Braces help straighten misaligned or crooked teeth and improve oral health. However, many people wonder if braces have any effect on their face shape. Understanding the impact of braces on face shape provides awareness to patients considering this treatment.
How do Braces work?
Braces is an orthodontic treatment that consists of several key components that work together for tooth alignment. The primary parts include brackets, wires, and bands. Brackets are small, rectangular-shaped attachments bonded to the front teeth. They serve as anchors for the wires, which are threaded through the brackets and provide the tension needed to move the teeth. Bands are rings that fit around the back teeth and support the braces by providing additional anchorage.
During orthodontic treatment, braces apply gentle yet consistent pressure on the teeth. This pressure is crucial for shifting teeth into their desired positions.
The brackets hold the archwires, which are responsible for exerting this force. As the archwire is tightened, tension that transfers through the brackets to the teeth is created. This pressure is not only directed to the teeth themselves but also impacts the surrounding periodontal ligament—a fibrous connective tissue structure that attaches the teeth to the bone.
Bone Remodeling
Orthodontic braces affect not only the position of teeth but also lead to changes in the underlying bone structure through a process known as bone remodelling. When braces apply pressure to teeth, the surrounding bone adapts in response to this force. This adaptation occurs due to the activity of two types of cells: osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
As pressure is exerted on a tooth, the bone on the side where the tooth is being pushed undergoes resorption, facilitated by osteoclast activity. Simultaneously, new bone formation by osteoblasts occurs on the opposite side of the tooth, where it is being pulled. This coordinated process allows the tooth to move through the bone, ultimately leading to changes in both dental alignment and the overall shape of the jaw.
Expected Changes in Facial Features
The impact of braces extends beyond just teeth alignment; they can also influence the overall appearance of the face. Many patients may notice improvements in facial symmetry and the definition of certain features as their treatment progresses. Below are some specific changes in facial characteristics that can be expected with braces.
1. Jawline and Cheekbone Definition
Braces can significantly enhance the definition of the jawline and the prominence of the cheekbones. As teeth are straightened and the bite is corrected, the alignment of the jaw improves, often resulting in a more sculpted appearance. This effect is further accentuated by the repositioning of soft tissues in the face that are influenced by the underlying dental structures.
2. Lip and Cheek Support
Teeth alignment plays a crucial role in providing support for the lips and cheeks. As braces help to align the teeth properly, they can lead to improved support for these facial structures, which may result in a fuller and more youthful appearance. Patients often report enhanced facial aesthetics as their smile transforms.
Benefits of Facial Changes Due to Braces
- Better Bite: Braces help align the teeth and jaws, resulting in a more functional bite, which can reduce stress on the joints of the jaw and alleviate potential pain or discomfort.
- Better Smile: Straightening teeth enhances the aesthetics of a smile, creating a more harmonious and attractive appearance that can significantly boost self-esteem.
- More Youthful Appearance: Correctly aligned teeth can lead to improved facial proportions, giving an overall more youthful and vibrant look.
- Enhanced Oral Health: Braces make it easier to maintain oral hygiene by reducing overcrowding and placing teeth in optimal positions, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Improved Speech Clarity: Aligned teeth and jaws can enhance articulation and prevent speech impediments, leading to clearer communication.
Factors Influencing Facial Changes
The degree of facial change resulting from braces depends on the age of the patient and the specific orthodontic issues being addressed. Understanding these variables is crucial for patients seeking to appreciate the potential outcomes of their treatment.
Age and Development
Younger individuals, particularly children and teenagers, experience ongoing growth and development, making their facial structures more adaptable to the adjustments brought about by orthodontic treatment.
Children and Teens
During adolescence, individuals are in a critical phase of physical development, with bones and tissues still malleable. This flexibility means that orthodontic interventions can result in more pronounced changes to the facial structure. As teeth are aligned, the jaw and surrounding tissues are still forming, which allows for a greater impact on overall appearance.
Adults
In contrast, adults may experience less dramatic changes due to the maturation of their facial structures. While the potential for improvement still exists, the underlying bone and soft tissues have already reached a more stable state, leading to subtle rather than drastic alterations. However, even adults can see significant enhancements in their facial aesthetics following treatment.
Type of Orthodontic Issues
The specific orthodontic conditions being addressed also play a crucial role in determining facial outcomes. Different malocclusions, such as overbite, underbite, or open bite, can have varying impacts on facial shape. Each type of misalignment may lead to distinct adjustments in jaw positioning and facial symmetry as braces correct these issues, ultimately shaping the overall structure of the face.
Alternative Treatments for Changing Face Shape
While braces treatment is a popular choice for improving dental alignment and facial aesthetics, there are alternative treatments available that can also help in changing the shape of your face. These options may be suitable depending on individual needs and specific orthodontic concerns.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gradually adjust teeth into their correct positions. Unlike wearing braces, Invisalign offers a more discreet option, as the aligners are virtually invisible when worn. The reduced visibility of Invisalign may encourage users to wear their aligners consistently; however, they require a personal commitment to maintain the recommended wear time for optimal results.
Surgical Options
For some individuals, orthodontic treatment alone may not achieve the desired changes in face shape. In such cases, surgical options are considered to modify the underlying bone structure and enhance facial contours.
Procedures like orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients with significant skeletal imbalances or jaw discrepancies, which can directly affect facial appearance. This type of surgery aims to correct abnormalities in jaw positioning and alignment, potentially achieving more dramatic and lasting changes in facial structure than orthodontic treatment alone.
How long does it take for braces to change the face shape?
The time frame for noticeable changes in face shape due to braces can vary significantly based on several factors, including the patient’s age, the severity of the misalignment, and the type of braces used. Generally, most patients begin to see gradual changes within the first 6 to 12 months of treatment.
Do braces make your lips bigger?
Braces can indeed cause a temporary increase in lip and cheek fullness due to swelling and inflammation during the initial stages of treatment. As the treatment progresses, this swelling usually subsides, and the lips and cheeks typically return to their normal appearance.
How long do the facial changes from braces last?
The changes in facial appearance resulting from braces are typically permanent, provided that the teeth remain in their corrected positions. Once the desired alignment is achieved, the results can significantly enhance a person’s facial aesthetics in the long term.
However, maintaining these results relies heavily on the regular use of retainers after treatment. Retainers help prevent stabilising teeth from shifting back to their original alignment.
Without consistent retainer wear, it is possible for teeth to migrate over time, which may affect the facial changes achieved through orthodontic treatment.
Consult with a Dental Professional
A professional consultation is crucial if you are considering braces or other orthodontic treatments. Dental professionals can assess individual needs, discuss potential outcomes, and tailor a personalised treatment plan that aligns with personal goals. They can also identify any issues that may affect treatment efficacy, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique circumstances.
At Smile Team, we provide guidance, encouragement, and expert advice, helping patients navigate their orthodontic experience. Our team is committed to provide quality care, from initial consultation to completion of treatment and beyond.
Conclusion
The impact of orthodontic treatment on facial structure varies by age, type of issues addressed, and chosen methods of intervention. While children and teens may experience more pronounced changes due to the malleability of their developing structures, adults can also benefit from subtle yet impactful improvements in appearance.
Beyond traditional braces, alternatives like Invisalign and surgical options provide additional avenues for achieving desired results. Ultimately, consulting with a qualified dental professional ensures that patients receive personalised care and guidance tailored to their specific orthodontic needs, paving the way for enhanced facial harmony and self-confidence.