It depends. Using braces or Invisalign to adjust the alignment of your teeth means that the soft tissues laying over them — like your cheeks and lips — will conform to the new alignment of your bite. That's why a person's face sometimes looks “sunken in” when they lose teeth.
Yes, braces can change your jawline, your chin, the shape of your mouth, and even your lips. However, these effects are secondary to the actual reforming of your teeth and bite. Braces can tighten your jawline and your teeth, but this happens over time and imperceptibly.
Once you begin wearing braces, you will notice teeth shifting and your face will begin to change as well. Not only will your bite and jaw position be improved, but you may see your face begin to look more symmetrical and attractive, as well.
Answer: Changes in facial structure
It is true that moving teeth with braces can and often will alter the shape of a persons face.
By bringing the teeth and jaws into alignment, braces and Invisalign® can have a positive impact on your face shape and features. For a mild case, such as mild spaces or crowding, the smile may be the only noticeable improvement of your face.
Lips will not become thinner, but they may appear thinner as the braces are removed. According to the type of braces your orthodontist used, the changes may or may not be pronounced. So, don't worry about getting any direct effects on the size of your lips.
Braces Create More Distinct Cheekbones
Overcrowding may cause your jawline to appear more pronounced, while uneven spacing makes the cheeks sink in. Orthodontists can recommend clear braces that will have a direct impact on the structure of your cheekbones and jaws.
The soft tissues that lay over your teeth – namely, your lips and cheeks – are not changed by orthodontics, but they do conform to the new alignment of your bite. The good thing is that, with braces, any shift in your appearance is a gradual one, especially in adults who already have fully developed skeletal features.
It's totally normal to experience short-term swelling during your first several weeks of braces as well as after you have your braces adjusted. The swelling might feel more pronounced than you expected and you might be wondering if it's a sign of another issue.
A human face is rarely symmetrical. For some people, however, the degree of asymmetry is particularly pronounced as a result of their jaw alignment or crooked teeth. Braces can change the facial structure by shifting the teeth and jaw, which alters the angles of the face and restores symmetry.
However, many people with braces will experience sunken cheeks, especially those who have a slim and slightly worn face. But for those who have a round, round face, this condition becomes useful because it creates balance for the face. Braces cause sunken cheeks for many reasons.
Braces improve your overall appearance. By beautifully aligning your teeth, braces create an esthetically pleasing result that significantly boosts your attractiveness and self-confidence.
If you're wearing traditional braces with a bracket and wire system, you may notice that your lips appear to be larger. Your teeth and lips' increased width are to blame for this. Lips don't get bigger, but they can't rest as much against your teeth as they normally would until your braces are taken off.
Does orthodontic treatment change your lips? Yes, you may notice your lips look different after getting braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment. This is because the prominence or “fullness” of the lips is directly affected by the forward position and alignment of the front teeth.
Yes, fixing an overbite can change the shape of your face. Overbites make your face look asymmetric. Furthermore, they can cause discomfort, and they may also affect speech and make wearing dentures difficult.
Some people want to know precise details like, “do braces change the shape of your nose?” No. They do not. Even though braces can alter the width of your upper jaw, they don't extend into the structures that affect the shape and size of your nose.
Settling – Your teeth might settle. Without the brackets and wires there to keep them in place, and even if you are wearing your retainer diligently, your teeth might still move. Don't worry, they're just settling and this is a normal and predicted part of getting your braces off. It's always for the better!
Most people do not experience pain when getting their braces removed. However, most dental work is a bit uncomfortable, and you can expect a bit of soreness when the brackets are removed. This is due to the relief of pressure from your teeth. The teeth will be sensitive because nothing is holding them together.
For example, installing braces can put the wearer at risk for an increase in gingivitis, plaque build-up and excessive stretching and subsequent weakening of the roots of the teeth getting moved around by the braces. This can lead to issues like increased pocket depth, recession, even potential for bone loss.
Underbite, overbite, crooked teeth and misaligned jaws can all contribute to the shape of your face and its symmetry. The more symmetrical the face is, the better looking it is perceived to be by others. Teeth help to maintain the length of the face as well as the structure of the jawbone.
Patients are reporting several pounds to as much as 10 or 15 pounds of weight loss as a result of the orthodontic treatment. Few people would see this as a negative side effect, of course. The main benefit of orthodontic treatments remains the drastic cosmetic results.
Once your mouth gets used to the metal brackets, the soreness will go away. After a few weeks, the inside of your mouth will get tougher and any irritations should resolve.
Is this normal? Straightening the teeth is a dynamic process; your teeth will be changing throughout treatment. During the process of alignment, especially during the first 6 months, you may notice that things look worse before they look better.