Can Dental Braces Affect Your Jawline? | #THEBITEANGLE EP32

In this episode of The Bite Angle Podcast, Dr Justin Giam sits down with Dr Christopher Teo of Dental Designs Clinic to answer common questions about braces, aligners and orthodontic treatment at every age.

About The Video

Dr Christopher shares his path from dental school in Adelaide to orthodontic training at New York University, where he spent around 12 years before returning to Singapore in 2024. He and Dr Justin then compare braces and clear aligners, ceramic and metal brackets, and discuss when a general dentist may refer a more complex case, such as a deviated bite or existing gum disease.

The conversation also covers whether orthodontic treatment can change face shape, how jaw surgery and palatal expansion fit into care, and when children should first be assessed. To close, Dr Christopher answers the questions adults ask most: am I too old, will my medical history affect treatment, how long should aligners be worn, and do retainers need to be worn for life?

This episode offers a practical look at orthodontics in the dental field. Dr Christopher explains that braces and aligners are tools, and in most cases the outcome depends more on planning and clinical skill than on the appliance itself. He also outlines where each may suit a case better, and why aligner software plans still need careful review by the dentist.

For parents, he suggests an early assessment once the kids' first adult molars come through, usually around age six or seven, to monitor how the teeth are erupting. For adults, he notes there is no upper age limit for moving teeth, though gum health and some medical conditions need to be considered first. A useful listen for anyone weighing orthodontic treatment for themselves or their child, or planning cosmetic work.