Will Orthodontic Treatment Change How My Face Looks?

How Wearing Braces Affects Facial Structure

Braces apply controlled force over time to shift teeth and adjust jaw alignment. This can lead to slight changes in facial features, particularly around the mouth, chin, and jawline. For example, correcting an overbite can reduce the appearance of a receding chin, while fixing an underbite may soften a more pronounced lower jaw.

These facial changes with orthodontic treatment are most noticeable in growing children. Since their bones are still developing, traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces can help guide jaw growth. This can influence facial width, protrusion, and symmetry.

Adults, however, have fully developed facial structures. Orthodontic treatment for adults, which can include clear aligners or braces, focuses more on refining the bite and improving alignment. This may enhance facial balance, but won’t result in dramatic changes. If you’re wondering about changing your jawline with braces, expect subtle shifts rather than a complete transformation.

Jaw Alignment & Facial Symmetry

Correcting jaw misalignment with braces not only improves bite function but can also bring subtle improvements to facial aesthetics. A misaligned jaw may cause the face to appear off-balance. Addressing issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites can improve symmetry.

Orthodontic treatment can impact facial appearance by:

• Reducing the prominence of the lower jaw (caused by underbite)
• Enhancing the profile and minimizing a protrusive upper lip (caused by overbite)
• Evening out facial proportions (can be caused by crossbite)

The key factor here is balance. By bringing the teeth and jaws into better alignment, our local orthodontist can help create a more harmonious facial appearance.

How Patient Age Affects Orthodontic Outcomes

Taking a child to the orthodontist at the right age can have long-term benefits. Early treatment allows for more influence over jaw development, which can have visible effects on facial structure. This is especially true when bite issues are addressed while the face and bones are still growing.

For adults considering braces, the benefits of wearing braces as an adult are more about function and refinement than major cosmetic change. Adult orthodontic treatment can improve speech, reduce wear on teeth, and enhance self-confidence, with the added bonus of a subtly improved facial profile.

What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment

As mentioned above, any changes you’ll see during treatment in terms of your face as a whole will happen gradually. Whether you’re getting braces put on for the first time or considering investigating your candidacy for clear aligners, changes will become noticeable over time. You won’t wake up with a new face overnight, but you’ll likely see improvement in how your features align and how your bite feels as the days go by.

Minor differences to look out for include:

• Lips may look slightly different as teeth shift
• The jawline may appear more defined
• Cheeks can appear subtly more balanced

These changes often come as a pleasant bonus to the main goal: a healthy, aligned bite.

If you’re wondering when to see an orthodontist, the answer is sooner than later, especially for children. The first orthodontic visit should typically happen around age 7. For adults, it’s never too late. Adult braces or treatment with aligners can still offer excellent results.