When most people think about braces, they imagine straighter teeth and a more confident smile. But orthodontic treatment does much more than just align your teeth—it can also influence your overall facial structure. If you or your child are considering braces, you may be wondering: Do braces actually change the shape of your face?

At Sloss & Carpenter Orthodontics in Centennial, CO, we help patients achieve not just healthier smiles but also improved facial aesthetics through expert orthodontic care. Let’s explore how braces can impact facial structure and why this transformation can be beneficial.

How Braces Affect Facial Structure

Braces work by gradually moving your teeth into proper alignment, but their influence extends beyond just the teeth. The position of your teeth is closely linked to your jaw and facial balance. As braces shift your teeth, they also affect your jaw position, which can result in noticeable changes in your facial structure over time.

Here are some key areas where braces can impact facial appearance:

1. Jaw Alignment and Profile Enhancement

For individuals with an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, the position of the jaw can make a significant difference in facial aesthetics. Braces and other orthodontic treatments, such as elastics or expanders, help to reposition the jaw to a more balanced alignment.

  • Overbite Correction: If the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, it can make the chin appear recessed or weak. Correcting an overbite brings better facial harmony and a stronger profile.
  • Underbite Correction: An underbite, where the lower jaw protrudes, can create a pronounced, unbalanced look. Orthodontic treatment helps shift the jaw into a more natural position, softening facial features.
  • Crossbite and Open Bite: Crossbites and open bites can create asymmetry in the face, which braces help correct for a more balanced appearance.

2. Lip Support and Shape

Your lips rest against your teeth, so their appearance is influenced by dental alignment. Braces can subtly change the way your lips sit, making them look fuller or more proportionate to your facial features.

  • If teeth are pushed forward, lips may appear more pronounced.
  • If teeth are pulled back (common in cases of excessive protrusion), lips may seem less prominent but more balanced.
  • In severe cases of misalignment, correcting the bite can improve overall lip symmetry.

3. Chin and Jawline Definition

The alignment of your teeth and jaw affects the appearance of your chin and jawline. If you have a misaligned bite, it may cause your jaw to look weak or overly prominent. Braces help create a more harmonious jawline by positioning the teeth and jaw properly.

  • Recessed Chin: Patients with overbites often have a chin that appears less defined. Correcting the overbite can improve chin prominence and overall facial balance.
  • Strong or Jutting Chin: Patients with underbites sometimes have an overly strong chin. Adjusting the bite through braces can soften this look for a more proportionate profile.

4. Cheekbone and Midface Changes

In some cases, braces can also influence how your cheekbones appear, especially in younger patients whose bones are still developing. By improving dental alignment and jaw positioning, braces can enhance cheek contouring, leading to a more lifted or structured midface.

Do Braces Change Facial Structure in Adults?

While braces are commonly associated with children and teens, adults can also experience changes in facial structure from orthodontic treatment. However, the degree of change may be less pronounced compared to younger patients because adult bones have fully developed.

For adults, significant changes in facial appearance often occur when orthodontic treatment is combined with:

  • Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery: For severe bite misalignment, jaw surgery may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
  • Palatal Expanders or Appliances: These can help modify jaw width and improve facial symmetry.
  • Clear Aligners (Invisalign) vs. Traditional Braces: Invisalign can make minor adjustments to facial aesthetics, but traditional braces often provide more noticeable changes for severe alignment issues.

Even without surgery, adults can still achieve significant improvements in their bite, smile, and facial balance through braces.

Common Concerns About Braces and Facial Changes

1. Will My Face Look Different After Braces?

Yes, but the changes are typically positive and natural-looking. Orthodontic treatment is designed to create facial harmony, so rather than making you look drastically different, it enhances your existing features.

2. How Long Does It Take to See Facial Changes?

Changes happen gradually over the course of treatment, which typically lasts 12 to 24 months. Most patients begin to notice subtle improvements within the first few months.

3. Will Braces Make My Face Look Skinnier?

In some cases, people perceive their face as looking slimmer after braces because correcting dental misalignment can remove unnecessary strain from the jaw and cheeks. However, braces themselves do not directly alter body fat or bone structure.

4. Can Braces Make My Face Look Worse?

While there may be temporary changes during treatment (such as slight lip protrusion due to brackets or bands), the final result is designed to enhance your facial aesthetics, not harm them. Any temporary discomfort or awkwardness fades as the treatment progresses.

The Benefits of Braces Beyond Aesthetics

Aside from improving facial appearance, braces offer many functional and health benefits, including:

  • Better Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  • Improved Speech: Correcting dental misalignment can eliminate speech impediments.
  • Reduced Jaw Pain: A properly aligned bite can alleviate TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues.
  • Easier Chewing and Digestion: When your teeth align properly, chewing becomes more efficient, leading to better digestion.

By choosing braces, you’re not only investing in a more confident smile but also improving overall well-being.

Considering Braces? Contact Sloss & Carpenter Orthodontics Today!

If you’re wondering how braces might change your facial structure, the best way to find out is through a personalized consultation with an experienced orthodontist. At Sloss & Carpenter Orthodontics in Centennial, CO, we take a customized approach to treatment, ensuring that your smile and facial aesthetics improve in a way that complements your unique features.