Yes, an underbite can definitely change your face. It primarily affects the lower jaw and surrounding areas, impacting facial aesthetics.
How an Underbite Alters Facial Appearance
An underbite, where the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, can lead to several noticeable changes:
- Prominent Lower Jaw: The most obvious effect is a more pronounced lower jawline, which can appear quite strong or even severe.
- Sunken Cheeks: In some cases, an underbite can cause the cheeks to appear sunken or less full. This is because the jaw's position can affect the soft tissues of the face.
- Facial Asymmetry: If the underbite is more pronounced on one side, it can lead to facial asymmetry, where the two sides of the face don't mirror each other.
- Changes to the Chin: The chin may appear larger or more forward due to the jaw's position.
Correction of Underbite and Facial Changes
Correcting an underbite through orthodontics (braces) or orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) can significantly alter facial appearance by:
- Harmonizing Facial Features: Bringing the jaw into proper alignment can create a more balanced and harmonious facial profile.
- Improving Cheek Fullness: Correcting the jaw position can restore volume to the cheeks in some instances.
- Balancing Chin Projection: The chin's projection will be in better proportion to the rest of the face.
- Reducing Facial Asymmetry: Corrective treatment can help to minimize or eliminate any facial asymmetry caused by the underbite.
In conclusion, an underbite has a direct impact on facial aesthetics and its correction can lead to significant improvements in facial harmony and balance.
