Whether braces can change the appearance of your nose is a common concern for many people considering orthodontic treatment. This worry stems from the realization that dental alignment significantly impacts the entire facial profile. While the primary goal of braces is to correct tooth and jaw positioning, any movement in the underlying bony structures and teeth can influence the overlying soft tissues of the face. Understanding the anatomical limits of orthodontic forces provides a clear answer to this frequently asked question.
The Limits of Orthodontic Movement
The process of orthodontic treatment involves applying precise, gentle forces to the teeth, causing them to move through the surrounding alveolar bone. This alveolar bone is the specialized structure that holds the tooth roots and remodels to allow the tooth to move into its new position. The forces exerted by braces are localized and specifically target the dental arches and immediate supporting bone.
The bony and cartilaginous structure of the nose, known as the nasal pyramid, is anatomically separate from the maxilla and mandible where the teeth are embedded. Standard orthodontic forces cannot be transmitted through the alveolar bone to alter the shape, size, or structure of the nasal bones or cartilage. Braces do not move the nose itself or change its skeletal foundation. Moving the nose structurally requires surgical intervention, such as a rhinoplasty.
The Role of Lip Support and Facial Profile
Despite the anatomical separation, many people perceive a change in their nose after orthodontic treatment due to alterations in the soft tissue profile. The position of the teeth directly supports the lips, and when the teeth move, the lips follow, leading to a change in facial aesthetics. When teeth are retracted, such as in cases where premolars are extracted or teeth are pulled back to correct a severe overbite, the lips often move inward.
This inward movement changes the soft tissue balance of the lower face, most notably affecting the nasolabial angle, which is the angle between the base of the nose and the upper lip. When the upper lip retracts, this angle tends to increase, making the nose appear more prominent or defined in comparison to the newly flattened lip profile. The change in the nose’s visual prominence is essentially an optical effect created by altering the surrounding soft tissue proportions.
Concurrent Growth and Development
A significant factor in attributing nasal changes to braces is the natural process of growth and development, particularly for adolescent patients. Orthodontic treatment is commonly performed during the teenage years, which overlaps with the final stages of facial and nasal maturation. The nose continues to grow and change shape long after the jaws and teeth have stopped, often maturing into the late teens and early twenties, especially in males.
For girls, nasal growth is often complete by about age 16, while boys may experience continued growth up to and beyond age 18. This natural growth involves increases in the height, depth, and inclination of the nose, independent of any dental work. Patients who complete treatment while their nose is naturally reaching its final adult size may mistakenly attribute this maturation to the braces. While standard orthodontic treatment does not change the nasal structure, major jaw surgery performed for severe skeletal issues does move the underlying bone and can directly impact the nose’s position.