower teeth is insufficient due to the imbalance between the facial and jaw bones. Surgical intervention becomes necessary alongside orthodontic treatment to correct this imbalance and align the teeth properly. This is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia.
Symptoms of a Protruding Upper Jaw
- Inability to close the mouth naturally.
- Leads to a gummy smile, where a large portion of the gums is visible when smiling.
- Deep bite or open bite (depending on the type of protrusion).
- Difficulty in speaking, eating, and chewing.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Psychological impact due to facial asymmetry.
- Mouth ulcers caused by the lower teeth hitting the inner wall of the mouth.
- Increased susceptibility to mouth and facial injuries.
Details About Available Solutions for the Case
To treat an enlarged upper jaw, it is recommended to consult an orthodontist during childhood, preferably starting treatment at 8 years old. This is because a child’s jawbones are soft and flexible at this age.
Therefore, the best results can be achieved for this group of patients in the shortest possible time. Removable orthodontic appliances can be used to move the jaws.
If it is too late or if treatment is delayed for any reason, for adults, depending on the orthodontist, treatment for the upper jaw can be performed through jaw surgery or orthodontics alone. The orthodontist‘s efforts will focus entirely on orthodontic treatment without surgery.
The Best Solution (Metal Braces)
The patient is 22 years old, so the bones have lost the flexibility that would allow the use of removable orthodontic appliances. Therefore, the best solution for her was to install metal braces along with the extraction of premolars on both the right and left sides to create enough space to move the teeth backward and establish a healthy, natural Class I canine relationship.
Steps to Achieve the Desired Result
If you are suffering from a similar condition, the steps to achieve a satisfactory result begin with visiting an orthodontist at Wonders Dentistry Centers, which specializes in dental implants and orthodontics.
- Diagnosis: The doctor will examine your jaws from the front, side, and dental arch views.
- X-rays: You will undergo two X-rays—a panoramic X-ray and a lateral cephalometric X-ray—which are essential for diagnosis, understanding the relationship between the teeth and jaw, and determining the best solution for your case.
- Diagnostic Photos: The orthodontist will take diagnostic photos of your front view, side view, and dental arch.
- Treatment Plan: The orthodontist will explain the treatment method, whether it involves removable appliances, brackets and wires, or surgical intervention. *In most cases, a protruding upper jaw requires metal braces for adults.
- Braces Installation: The orthodontist will install the brackets and wires.
- Follow-Up Appointments: You will attend follow-up sessions weekly, biweekly, or every three weeks, depending on the progress of the case and the treatment stage.
- Post-Treatment Evaluation: Upon completion, new X-rays and diagnostic photos will be taken to assess the progress.
- Retainers: After removing the metal braces, the orthodontist will install a fixed retainer or provide a removable retainer.
After that, you can enjoy a perfect and natural smile.
Number of Visits and Treatment Duration
The treatment duration varies from case to case depending on the patient’s compliance with instructions, bone density, and the treatment plan.
Final Result
The final result is a reduction in the protrusion of the upper jaw with the best possible outcome, without the need for surgical intervention. The canine relationship is now in a natural and correct position, resulting in a beautiful smile and a happy patient with confident teeth.
