Orthodontics and facial harmonization are interconnected with the goal of providing a more balanced face and boosting the patient’s confidence.
Harmonization refers to the pursuit of balance. When we talk about facial harmonization, we mean achieving facial balance both vertically and horizontally—not just treating signs of aging such as wrinkles. Orofacial, in turn, highlights the symbiosis between our teeth, dental treatments, and the facial soft tissues that together form our patients’ smiles.
Thus, various Orofacial Harmonization (OFH) techniques are integral to proper rehabilitative planning by dental professionals, enabling optimized treatments and achieving excellent results. OFH techniques are non-surgical procedures such as the application of botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) and the use of fillers like hyaluronic acid.
There are several indications for both hyaluronic acid and Botox in dentistry. Below are some examples of their importance and complementary uses:
- Post-dental rehabilitations, with removable or fixed prostheses, it is possible to restore lip support and volume often lost due to tissue collapse caused by tooth absence.
- Muscle relaxation: Certain muscles that may compromise the stability of removable prostheses (e.g., the mentalis muscle) can be relaxed.
- After orthodontic treatment, there may be a need to enhance the projection of perioral soft tissues.
- Correcting gummy smiles: It is possible to reduce or even correct gummy smiles and improve asymmetric smiles.
- Inverted and sad smiles: Inverted labial commissures causing sad or downturned smiles can be corrected by relaxing the depressor anguli oris muscle and the platysma.
- Improving nasolabial folds: Supporting the malar region can create a more sustained appearance of the upper lip and perioral tissues.
- Periodontology support: Although limited, filling papillae can reduce unaesthetic black triangles.
The integration between orthodontics and orofacial harmonization goes beyond aesthetics, promoting functionality and patient well-being.
