Braces are a common treatment for correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, but many people wonder if they can also change the shape of the face. In this post, we will explore the potential effects of braces on the face and discuss whether or not they can truly change the shape of a person’s face. So, whether you’re considering braces for yourself or just curious about the topic, read on to learn more!
Braces and Facial Structure
The pressure that the braces put on your oral tissues when treating an underbite, overbite, or open bite may eventually cause minor to moderate alterations in the shape of your face.
For instance, if you have an underbite, your bottom teeth will be in front of your top teeth because your lower jaw will protrude first. You will notice that your lower jaw is correctly aligned with the rest of your face once braces have balanced this imbalance. People who have underbites often say that after getting braces, their facial structure feels and appears more natural.
A functional overbite is when the upper jaw protrudes ahead of the lower jaw, making the cheeks appear sunken. Braces assist in reforming the jaw so that it is more in line with the lower jaw and in improving facial symmetry. Overbites can weaken the chin and jawlines, but braces also strengthen them by assisting with the precise alignment of the arches.
When the mouth is closed, the teeth cannot come together, creating an open bite. An open bite can readily be corrected with braces by bringing the teeth together to create a more vertical bite.
To learn more about how braces can change your face from a Jefferson orthodontist, schedule your free consultation today.
Braces and Their Effect on the Periodontal Ligament
Braces alter the shape of your face because of the way your face responds to them. Braces exert pressure on the periodontal ligament, which is a structure made of fibrous connective tissue that holds your teeth to the corresponding neighboring bones.
Wires, brackets, and bands make up what we often refer to as braces. Your body reacts to the continual gentle pressure exerted on your teeth by creating cells that either grow or break down the bones that are linked to them, depending on how the braces are positioned to push or pull the teeth in the right direction.
Your face’s bones gradually remodel as a result of the generation of these cells, which may result in changing the appearance of your face. The pressure your orthodontist applies to the periodontal ligaments throughout the course of treatment affects how your jaw develops. Your face’s symmetry may change as a result of this.
Since your orthodontist is aware that whatever happens with the braces on your teeth will also have an impact on your entire facial structure, they frequently take these changes into account when they are developing your treatment plan.
Age, Braces & Changing Face Shape
The age of a patient plays a role in determining the extent to which braces can change their face. Generally, the younger a patient is, the more significant the impact of braces on their facial structure will be. This is why orthodontic treatment is often recommended for preteens and teenagers. However, older patients can also benefit from braces as they can still move teeth into the correct positions, even though the process may be slower and the changes to the face may not be as noticeable.
The best time to invest your healthiest smile with orthodontics is: any time! It’s never too late to get started. Schedule your free consultation today.
Face Changes after Braces or Invisalign
In certain situations, asymmetry in the face can be greatly improved by braces or Invisalign.
Age is a significant element to take into account when discussing facial changes following the use of braces or Invisalign. We can adjust the jaw and face structure considerably more easily in young patients who are still growing and developing. By directing jaw growth, early interceptive orthodontics may occasionally be used primarily to balance a child’s facial traits. This is when orthopedic devices like the Herbst or palatal expanders come in very handy.
Orthodontic therapy can still be quite helpful for individuals who have stopped growing when seeking to correct severe facial imbalances and discrepancies.
Common Examples That Braces Fix
Underbite
An underbite is a condition in which the bottom teeth are positioned ahead of the upper teeth. The lower jaw protrudes as a result of this. Your face may appear noticeably different in this situation between before and after braces. The lower half of your face will look more harmonious if you balance the top and lower jaws and adjust how the teeth and jaws connect. It will make your features appear softer and more proportional.
Overbite:
Another malocclusion where Invisalign or braces can improve the jawline is an overbite. A “weak” chin and sunken cheeks are the results of the top teeth sticking out too far in front of the bottom teeth. It provides you with a stronger chin and jawline, a more balanced facial profile, and an aligned bite by assisting the arches in coming together properly.
Open bite
The front teeth do not come together at all when you have an open bite. Lips must be stretched in order to fit over teeth when trying to close them. This lengthens the face and makes eating and speaking very difficult. The front teeth will be able to make contact with each other thanks to Invisalign and braces, which will enhance your smile and oral health as well as give you the cheeks of your dreams.
Other Malocclusions
Any malocclusion, such as a crossbite or simply crooked teeth, can alter the contour of your face or your facial features. Your smile becomes a focal point on your face and harmonizes with the rest of your facial characteristics when your teeth are properly positioned.
Everyone has unique anatomy and orthodontic needs. Our skilled orthodontists can answer all your questions at a free consultation.
Do Braces Change Your Jawline?
In order to align the teeth and jaws, braces can relocate them to solve biting problems. Your jawline and lips will follow your teeth as they realign themselves. Your face will look more natural and aesthetically beautiful when you can eventually close your mouth.
Do Braces Make You More Attractive?
Braces make you look better overall. Braces produce an aesthetically pleasant effect by perfectly aligning your teeth, which greatly increases your beauty and self-confidence. You naturally grin more when you have a smile that you’re proud of.
Does the Face Look Thinner After Braces?
The face will alter substantially after braces since the upper jaw will be brought out, the lower jaw will go back in, the nose will look higher, the lower jaw will be slimmer, and the angle of the lips and nose will not be as blunt but rather more pointed.
Ready to meet with an orthodontist for your potential braces treatment? Schedule a free consultation today!
