One common question people have when pursuing orthodontic treatment is whether it will change the shape of their face. The answer is yes, there is certainly potential for orthodontics to positively influence the shape of your face, especially when correcting bite issues.
Improper bites and misaligned teeth can make asymmetrical features of your face more pronounced, but orthodontics can enhance facial symmetry and improve your appearance.
So how can orthodontic treatment do this, exactly?
Create a More Proportionate and Natural-Looking Jawline
Orthodontics can help change the shape of the jawline to make it more proportionate and natural-looking for people who are correcting issues such as an overbite, underbite, or open bite. For example, for those with an underbite, the lower jaw can protrude, while in those with an open bite, the upper lip may protrude more than normal. Orthodontics can help correct both of these issues for a more natural-looking jaw, mouth, lips, and face.
Since orthodontics change the alignment of your teeth, treatment has the potential to change the appearance of the tissues on top of your teeth. These changes in appearance are most common in children and teens and less obvious in adults whose facial structures are already established. However, research shows face shape can still change with orthodontic treatment in adults [1].
Is It Common to Have a Different Face Shape After Orthodontics?
Some people may see a subtle change in their jawline and face shape, while others may see a more obvious difference. It depends on a few factors, including:
- The severity of your teeth or bite misalignment
- Your age when receiving treatment [2]
- Whether you need surgery along with orthodontics
- The specific issues you want to correct with braces
People with complex bite issues such as open bites or underbites are more likely to see a noticeable change in face shape than those with problems such as a mild overbite.
How Orthodontic Treatment Can Alter Face Shape
Whether you have traditional braces or clear aligners, orthodontics work by applying pressure to your teeth, gently shifting them and triggering the breaking down of bone and the growth of new bone around where your teeth will be in their final positions [3].
As such, your smile will slowly change and your face shape may subtly change as well. However, keep in mind that if you are pursuing braces for orthodontic treatment, your face may look different due to the shape of the braces while you are receiving treatment than it will when your treatment is complete.
Want to Know More?
Orthodontic treatment is highly specific to each individual, so if you want to know more about whether braces or Invisalign will change the shape of your face, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. They can help you visualize potential changes in your appearance prior to getting treatment so you can make the best decisions for your care.
Sources:
1. https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-021-01425-2
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14653125221093390
3. https://www3.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/how-orthodontic-treatment-
works/