Can Braces Change Your Face Shape?

Patients experience many benefits after completing orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment is often used to correct bite issues, misaligned teeth, and problems with the jaw. When these issues are corrected with the use of traditional metal braces, many patients are happy to see not only an improvement in the placement of the teeth but also a change in the shape of their face.

How Do Braces Change Face Shape?

We often see patients who are experiencing a problem with their bite. This can include problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Patients who experience these issues may notice that their teeth cause their lips to protrude or that the teeth push out of the mouth. As the braces slowly move the jaw and teeth, you will begin to notice these issues improve along with your face shape and appearance. Over time, you may notice a more prominent jawline, lips that sit together properly, and even more enhanced cheekbones. It is not uncommon for the face to appear more symmetrical.

How This Affects Adults

In addition to improving the aesthetics of the teeth, orthodontic treatment also helps to eliminate recurring problems with your oral health, such as tooth decay. As patients age into adulthood, these problems with decay can eventually lead to tooth loss. When teeth are missing and not replaced, it can cause the jawbone to deteriorate. This can give the face an older appearance and cause the facial muscles to droop and sag. Improving the placement of teeth can help the appearance of the face as aging occurs.

If you are in Southfield, MI or the surrounding area and are interested in learning about how orthodontic treatment can improve the placement of your teeth and your appearance, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation. We can meet with you or your loved one to determine which treatment would be best for your needs. We look forward to seeing you soon!