Have you ever looked in the mirror during or after braces treatment and thought, are the braces changing my face shape?
We’ll, you are not imagining things. In fact, it’s one of the most intriguing and lesser-known benefits of orthodontic treatment.
So, in this article, Alpha Dental and Implant Centre explores the science and subtle art behind how braces change your face, and what it means for your overall facial appearance.
How Do Braces Change Your Face Shape?
Let’s start with the big question: do braces change your face shape?
Yes, they can, especially when used to treat significant orthodontic issues like crooked teeth, open bite, or a misaligned upper jaw or lower jaw. While the primary goal of braces treatment is to achieve proper alignment and improve oral health, a secondary benefit is that they can positively influence your facial features and facial structure.
This happens because your teeth, jaw bones, and soft tissues like the upper lip are all intricately connected. By shifting your teeth into a proper position, braces work to adjust your bite and alignment — often resulting in a more symmetrical appearance and improved facial aesthetics.
The Science Behind Braces and Facial Structure Changes
To understand how braces change your face shape, we need to peek into the biology of tooth movement.
Teeth are held in place by a fibrous connective tissue structure known as the periodontal ligament. When you wear traditional braces or lingual braces, controlled pressure is applied to the front teeth, upper teeth, or lower jaw. This pressure gradually moves the teeth and even the jawbone into a better alignment.
As your bite changes, your facial shape may adjust accordingly. For example:
- Fixing an overbite or underbite can reduce jaw protrusion
- Closing a gap between front teeth can alter facial symmetry
- Correcting misaligned teeth can lead to a more harmonious facial appearance
What Parts of the Face Can Braces Change?
Let’s break it down. Here are the main facial features and areas impacted by braces treatment:
1. Jawline and Chin
One of the most noticeable changes is in the lower jaw. Braces can help align the jaw development properly, especially in growing teens. This alignment leads to a sharper, more defined jawline and a less recessed or overly prominent chin.
2. Lips and Mouth Area
Misaligned or protruding teeth can push the upper lip or lower lip forward. Once braces correct this, the lips may sit more naturally, giving a more balanced facial shape.
3. Cheeks and Midface
In cases of severe open bite or crossbite, your cheeks can appear sunken or puffy. By correcting misaligned teeth, braces change the balance of your midface, sometimes resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Braces Treatment: Why Facial Changes Vary from Person to Person
Not everyone will experience dramatic face shape changes, and here’s why:
- Age matters: In younger patients, bones are still developing, so orthodontic treatment can guide jaw development more significantly.
- Type of issue: A mild case of crooked teeth might only change your facial aesthetics subtly. Severe overbites or underbites, however, usually lead to more visible shifts.
- Type of braces: While all types of braces work, some like lingual braces (placed behind the teeth) offer the same benefits discreetly.
- Treatment plan: Each person’s treatment plan at Alpha Dental and Implant Centre is custom-designed, influencing the extent and type of changes you might notice.
Can Braces Make Your Face More Symmetrical?
Absolutely. One of the key benefits of orthodontic treatment is improving facial symmetry.
When your teeth and bite are off, your face might appear uneven or asymmetrical. Fixing these imbalances helps braces change your face by enhancing symmetry and alignment: two critical components of beauty, according to studies on facial aesthetics.
A well-aligned smile can improve how your cheekbones appear, balance the upper jaw and lower jaw, and refine your facial structure.
What Happens to Your Face After Braces Are Removed?
Once your braces come off, you’ll not only see straighter teeth but often a subtly transformed face shape. This could mean:
- A better-defined jawline
- Lips that rest more naturally
- A balanced profile and facial appearance
- Fewer facial imbalances
Your final results depend heavily on your post-braces care, including retainers and good oral hygiene. At Alpha Dental and Implant Centre in Adelaide, we ensure your smile stays aligned, and so does your improved facial symmetry.
Why Choose Alpha Dental and Implant Centre in Adelaide?
At Alpha Dental and Implant Centre, our experienced orthodontic team takes a holistic view. We guide your entire facial structure into its most natural and beautiful form. Whether you’re dealing with crooked teeth, an open bite, or just want a more youthful, confident smile, your treatment plan is tailored to you.
We use the latest techniques in orthodontic treatment, from traditional braces to clear aligners like Invisalign, ensuring you get the results you need, both functionally and aesthetically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do braces make your face slimmer?
Yes, in some cases. When braces correct an open bite or misalignment that caused puffiness or jaw protrusion, your face shape can appear slimmer and more contoured.
Do braces change my jawline?
They can. By adjusting the lower jaw and bite, braces work to realign the jaw, often resulting in a more defined and harmonious jawline.
Will my face change after I get my braces off?
Yes, but usually in a subtle, positive way. Your new tooth alignment will enhance facial symmetry and may balance out your facial features.
Can braces affect my nose shape?
Not directly. While braces change your face structurally, they do not alter the nose shape. However, improved jaw development and alignment might make your nose appear more proportionate.
What’s the best age for braces to affect face shape?
Ideally during adolescence. Since bones are still growing, braces treatment during this period can guide jaw development and facial structure more effectively.
Final Thoughts: Do Braces Change Your Face Shape?
So, back to our original question: do braces change your face shape?
They sure do, especially when guided by expert care like that at Alpha Dental and Implant Centre. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your teen, or even as an adult, the aesthetic benefits go far beyond just straighter teeth. From enhancing your jawline to boosting facial symmetry, braces can genuinely help reshape your confidence and your face.
Ready to transform your smile and your face? Book a consultation with our Adelaide team today or leave us a question.
