Braces are designed to straighten teeth, but many people wonder if they can also change the shape of your face.
Since braces apply pressure to your teeth, it’s natural to wonder if that pressure could affect your jawbone and, therefore, your overall facial appearance. The answer to “do braces change your jaw?” is complex, and the effects can vary based on your age, the type of treatment you receive, and your unique facial structure.
This article will look at how braces work, their potential impact on jaw alignment and facial features, and how those effects might differ between children, teens, and adults.
How braces work
Braces are made up of brackets, wires, and bands that work together to put gentle pressure on your teeth. This pressure encourages the bone around your teeth to change, allowing your teeth to slowly shift.
Your teeth are connected to your jawbone with something called a periodontal ligament (PDL), which helps with tooth movement.
The bone remodeling process takes time. As new bone grows, it stabilizes your teeth and helps maintain their new positions.
Jaw Development and Braces: The Impact of Age
The impact of braces on your jaw depends a lot on your age and stage of development.
Children and Teenagers: Growth and Development
In kids and teens, the jaw is still developing, which means orthodontic treatments can have a greater impact on jaw growth and alignment. Early treatment can address problems such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Invisalign Teen, for example, has “mandibular advancement” features specifically designed to help correct jaw growth.
Adults: Established Jaw Structure
Adults, on the other hand, have fully developed jawbones. Because their jaws are no longer growing, jaw structure changes are less noticeable than they are in children and teens.
Orthodontic treatment for adults focuses on aligning teeth and improving how the upper and lower teeth come together. You may also notice subtle changes in your cheeks, lips, and profile.
Types of Malocclusion and How Braces Address Them
Malocclusion, or “bad bite,” is when your teeth don’t line up correctly. Here’s how braces can help with the most common types:
Overbite
An overbite is when your upper teeth come down too far over your lower teeth. Overbites can sometimes make your lower jaw look undefined and your chin look weak, and they can throw off the alignment of your teeth and lips.
Braces can fix an overbite by moving the upper teeth up and/or the lower teeth down to reduce the overlap.
Underbite
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite: your lower teeth stick out further than your upper teeth, making your lower jaw look like it’s sticking out.
Braces can correct an underbite by pulling the lower teeth back and/or moving the upper teeth forward to align your bite.
Other Malocclusions
Braces can also fix other bite problems like crossbites and open bites to improve the alignment and function of your jaw.
Potential facial changes resulting from braces
While braces are mainly for straightening teeth, they can affect the way your face looks.
Jawline
Braces can definitely improve your jawline definition in some instances. If your teeth or jaw are misaligned, correcting them with braces can create a more balanced and well-defined jawline. Proper alignment may also help prevent sagging in the lower face, creating a more toned look.
Lips and mouth
Braces can affect the position of your lips and the shape of your mouth. Straightening your teeth can improve the support your teeth give to your lips, creating a more harmonious smile. Braces can also address lip protrusion or retraction caused by misaligned teeth.
Cheekbones and nose
Some people believe braces have changed the look of their cheekbones and nose. These changes, if they occur, are usually subtle and related to improved facial symmetry. Remember that braces mainly affect the teeth and jaw, so it’s unlikely they’ll significantly alter the shape of your cheekbones or nose without surgical intervention.
Braces do more than improve your appearance
Braces can do more than straighten your teeth. They can also improve:
- Bite function: Properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew, which can improve digestion.
- Oral hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Speech: Correcting misalignments can sometimes improve speech clarity.
- Long-term oral health: Properly aligned teeth are less likely to experience excessive wear and tear.
In Closing
Braces can influence the alignment of your jaw and, in some cases, change your facial appearance, especially if you’re still growing. These changes are usually subtle and designed to create a more balanced and harmonious look.
If you’re wondering whether braces are right for you, talk with an orthodontist. They can assess your unique situation, recommend the best treatment plan, and explain the potential outcomes.
Keep in mind that braces aren’t just about aesthetics. They also offer significant functional and oral health benefits.