How Braces Change Your Face Shape?
Braces are an orthodontic tool that helps correct misaligned teeth and straighten them. However, in addition to correcting the smile, braces can also affect the symmetry, shape and oval of the patient's face because the process of teeth movement is directly related to the reconstruction of bone structures that serve as support for all soft tissues of the face. In this article, we will look at how braces can improve the shape of your face and what factors influence these changes.
Distal bite. Before/during treatment with braces.
Compensation for facial imbalances
One of the main effects that braces have on your face shape is the straightening of your teeth. When teeth are misaligned, this can result in uneven distribution of force when chewing, or chewing on one side of the jaw, which leads to overexertion and hypertrophy of the muscles on one side of the face. After installing braces and their subsequent correction, the teeth are aligned, which allows you to evenly distribute the forces of chewing and the load on the facial muscles, harmonizing its features.
Facial imbalances due to chewing food on one side.
Lip and cheek support
Bite correction directly affects the position of the front teeth, which serve as support for the lips. When the teeth move into the correct position, the lips also change their shape and position, making them more expressive. Braces can also provide support to the lips and cheekbones during treatment, making them appear more prominent, which ladies really like. But after removal, this effect, unfortunately, disappears.
Lips before and after bite correction
Cheeks and oval face
When the dentition is narrowed, it can affect the structure of the face, making it less symmetrical or causing "sunken" cheeks. Straightening and widening the jaw arch with braces gives the cheeks more harmonious volume. Diet restrictions while wearing braces can also affect the volume of the cheeks :)
Facial oval before and after bite correction
Effect on the chin
Braces can be used to correct bite problems associated with improper positioning of the lower jaw. For example, with a mesial bite, when the lower jaw is pushed forward, giving the face a sullen expression. With a distal bite, the lower jaw is underdeveloped, giving the face childish features; this bite is also called "bird bite." Braces allow you to match the upper and lower jaws, making the facial profile more harmonious.
Chin before and after orthodontic treatment for distal occlusion.
Chin before and after orthodontic treatment for mesial occlusion.
Changing your face profile
In some people, the shape of the face may appear "dropped" or "pushed" due to misaligned teeth, such as a deep bite or crossbite. Braces help restore the symmetry of the occlusal planes, straightening the teeth and improving the bite. As a result of changing the position of the teeth, the profile of the lower third of the face can change significantly, making it more harmonious and attractive.
Crossbite before and after orthodontic treatment.
The relationship between bite and lip shape (animation)
Instead of conclusions...
It is important to note that the effects and their severity that braces have on the shape of the face are individual and depend on the specific case and anatomy of each patient. Each orthodontist carries out an individual treatment plan, taking into account the characteristics of the patient's facial structure and teeth.
When deciding whether to wear braces, it is important to contact an experienced orthodontist who will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your case and be able to explain what changes in the shape of your face you can expect. Braces are an effective means of straightening teeth and improving facial shape, but the end results will be unique to each patient. In case of severe malocclusion pathologies, orthodontic treatment can be combined with orthognathic intervention.
When deciding whether to wear braces, it is important to contact an experienced orthodontist who will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your case and be able to explain what changes in the shape of your face you can expect. Braces are an effective means of straightening teeth and improving facial shape, but the end results will be unique to each patient. In case of severe malocclusion pathologies, orthodontic treatment can be combined with orthognathic intervention.
05 July / 2023
Author of the article: Evgenia Lebzak