Many people considering orthodontic treatment wonder about more than just a straighter smile. A common question we hear at Lake Country Orthodontics is, “Will braces change my face?” It’s a valid concern. You’re investing time and effort into improving your oral health, so it’s natural to be curious about how the process might affect your appearance.
The short answer is yes, braces can influence your facial features, but these changes are almost always either temporary or positive and part of achieving a healthier, more balanced profile. Below, our orthodontist in Fort Worth, TX, explores how orthodontic treatment can cause changes in your facial structure. We’ll break down why these shifts happen and what you can expect during your journey to a perfect smile.
Braces do more than just straighten crooked teeth. Their primary function is to correct malocclusions, which are misalignments of your teeth and jaw. By applying steady, gentle pressure, braces guide your teeth into their proper positions. This process doesn’t just affect your teeth; it also involves the underlying bone and your overall bite.
Your teeth provide foundational support for your lips and cheeks. When your teeth are misaligned, whether they’re crowded, gapped, or part of an overbite or underbite, it can impact your facial symmetry. Our orthodontist in Fort Worth, TX, will develop a treatment plan that considers not only your teeth but your entire facial profile to create a harmonious and balanced result.
The relationship between your upper and lower jaws, known as your bite, is a major factor in your facial appearance. Common bite issues that braces can correct include:
Correcting these issues with braces realigns the jaw, which in turn leads to noticeable and positive changes in your facial profile.
While the long-term goal is a permanently improved facial profile, you might notice some temporary changes during the treatment process with traditional braces. These are completely normal and a sign that your braces are working.
When you first get your braces, your lips might look fuller or more prominent. This is because they now have to stretch over the brackets and wires on your teeth.
This effect is temporary, and your lips will quickly adapt. As your teeth move into better alignment, you’ll find your lips resting in a more natural and aesthetically pleasing position. Your facial muscles will also adjust to the new position of your teeth and jaw.
Sometimes, we need to use additional appliances to correct specific bite issues. For example, rubber bands (elastics) can help align the jaw. These elastics might temporarily alter the way you hold your jaw or how your lips close.
Likewise, our orthodontist in Fort Worth, TX, may use appliances like a palatal expander to widen the upper jaw. This can create temporary changes in the mid-face area, such as a small gap between the front teeth. These are all part of the planned process and will go away as your treatment progresses.
A less common, but possible, temporary change is the appearance of slightly sunken cheeks. This can happen for a couple of reasons. First, some patients experience temporary discomfort when their braces are adjusted, leading them to eat softer foods. A temporary shift in diet can lead to minor weight loss, which might be noticeable in the face.
Second, as your molars are moved to correct your bite, the muscles in your cheeks adjust, which can create a temporary change in their appearance. Once your bite is stable and you’re back to your normal diet, your cheeks will return to their usual look.
The temporary adjustments you experience during treatment are a small price to pay for the significant and lasting improvements that follow. The final result of treatment at Lake Country Orthodontics is a beautifully aligned smile and a more symmetrical look.
By correcting an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, our Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist can create a more harmonious relationship between your chin, jaw, and nose.
For example, fixing a severe overbite can bring the chin forward, creating a stronger and more defined jawline. Correcting an underbite can soften the appearance of a prominent lower jaw, leading to a more balanced profile.
Properly aligned teeth provide the right support for your lips. After braces, you may notice that your lips look more natural and relaxed. If your teeth were previously angled inward, straightening them can provide more support, making your lips appear fuller and your smile wider and more inviting.
A straight, healthy smile is often associated with youth and vitality. Misaligned teeth can sometimes create shadows in your smile that make it look older or less healthy. A broad, even smile achieved with braces brightens your entire face.
Furthermore, correcting bite issues can relieve the strain on your jaw muscles, which can reduce tension and lead to a more relaxed facial appearance.
The changes to your face from braces are a normal part of the orthodontic process. At Lake Country Orthodontics, we can help prepare you for any possibilities during your treatment. Plus, with our state-of-the-art technology and personalized treatment plans, you get the best possible results. We take your entire facial profile into account to create a smile that not only looks great but also supports long-term oral health.
Ready to see how orthodontic treatment can transform your smile and enhance your facial features? Book your consultation today!
