We all know braces change the alignment of your teeth, but there’s more to a smile than just teeth. Will braces change your face shape? What about the way you smile? What impact do braces have on other aspects of your face, like your lips and jaw?
If you’re wondering about how braces can change face shape, you’re not alone. At Fox Orthodontics, many of our patients are interested in what to expect at the end of the treatment period. As a family-run orthodontist in Norwest and The Hills, we have been straightening smiles for over 35 years. We pride ourselves on our personalised approach, and on empowering our patients to understand their options.
To that end, let’s talk about whether braces can change face shape, how you can expect your jaw and smile to be impacted, and what factors influence the degree of change.
How braces can affect your face shape:
So, do braces change face shape? The short answer is yes, but the change probably isn’t as dramatic as you might be picturing.
According to one study, approximately 70% of patients report enhanced facial symmetry following orthodontic treatment, leading to better overall aesthetics. However, it’s worth remembering that this change happens bit-by-bit over the treatment period, and likely won’t be noticeable to most people.
There are a few different reasons that braces can change the shape of your face.
First, braces can change the way your jaw aligns and the way your teeth come together. Over time, this alignment can impact the overall shape of your jaw and even the way your face looks from certain angles. As your bite is corrected, your jaw may become more balanced, which can subtly improve the symmetry of your face.
Additionally, as your teeth move into better alignment, the soft tissue around them adjusts as well. This can make your cheeks, lips, and even the area under your chin look a little different.
Finally, our face is made up of muscles, and muscles respond to how they’re used. Two years, which is the standard treatment period for traditional metal braces, means two years of using your mouth slightly differently than you normally would. In the same way that smokers and straw-users may find that their faces change over time to reflect their habits, some patients find that wearing braces has an impact on the way they move, and, consequently, their face shape.
While the change in your face shape might not be drastic, it’s likely that you’ll see some improvements that will leave you smiling a little more confidently.
Do braces improve your jawline?
Yes! But why do braces change your jawline? This happens because your teeth are attached to your jawbone, and braces work by applying a gentle but consistent pressure to your teeth to move them into a more aligned position. In turn, this applies pressure to the bone beneath, resulting in subtle changes.
When your teeth are misaligned, it can create pressure on certain areas of your jaw and facial muscles, leading to a less-than-ideal appearance. Once those issues are corrected with braces, you may notice a more symmetrical jawline as the pressure is relieved.
Can your smile change after braces?
Some people find that their smile improves as their teeth become straighter. This is subjective, but studies support that jaw and muscles can be impacted.
In almost every case, a more confident, even smile can make the whole face look brighter and more youthful. This will give the appearance of a subtle face shape change, even if it’s only due to the improved alignment of your teeth.
How do braces change face shape by age group:
So we know that braces do change face structure, but how does this differ by age? Approximately 15% of orthodontic patients are adults, and these patients can expect slightly more limited changes to their face and jaw shape. This is due to their fully developed bones, that are less prone to movement. Children and adolescents, on the other hand, may find that braces guide the growth and placement of their bones more easily.
Let’s take a closer look below:
| Age Group | Before and after braces face shape outcomes: | Additional Notes |
| Children (Ages 7–12) | Jaw alignment can be influenced. Cheeks and lips may be better supported. Facial symmetry improves with jaw guidance. | Early treatment helps guide the growth of the jaw and can prevent long-term dental and facial issues. Bones are still developing, so changes are more pronounced. |
| Adolescents (Ages 13–18) | Jawline definition improves with proper alignment. Lip and chin position become more balanced. More proportionate facial features. | Ideal time for orthodontic intervention as the jaw is still growing. Significant improvements in facial aesthetics, including improved smile and facial harmony. |
| Adults (Ages 19+) | Jawline and chin definition may improve but to a lesser extent than younger patients. Better lip support. Subtle facial aesthetic improvements. | In adults, facial bones are fully developed, so changes are more about refining existing features rather than guiding growth. Treatment focuses on cosmetic and functional results. |
Do all types of braces change your face shape?
You can safely expect that braces, no matter what kind, will have an impact on your face shape, it’s really a question of how dramatic this change is— that’s where the different kinds of braces might matter.
| Treatment Type | Primary Function | Facial Changes | Severity of Changes | Reasons for Changes |
| Traditional Metal Braces | Align teeth and correct bite issues | Can improve jawline, chin, lip positioning, and overall facial symmetry | Moderate to High | Applies consistent pressure to teeth and jaw, influencing bone structure and soft tissues |
| Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign) | Align teeth with clear, removable trays | Subtle improvements in lip and jaw alignment; less impact on bone structure | Low to Moderate | Gentle pressure on teeth; limited effect on bone and soft tissue |
| Lingual Braces | Fixed braces placed behind teeth | Similar to metal braces but less visible; facial changes depend on bite correction | Moderate | Similar to metal braces; placement behind teeth reduces visibility |
| Twin Block Appliance | Correct Class II malocclusions by repositioning the lower jaw | Significant changes in jaw position and facial profile; improves chin projection | High | Actively repositions jaw during growth phase, altering skeletal structure |
| Headgear | Correct bite by applying external force to the upper jaw | Can affect upper jaw growth, influencing facial appearance; less common today | High | Direct external force alters jaw growth patterns |
Want to know more?
Dr. Rajiv Ahuja, our leading Norwest and Hills District orthodontist, has a core philosophy of providing quality orthodontic services in a friendly, personalised environment.
If you have more questions about braces and what to expect, Dr. Rajiv Ahuja can help. Having worked as a dentist for over 10 years, Dr. Ahuja’s knowledge of orthodontics and close attention to detail allow him to offer the finest and most comprehensive treatment plans, tailored to you and your needs.
