[Health Column] Does Braces Cause Nasolabial Folds? — The Real Cause, Misconceptions, and a Complete Guide to Braces

 

hello. Director Jeong Jae-wook of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic no see.

 

 

There is a concern I hear most often before getting orthodontic treatment.

“They say that if you get braces, the wrinkles on your nasolabial folds will get deeper…”

“I saw a review saying that my cheeks looked thinner and more slender.”

 

I really understand these concerns.

 

But in reality Wrinkles on the nasolabial folds = Not due to correction, but a problem of 'relative change and habit' This is much more common.
today The relationship between correction and nasolabial folds , and In what cases can wrinkles appear deeper? I'll explain it to you easily.

 

 

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1. Does orthodontic treatment really cause wrinkles on the forehead?

👋 Nasolabial folds are often visible due to 'changes in relative depth' rather than 'movement of teeth'.

 

If you correct it, your mouth will go back.
At this time, the starting point of the wrinkles on the forehead also moves backwards.

Most of the time, the direction in which the wrinkles appear shallower It changes into .

 

But why do I feel like my wrinkles have gotten deeper?

✔ Let me explain it easily with an example

• The cheeks are the same, but the mouth is sunken inward. Let me think about it.
  → Then, the ‘valley’ between the ball and the mouth may appear relatively prominent.

• That is, not “sagging” Existing wrinkles appear more prominent It's just one day.

 

 

When you feel like wrinkles have suddenly appeared on your arms,
Not just “creating wrinkles” Check if it is due to relative volume change I'd like to try it.

 

 

 

2. Why do changes in the nasolabial folds occur during correction?

👋 Lifestyle habits, muscle changes, and treatment design are the main causes.

 

🔸 1) Bad lip habits

To hide the braces If you keep pursing your lips, muscle use increases → wrinkles become stronger. It can lead to.

🔸 2) Excessive treatment plan

If you push your teeth back too far,
→ Okni and Hapjuki mouth As it becomes more sagging, it can actually look like sagging.

This is the part that the director emphasized.
Whether or not a precise diagnosis is possible based on experience is very important.

🔸 3) Reduction in masticatory muscles

During braces treatment, you will be asked to avoid hard foods.
→ As the chewing muscles decrease Your cheeks may appear sagging and the area under your cheekbones may appear hollow.
→ As a result, the wrinkles on your arms may appear stronger.

 

 

As long as the food is not too hard
A balanced diet that naturally uses the muscles around the mouth It helps.

 

 

3. How should I plan my correction to reduce the worry about wrinkles on my forehead?

👋 We need to look at the entire facial bone structure, not just the arrangement of the teeth.

 

🔹 [Expert Diagnosis] Full facial analysis is key

• Cheek fat amount

• Skin elasticity

• The ratio of the head to the lower body

• Front teeth angle

• Upper and lower jaw balance

All of these elements must be reviewed and corrected.
A facial line where the nasolabial folds are not prominent can make.

 

🔹 [Treatment Process] Speed ​​control is very important

If you push your teeth back too quickly,
→ Wrinkles may appear deeper because the skin and soft tissues cannot adapt.

 

The impatience of “I want to finish it quickly!” can actually accentuate wrinkles.

 

🔹 [Lifestyle] Skin Care + Facial Muscle Maintenance

• 💧 Drink enough water

• 🌞 Sunscreen is essential

• 🙂 facial muscle exercises :

  • Put air in the ball and hold for 10 seconds

  • Practice opening the corners of your mouth wide

 

This is basic care that anyone can do without side effects.

 

 

4. How do nasolabial folds change during and after correction?

👋 Most cases recover naturally within 6 months after the end of orthodontic treatment.

✔ After removing the braces

• Chewing muscle recovery

• Restoring cheek volume

• soft tissue stabilization

After going through this process Most wrinkles that appeared deep during correction will return to their previous state.

 

5. Is it possible to have dermatological procedures performed concurrently during orthodontic treatment?

👋 It is possible, but 'timing' is important.

 

Because the lip, chin, and cheekbone lines continue to change during correction,
After the outline is somewhat established (finishing stage ~ after correction is completed) I recommend this procedure.

 

 

❓ FAQ

 

Q1. Will the deepened nasolabial folds return after correction?

A1. Yes, mostly Recover naturally It will work.

Changes caused by the thickness of the braces and the reduction of masticatory muscles stabilize within about 6 months after the device is removed through diet and muscle recovery.

 

Q2. If I get orthodontic treatment, will I always have a 'happocket'?

A2. No. The mouth of the bamboo is When teeth are pushed back too far As a side effect,
By accurately calculating the amount of movement through a precise diagnosis, even if teeth are extracted, they can be corrected to create a natural and sophisticated line.

 

Q3. Is orthodontic treatment for people in their 40s and 50s more dangerous due to loss of elasticity?

A3. It is true that skin elasticity is low, Speed ​​control and non-extraction priority design It is possible to do so safely enough.

 

 

📝 conclusion

 

Orthodontic treatment Create wrinkles on the forehead is a common misconception.
rather In many cases, it improves as the balance between the chin and mouth improves.

 

The key is
✔ Precision diagnosis ,
✔ Speed ​​control ,
✔ A plan that takes into account the entire facial structure no see.

 

Rather than delaying correction due to vague fears,
Consult a specialist A plan that reflects my face shape, skin elasticity, and even the condition of my masticatory muscles. Try setting it up.
It will lead to slightly healthier and more natural changes.

 

 

 

Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic

Director Jeong Jae-wook

Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dental Prosthodontics Specialist

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Graduated with a master's degree from Yonsei University School of Dentistry

Intern at Yonsei University Sinchon Severance Hospital , Prosthodontics Residency Completion

Korean Academy of Prosthodontics, recognized and full member

Korean Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) Premium Member

Regular member of the Korean Society of Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion

Full member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry

jeon ) Adjunct Professor, Yonsei University College of Dentistry

jeon ) Former Director of Yonsei Good Day Dental Clinic Yangjae Branch

hyeon ) Korean Academy of Prosthodontics, Board of Review , Expert Committee/Academic Affairs Committee

hyeon ) Korean Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) Director of Academic Planning

 

 

 

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