Can Braces Change Your Face Shape? Here’s What You Need to Know
Yes, braces can subtly alter your face shape. This often happens because they’re used to correct significant bite issues, like malocclusion, where your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly when your mouth is closed.
How Braces Influence Facial Structure
When braces correct problems like an underbite, overbite, or open bite, the constant pressure they apply to your oral structures can gradually lead to minor to moderate changes in your facial appearance.
For example, with an underbite, your lower jaw extends past your upper front teeth. After braces realign this, you’ll likely notice your lower jaw is now correctly aligned with the rest of your face. Many people who had underbites report that their facial structure feels and looks more natural post-treatment.
An overbite is the opposite, where your upper jaw protrudes, sometimes making your cheeks appear sunken. Braces not only help bring your upper jaw into better alignment with your lower jaw, but they can also create a more symmetrical facial balance. Since severe overbites can weaken the chin and jawlines, braces can actually help strengthen these features as your arches come together correctly.
An open bite occurs when your teeth don’t meet when your mouth is closed. Braces effectively correct this by gently pulling teeth into proper vertical alignment, allowing your mouth to close fully and naturally—something impossible if an open bite goes untreated.
DID YOU KNOW
Aligners work for many orthodontic issues and can cost thousands less than braces.
The Role of the Periodontal Ligament
The changes to your face shape occur because of how your body responds to the braces. Braces work by applying precise pressure to the periodontal ligament. This is a special tissue that connects your teeth to the surrounding bone.
Braces, which consist of wires, brackets, and bands, exert constant, gentle pressure on your teeth. Your body reacts by producing cells that either build new bone or resorb (remove) existing bone, depending on the direction the braces are pushing or pulling your teeth. This process gradually remodels the bones in your face, leading to changes in your facial shape.
Your orthodontist will closely monitor and adjust this pressure by adding or removing bands or changing wires. Their goal is not only to fix your dental issues but also to ensure any changes to your facial structure are beneficial and create a harmonious appearance. These facial impacts are typically considered during your initial treatment planning.
Age, Braces, and Facial Changes
Your age is a key factor in how much your face might change with braces. For children and adolescents, whose teeth, gums, jawbones, chins, and facial muscles are still developing, braces can have a more significant impact. This is why orthodontic treatment is often recommended for preteens and teenagers—their growing bodies are more responsive to changes.
In adult patients, braces will still successfully move teeth, but the process is generally slower, and any facial changes will be less pronounced. However, some adults might notice that their new jaw alignment leads to tighter skin under their chin, which can subtly soften wrinkles and contribute to a more youthful appearance.
Aligners, while effective for many orthodontic concerns, don’t typically cause changes as significant as traditional braces. This is mainly because clear aligners are designed for mild to moderate bite problems. You might notice subtle shifts in your mouth’s shape if your lips were previously pushed out by protruding teeth, but overall, facial changes from aligners are generally minimal.
Braces & Face Shape: FAQs
Can braces alter your jawline or chin?
Yes, braces can influence your jawline, chin, mouth shape, and even your lips. These are secondary effects that result from the primary goal of realigning your teeth and bite. The process is gradual and often imperceptible over time.
Do braces affect your cheekbones?
It’s possible. Braces can correct issues like spacing or overbites. For instance, if your upper teeth are positioned too far forward or back, your cheekbones might appear sunken. By shifting the upper jaw into a better position and correcting uneven spacing, braces can improve the definition and symmetry of your cheekbones.
Will braces make me look younger?
They can, to some extent. Depending on the type of treatment, braces might tighten the skin under your chin and smooth out some wrinkles, which can give your face a more youthful look. However, this should not be the main reason for getting braces.
Is it possible for braces to make my face look worse?
This is highly unlikely. Your orthodontist carefully plans your treatment, considering how braces will affect your overall facial structure. They will not prescribe braces that would lead to undesirable or asymmetrical changes to your face. The goal is always to improve both your bite and your facial harmony.
Can braces change the shape of my nose?
Not directly. Braces reposition your teeth and jawbone, which can subtly change the area between your nose and upper lip. This might make your nose appear more proportional to your face, but braces cannot (and will not) alter the actual shape of your nose.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to serve as dental or other professional health advice and is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition or symptom. You should consult a dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
