Can braces change your face shape?
10th June 2024Worried your face shape will change beyond recognition if you straighten your teeth? Worry not – you could even look younger if you fix your smile with orthodontic braces!
Braces are an excellent way to correct imperfections in the teeth and jaw.
But because of this correction, you may be wondering ‘will braces change your face?’
The experts at Elite Orthodontics explain how braces can change the shape of your face and if it’s really for the better in this blog.
Impact of orthodontics/braces on facial structure
Put simply, correcting major orthodontic issues or malocclusions like under, over, and open bites, can make small changes to your facial structure.
However, that’s not to say that the change is negative – for most people, the change to their face shape, particularly their profile, is cause for celebration.
Correcting the most common malocclusions can change your face shape, by:
- Underbites
Correcting an underbite moves just the lower jaw and realigns it with the upper jaw, delivering a more natural shape.
- Overbites
If your upper jaw protrudes too far forward over the bottom jaw, realigning it can be very beneficial indeed.
It removes the sunken appearance of the cheeks and creates facial balance and symmetry while also strengthening the chin and jaw.
- Openbites
To allow the top and bottom jaws to come together when the mouth is closed, a brace can pull the teeth together so they are aligned vertically.
This means that when you speak or smile, your teeth will close fully – which can transform your self-confidence.
But how is this possible?
Contact usThe periodontal ligament: the reason your face changes shape
Orthodontists are able to manipulate the position of the teeth thanks to the periodontal ligament. The fibrous connective tissue sits beneath each tooth and attaches it to the alveolar bone underneath.
During treatment, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and decide where pressure needs to be applied to move them into a more aesthetic position.
This pressure is a form of applied load, which causes movement by encouraging the body to reabsorb bone cells that are not needed and grow new cells to secure each tooth in its new position.
The side effect of this is changes to the jaw, which then affects the symmetry of your face. However, because this will already be considered by your orthodontist when mapping out your treatment plan, they should be able to go over this with you in advance.
How does age influence braces changing your face?
Just as healing from bone breaks or dislocations will be faster if the patient is young, an increased age can make changes to the jaw and face less dramatic after orthodontic treatment.
This doesn’t mean that if you are older you have missed the boat on braces, you are still eligible and will see a difference in the position of the teeth and jaw before and after – but treatment may take longer and the difference is unlikely to be as noticeable.
Can braces make your face look younger?
There is, however, one potentially massive positive to seeking orthodontic treatment later in life – the changes can make you look more youthful!
The chin is an area that often loses elasticity as we age and can start to sag gently. But, if you have braces and your jaw alignment changes, the skin can tighten, softening the appearance of wrinkles and making you appear younger.
Other areas that can be changed by orthodontic treatment include the lips, cheekbones, and the space between your nose and upper lip.
Looking for a trusted orthodontist in London? Contact Elite Orthodontics
Can braces change your face? Absolutely – but the effects can be both incredibly aesthetic and might even help you to look younger than your years.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact Elite Orthodontics today to get your braces journey started today.
To ask any questions or book an appointment, why not give us a call today on 020 7580 5370 or email us at [email protected]? Our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible to help in any way they can.
