Can Cosmetic Dentistry Change the Shape of Your Face?

August 14, 2023

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, and today, many people take advantage of cosmetic procedures to enhance their smiles and boost their self-confidence.

Let’s explore how cosmetic dentistry can potentially change facial shape, leading to a more harmonious and balanced aesthetic appearance.

The Relationship Between Teeth and Facial Structure

It’s important to understand that our teeth play a vital role in supporting our facial structure. Each of us has two dental arches—one on the top and one on the bottom. These dental arches are essentially the structure that supports our teeth. How your teeth are aligned in the dental arch impacts your facial shape [1].

Aligned teeth support a proper dental arch, which provides the necessary support for the lips, cheeks, and jawline, contributing to a natural and balanced facial shape. Any irregularities or misalignment in the teeth can affect the overall symmetry and balance of the face.

Fortunately, there are many cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help reposition the teeth or correct your smile for a more aesthetic facial appearance.

Orthodontic Treatments and Facial Structure

Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, are commonly used to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. By straightening the teeth and aligning the bite, these treatments can improve facial aesthetics for patients [2].

Many people know that orthodontics can address concerns like overbites, underbites, or crowded teeth. But many people don’t realize that by repositioning the teeth, orthodontics can help improve facial symmetry and create a more balanced and natural facial structure.

Dental Restorations and Facial Shape

Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of dental restorations that can also impact facial shape. For example, dental crowns can help restore the size and shape of worn or damaged teeth, contributing to a more balanced facial appearance.

Similarly, dental implants, which replace missing teeth, can prevent the collapse of facial structures and restore the natural contours of the face. They do this by helping the jaw retain and even grow more jawbone that is typically lost after a natural tooth falls out [3].

Facial Rejuvenation through Smile Makeovers

A smile makeover, a comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry, can change more than just your teeth.

People with broken, chipped, stained, or unusually shaped teeth often don’t realize how much these issues can impact the appearance of their entire face. After all, your teeth play a significant role in facial appearance and how people perceive you, with people perceiving those who smile as more warm and positive than those who don’t [4].

By utilizing a combination of treatments such as veneers, teeth whitening, and gum contouring, smile makeovers can help rejuvenate the entire face. The proper alignment of the teeth, along with improvements in tooth color and shape, can create a more youthful and attractive appearance that looks natural.

Thinking About Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry has the power to transform not only your smile but also the shape of your face. If you want a more full, natural, and balanced facial appearance, cosmetic dentistry may be able to help. Talk to an experienced cosmetic dentist to explore the potential transformative effects of cosmetic dentistry for your smile and face!