Braces are known for straightening teeth, but many wonder about their impact on facial appearance. Orthodontic treatment can subtly influence facial aesthetics by correcting underlying dental and jaw misalignments. The extent of these changes depends on factors like the specific orthodontic issue and the patient’s age.
The Mechanism of Facial Changes
Braces exert gentle, continuous pressure on teeth, prompting bone remodeling. This process involves the breakdown and rebuilding of the alveolar bone that supports the teeth. As pressure is applied, cells called osteoclasts resorb bone, creating space for the tooth to move. Simultaneously, osteoblasts deposit new bone on the opposite side, stabilizing the tooth in its new position.
When significant bite issues, known as malocclusions, are corrected, the repositioning of teeth can influence underlying jaw structures. This reshaping of the jawbone then affects the soft tissues of the face, leading to subtle changes in overall facial structure and symmetry.
Key Facial Features Impacted
Orthodontic treatment can impact several facial features, especially when correcting significant bite discrepancies. The jawline can become more defined or balanced in cases of overbite or underbite. Correcting an overbite, where upper teeth protrude excessively, can lead to a more defined jawline and chin, reducing the appearance of a “weak” chin. Conversely, addressing an underbite, where the lower jaw extends forward, can soften a prominent chin and improve overall facial harmony.
The lips are also influenced by tooth and jaw position. Correcting misaligned teeth can improve lip support and how the lips rest, potentially making them appear fuller or more proportionate. For instance, if upper front teeth are pushed back, the upper lip may appear less pronounced but more balanced. Changes in tooth alignment can also improve the ability to close the lips comfortably, particularly in cases of open bite where front teeth do not meet.
Factors Influencing Facial Alterations
A patient’s age significantly influences the extent of facial changes from orthodontic treatment. Growing adolescents, whose bones are still developing, often experience more noticeable skeletal and facial alterations. Orthodontic interventions in younger patients can guide jaw growth, potentially preventing future facial asymmetry and achieving more substantial changes in facial balance.
In adults, whose facial bones have completed their growth, changes are generally more subtle. While braces can improve facial profiles by correcting tooth alignment and bite issues, major skeletal changes typically require additional treatments like jaw surgery. The type and severity of the original malocclusion also play a role, with more pronounced overbites, underbites, or open bites leading to more discernible facial adjustments.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that braces can directly alter the shape or size of the nose. Orthodontic treatment does not directly affect the nasal cartilage or bone. Any perceived change in nose appearance is typically an optical illusion resulting from the repositioning of the jaw and teeth, which can change the angles and proportions of the facial profile.
Another misunderstanding is the expectation of a “completely new face” after orthodontic treatment. While braces can improve facial symmetry and balance, the changes are generally subtle and harmonious, enhancing existing features rather than dramatically transforming them. The primary goal remains the alignment of teeth and improvement of bite function, with aesthetic facial improvements being a beneficial secondary outcome.