Dental brace 'can give facelift'

The brace increases the space between the upper and low teeth

A dentist believes a simple dental brace may give people a facelift without the need for surgery and is calling for researchers to investigate.

The £2,500 Oralift brace, designed by central London-based private dentist Nick Mohindra, works by training face muscles into different positions.

Mr Mohindra claims trials of the technique has shown it can make people look up to 20 years younger.

But cosmetic surgery experts said the treatment could have adverse effects.

It can affect speech and put undue strain on the facial muscles, leading to headaches British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry spokesman

The device works by separating the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is at rest.

When the jaw is relaxed, muscles keep the lips closed and the teeth slightly apart - this gap is known as free way space.

The brace increases this gap, which in turn encourages face muscles to adapt, triggering the healing process.

Mr Mohindra has been developing the technique for several years and said the effect can last for 10 years.

Research

He said: "I have been using the technique for years. At first it was to relieve facial pain, but then we realised it was making patients look younger.

"A few years ago we carried out a study of patients and it worked on 80% of patients.

"What we now want is for a university to do some research on this because I believe it is a simple way to make people look younger without the need for surgery.

Use of the brace has to be gradually built up

"It needs to be carefully monitored and gradually introduced, may be an hour or so at a time to start with, but within days people will notice a difference. For most people a course of treatment will last two months."

But experts warned the treatment may have some side effects.

A spokesman for the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry said: "Increasing the free way space will change muscle tone and therefore improve appearance in the muscles - but it has other effects.

"It can affect speech and put undue strain on the facial muscles, leading to headaches.

"The academy does not recommend this treatment and we advise patients to seek an orthodontic opinion before embarking on this treatment."