One of the biggest myths about braces treatment is that it can dramatically change your face shape. Some changes do happen, mainly depending on your age, but braces won't cause the dramatic transformation many people expect.
Petrous Orthodontics knows how amazing your smile will look once your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete. We also know some people worry that their face will change so much they'll be unrecognizable, and that's not the case.
Let's explore how orthodontic treatment changes your face and what stays the same, even with extensive treatment.
Your teeth obviously change position when you get braces, but what happens to the rest of your face? Will your face change shape? Will braces "ruin" the look of your facial structure?
Braces can change your facial structure, especially your jaw, if you're young. People with overbites and underbites may notice a difference in their profiles as their teeth line up correctly. If you have a narrow jaw, a palate expander can widen it, which may slightly broaden your face and smile. Overall, facial symmetry can improve.
This mainly happens in children and teens whose jaws are still developing. Early treatment can take advantage of that growth, and you can learn more about what age kids can get braces on our blog. Older patients probably won't notice as much change.
Unlike kids' jaws, the jaws and skeletal structure of adults are no longer developing, so facial structure changes only in the soft tissue.
People who have orthodontic jaw surgery will see skeletal changes, but those with braces or Invisalign alone won't. The changes they notice come from soft tissue lying differently over now-straight teeth.
Let's clear up a few misconceptions about braces and facial structure changes.
Myth: Braces make your face shape smaller or narrower.
Reality: Braces reposition teeth, not facial bone volume or width, particularly in adults.
Myth: Braces will dramatically reshape your face within a few months.
Reality: Visible changes are typically gradual and tied to bite correction progress. Don't expect a fast or obvious transformation.
Myth: Braces can make your nose bigger or smaller.
Reality: The nose itself doesn't change size. Moving protruding teeth back can slightly shift how the nose and lips appear relative to each other, which can create that impression.
Myth: Adults can't see any facial changes from braces.
Reality: Adults can see real, if more subtle, changes tied to bite correction and lip support, just not skeletal remodeling.
Facial changes vary from patient to patient. Some notice significant changes, while others notice little to none.
The equation is simple: patients with significant dental issues being corrected will likely notice the most facial changes. Those with minor corrections probably won't notice any, or the changes will be very subtle.
What can you expect? As your teeth line up, your lips are no longer stretched or overlapping. With that correction, your lips may appear fuller, and your lips and teeth will line up better in profile. That's why we most often take before-and-after photos from the side.
Will the face change back? Only if you don't wear your retainers. Retainers keep your teeth in place. Without them, your teeth can move back, and your facial structure can return to what it was. That means you'd need treatment again, and you don't want that! It's why we insist you wear your retainers as directed.
Do braces actually change your face shape, or is that a myth?
Braces can change your face shape, but the amount of change depends on several factors, including your age and how many dental issues you're correcting.
Can adults see facial changes from braces, or is that only for kids and teens?
Adults can see facial changes, but it's mostly the soft tissue changing. The skeletal structure usually stays the same.
Will my face shape change permanently, or can it shift back?
Your teeth can shift back if you don't wear your retainers. It would take significant movement to noticeably change your facial structure, but it is possible. That's why retainers are so important after your treatment.
Why do jawline changes look more obvious in side-profile photos?
Many changes involve teeth that are too far forward, whether it's the upper teeth in an overbite or open bite, or the lower teeth in an underbite. Braces and clear aligners line them up, making your profile look different than when you started.
Braces and clear aligners won't turn you into a different person, but they can bring out the best version of your smile and your profile. Every patient's results look a little different, and we'll talk through what to expect for you at your first visit.
Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation with Petrous Orthodontics today!
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