The question of whether braces will alter your face is incredibly common, and the straightforward answer is that changes can occur, though they are typically subtle and concentrated in the lower third of the face. Orthodontic treatment is designed to move teeth into healthier positions. Since teeth provide the internal structure for the lips, cheeks, and jaw, their repositioning naturally influences surrounding soft tissues. These aesthetic shifts are a direct result of correcting underlying dental and skeletal misalignments.
The Core Mechanism of Orthodontic Movement
The foundation of any facial change from braces lies in the movement of teeth through bone, a process known as bone remodeling. Teeth are not fixed directly into the jawbone but are suspended within a sling of fibers called the periodontal ligament. When braces apply a constant, gentle pressure, this ligament is stretched on one side of the tooth root and compressed on the other.
This pressure triggers a biological reaction that involves two specialized types of cells. On the compressed side, osteoclasts are activated to break down the jawbone, creating space for the tooth to move. Simultaneously, osteoblasts build new bone on the stretched side, securing the tooth in its new position.
The continuous, coordinated action of these cells allows the entire tooth socket to migrate through the jawbone. This remodeling process must happen slowly and steadily. The controlled nature of this pressure-resorption-apposition cycle is what makes orthodontic tooth movement effective and results in a stable new dental arch.
Impact on the Lower Face Profile
The most significant changes to the lower face profile occur when orthodontic treatment corrects a major discrepancy in how the upper and lower jaws meet. For example, a severe overbite, known as a Class II malocclusion, often results in a convex profile where the chin appears recessed relative to the forehead and nose. Correcting this malocclusion by moving the upper teeth back or encouraging forward growth of the lower jaw can dramatically reduce the profile’s convexity.
Conversely, an underbite, or Class III malocclusion, typically presents with a concave profile and a prominent lower jaw. Treatment involves moving the upper teeth forward or the lower teeth back. This action softens the jawline’s forward projection and creates a more balanced profile. The resulting change in the jaw’s relationship also improves the definition of the chin and jawline, as the underlying skeletal alignment is optimized.
Even without major skeletal adjustments, the rotation of the jaw that occurs when a deep bite is corrected can slightly alter the vertical dimension of the lower face. Repositioning the teeth allows the jaw to close in a healthier way, and this minor rotation subtly refines the chin’s position. Patients with significant malocclusions often experience the most noticeable improvements in their side profile following treatment.
Changes to Lips and Cheek Contours
The most visible aesthetic differences are seen in the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, which are directly supported by the teeth. When teeth are excessively protruded, the lips are pushed outward, making them appear strained. Retracting these front teeth causes the lips to recede slightly, allowing them to rest in a more natural, relaxed position.
Straightening severely crowded teeth provides a continuous, supportive arch that enhances the look of the lips. Correcting a narrow upper arch contributes to a broader, more appealing smile by providing better support for the cheeks. Widening the dental arch reduces the dark spaces visible at the corners of the mouth when smiling, known as the buccal corridors, leading to a more complete and brighter smile.
The soft tissue response is highly individual, depending on factors like lip thickness and muscle tension. While the upper lip’s change is less predictable, the lower lip often follows the movement of the lower front teeth. These subtle adjustments help to harmonize the relationship between the dental structure and the soft tissue, creating a more balanced and aesthetic appearance.
Maintaining the New Facial Structure
Once braces are removed and teeth are in their corrected positions, the surrounding bone and soft tissues require stabilization. The remodeled jawbone is still relatively soft and needs time to solidify around the newly placed roots. During this period, relapse—where teeth shift back toward their original positions—is most likely to occur.
Retainers, which can be fixed wires bonded behind the teeth or removable clear appliances, are used to hold the teeth firmly in place while the bone matures. Consistent retainer wear ensures the long-term stability of the new dental alignment and resulting facial harmony. By preventing even minor tooth movement, retainers preserve the corrected bite and the balanced facial proportions achieved during treatment. Maintaining the new structure requires commitment to the retention phase, which secures the aesthetic and functional benefits for years to come.