You may have heard stories about how orthodontic work can alter a person’s entire face. It’s a common question we hear from families and adults who are considering braces for themselves or their children.
The changes you see are often a positive outcome of improving your bite and smile. Yes, braces can change the appearance of your jawline, typically as a result of correcting your bite and aligning your teeth. These adjustments can lead to a more balanced facial profile.
How Braces & Your Jaw Connect
Braces are primarily designed to straighten your teeth, but this process can lead to subtle changes in your facial structure. This happens because your teeth provide underlying support for your lips and cheeks. Your bite alignment can also play a role in the appearance of your profile.
Braces Move Teeth
The main job of braces is to guide your teeth into a healthier position within your jaw. For most people, this process does not change the actual bone structure of the jaw itself. The visible changes you notice are usually related to how your teeth, lips, and cheeks settle into their new, aligned positions.
Correct Your Bite
When braces fix bite problems (like an overbite or underbite), the relationship between your upper and lower jaw can improve. This alignment is often what leads to the most noticeable changes in your jawline and profile.
What Changes to Expect in Your Face Shape
The extent of any facial change depends on a few factors, such as your age and the specific reasons you might need braces. While braces won’t give you a completely different face, they can help create a more balanced look. You may notice some of these gentle shifts in your appearance:
- A balanced profile: Correcting a significant overbite or underbite can sometimes make your chin appear more or less prominent. This may help create a more symmetrical facial profile.
- Fuller lips and cheeks: The position of your teeth gives support to your lips and cheeks. As your teeth move into proper alignment, there might be slight, pleasant changes in the appearance of your cheeks or lips.
Nose Shape
This is a popular question, but braces do not directly change the shape or size of your nose. Any perceived difference is usually an illusion. When your upper lip and jaw move back after correcting an overbite, your nose might look slightly different in relation to your mouth.
How Braces Affect the Jawline
For some people, orthodontic treatment can contribute to a more defined jawline. If your jaw appears recessed because of a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, treatment can sometimes make a difference. By aligning your teeth and jaw, braces may help create a more defined jawline.
The Role of Bite Correction
Changes to your jawline are almost always a side effect of correcting your bite. For example, moving the lower jaw forward to fix an overbite can have an impact on your profile. This is one of the more common ways people see a change.
When Changes Are Most Noticeable
Changes are often more apparent in younger individuals whose jaws are still developing. However, adults can also see noticeable changes to their facial symmetry after treatment.
When Orthodontics Won’t Change Your Jaw
It’s also important to understand the limitations of orthodontic treatment. Braces are a tool for moving teeth, and they are not designed to make significant changes to your underlying bone structure. Knowing what to expect is part of a successful treatment journey.
- Core bone structure: Braces cannot alter the fundamental size or shape of your jawbones.
- Significant asymmetry: For more complex jaw alignment issues, treatments like surgical orthodontics may be recommended alongside braces to help achieve your desired outcome.
Next Steps to Take for All Ages
It is never too late to work toward a healthier, more confident smile. Many people of all ages successfully use orthodontic treatments to improve their oral health and appearance. The process for adults is often very similar to treatment for teens, though it might take a little longer.
Talk to an Orthodontist
Every person’s situation is unique, so individual results will vary. A great way to understand how braces might affect your appearance is to have a conversation with a professional. An orthodontist can assess your specific needs and walk you through what to expect from your treatment.
Your Personalized Plan
During a consultation, you can discuss your goals and ask any questions you have. Your dental team can use that information to create a personalized treatment plan that focuses on your specific oral health needs. This plan is designed to help achieve the results you want for your smile.
Let Us Help You Find Your Smile
Understanding how orthodontics can influence your facial features helps set clear expectations for your journey. At Orthodontic Smile Studio, our friendly team in Kitchener, Ontario, is here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to learn more about your options and schedule a complimentary consultation.
