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.

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.

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.

Distal Bite:
The chin appears stronger and more forward, losing its recessive, weak appearance.
Mesial Bite:
The prominent chin moves back, becoming softer and more balanced with the profile.
Open Bite:
The chin shortens
and becomes more rounded, harmonizing the lower facial third.
Crossbite:
Chin asymmetry is corrected, returning it to the facial midline.
Deep Bite:
The chin visually lengthens and becomes more defined, reducing the deep mental fold.

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.

Distal Bite:
Profile changes from convex to straight or harmoniously curved.
Mesial Bite:
Profile changes from concave or straight with a heavy chin to harmoniously curved.
Open Bite:
Elongated, strained profile becomes shorter and more harmonious, with lips closing naturally.
Crossbite:
Facial asymmetry and canting are eliminated, profile becomes symmetrical and even.
Deep Bite:
The shortened lower facial third lengthens, creating a more vertically balanced profile.

Short answer: The nose structure (bones, cartilage) does not change. However, its visual appearance and projection can alter due to changes in lip support and facial proportions.

Distal Bite:
Nasal tip may appear slightly elevated due to upper lip retraction, improving profile harmony.
Mesial Bite:
Advancement of the upper lip can create the illusion of aless prominent nasal tip.
Open Bite:
Nose appears shorter and more proportional as facial height decreases and lips close.
Crossbite:
Correction of jaw asymmetry can make the nasal bridge appear straighter relative to the facial midline.
Deep Bite:
Nose may appear shorter and more balanced due to lengthening of the lower facial third.

Correcting malocclusion does far more than straighten teeth- it can subtly rewind the clock on facial appearance. By restoring balance to jaw position and facial proportions, orthodontic treatment often creates a visual impression of youthfulness. Different bite issues affect age perception in specific ways, primarily through changes in lip support, facial symmetry, and overall harmony.

• Distal Bite: Reduces a childlike profile for a more balanced, defined look.
• Mesial Bite: Softens angular features for a younger appearance.
• Open Bite: Eliminates lip strain and elongation for a rested, youthful face.
• Crossbite: Corrects asymmetry for a healthier, symmetrical look.
• Deep Bite: Lengthens the lower face to reduce a compressed, aged impression.

The result is often a face that appears healthier, more harmonious, and several years younger—proving that a functional bite is also a foundation for lasting aesthetic youth.