So something recently dawned on me today that has had me speculating as to the (possible) cause of facial asymmetry I've been experiencing for a large part of my life: my 3rd upper maxillary premolar is missing (see diagram)
my left face side (maxillary region just above the upper left dental arch and beneath my left nostril) is more depressed in than the right side. Effectivley, the appearance is that my left side hasn't developed as much as the right side of the face. My nose is also deviated to the left, and the left nostril is notably higher up than the right. I have never had any dental treatment involving braces or otherwise - other than upper and lower premolars that required fillings. I don't ever recall my 3rd (rear) most upper left premolar ever being extracted (absolutley not). In fact I don't recall it ever erupting at all - furthermore, firmly pressing the gum where the missing left 3rd premolar would typically be produces a bit of pain, and the feeling of the gums surface is bumpy compared to any other region - almost as if a molar is attempting to emerge (it has been like this for a quite some time now). This sort of eruption takes place in later years between 26-33, so I've read and now I am 32.
Getting to the point, Dr Mew mentions that teeth are like the 'scaffolding' of the mouth and upper and lower jaws, and extracted teeth as suggested contributes to elongation in the jaw profile, as well as contributing to overall asymmetry. Could a missing upper 'rear-most' premolar (as a result of not having emerged yet) be a possible cause for asymmetry, and could correct tongue posture, expansion of the upper arche and (hopefully) gradual upswing of the mandible resolve this problem?
Thanks All
Seems like you'd be able to see an unerupted bicuspid on your dental x-rays.
I don't think there is a tooth called a "third premolar"
I just looked at the link you posted and do not see any of them showing a "third premolar"
Do you mean third molar? As in wisdom tooth? or first molar, which would come after the 2nd premolar .
Yes, you're correct. I should have said "upper left 3rd molar" (wisdom tooth) - apologies and thanks for the correction.
In terms of the the actual dental profile, I have a consultation and screening with a clinic in 2 weeks, we'll see what the Panoramic X-rays reveal.
I should have said "upper left 3rd molar" (wisdom tooth) - apologies and thanks for the correction.
Now that's a horse of a different color. It is much more plausible that you have unerupted wisdom teeth. I've read a few anecdotes about wisdom teeth beginning to erupt after starting to practice Mewing/palate expansion, sometimes asymmetrically. Someone called Gray who frequently comments on the orthotropics youtube videos and has his own channel with a few videos on the subject had this experience if I remember correctly.
I should have said "upper left 3rd molar" (wisdom tooth) - apologies and thanks for the correction.
Now that's a horse of a different color. It is much more plausible that you have unerupted wisdom teeth. I've read a few anecdotes about wisdom teeth beginning to erupt after starting to practice Mewing/palate expansion, sometimes asymmetrically. Someone called Gray who frequently comments on the orthotropics youtube videos and has his own channel with a few videos on the subject had this experience if I remember correctly.
I have wondered if Gray is already here. He seems to have both knowledge and the interest to share it.
In terms of the the actual dental profile, I have a consultation and screening with a clinic in 2 weeks, we'll see what the Panoramic X-rays reveal.
Since you say your gums are tender where the wisdom tooth is starting to erupt, the dentist might recommend that it is a risk for impaction and should be removed. This will depend on the angle the tooth appears to be coming in on the x-ray. I would consider extraction only as a last resort if the tooth is actively impacted and causing a lot of pain. Otherwise, although conventional dentists probably won't consider it a viable option, I would try to see if expansion can give you enough space to accommodate your third molars.
Thanks for the insight, this is helpful. My question was going to be whether expanders can circumvent that impaction - unless there is no anecdotal evidence to provide otherwise the only answer I can guess would be "try it and see" (unless Gray is reading this and can confirm?). I have concerns that the area currently surrounding the eruption doesn't or will not yet accomodate the tooth when it fully grows out (there is space but it isn't generous), so my hopes are pinned on the dental arch expansion - extraction is definitely not an option for me, even if it is mandated by the clinic. I'm continuing to observe (what I hope is) correct tongue posture over the last 2-3 weeks with gradual improvements in form - still a long way to go of course. I should mention I also have a palatal expander w/ impression kit on the way, to support expansion during the night, which I'm hoping will expedite the path to instinctive tongue posture down the line. I will provide updates as time passes by.
Here's the video from Gray where he talks about his wisdom tooth erupting:
Here's another video he made that is basically just an introductory summary:
TGW also mentioned his wisdom teeth erupting during expansion:
Posted by: TGW
I completely forgot to mention in the article that my lower wisdom teeth are erupting! They're jammed slightly, but they seem to be gaining more and more space and uprighting themselves.
I should have expected that Gray is this individual in question. I've been kept well informed by his helpful mewing techniques from his comments across many of Dr Mews videos. It's refreshing to see he has started creating videos - this guy seems very clued up.
An updated - I've been experiencing quite a bit of pain where my wisdom teeth is attempting to erupt. Funnily enough to its not the upper left but the "lower" right. I failed to mention (by self misdiagnosis) that I have wisdom teeth also attempting erupt in the lower space too.
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