Let’s face it, when you’re thinking about braces or Invisalign for your child, it’s not just about straighter teeth. Many parents wonder, “Do braces and Invisalign change our child’s face shape?” It’s a valid question, and the answer is: yes, they can, especially for growing kids.
Think of the face like a puzzle. Teeth, lips, jaw, and even the nose all fit together. When we use orthodontic treatment to move teeth into proper alignment, those small adjustments can influence how the entire facial structure looks. Let’s unpack how this happens and what it means for your child’s developing smile.
Why People Wonder About Face Shape Changes
Whether it’s a concern about their child’s facial features, or curiosity about how orthodontic treatment might impact their appearance, this topic often comes up during consultations.
That’s because teeth don’t exist in isolation, they work with the upper jaw, lower jaw, lips, and even the cheeks. When we align teeth, the soft tissues of the face respond, too.
Some common concerns include:
Will braces change nose shape?
Will my child’s lips rest differently?
Will they look completely different?
Spoiler alert: Your child won’t come out of treatment with a perfectly symmetrical face, because nobody really has one. But they can look more balanced and confident.
How Braces and Invisalign Actually Work
Understanding how orthodontic therapy works makes it easier to see how it might affect your child’s facial profile.
Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to apply steady pressure over time, slowly moving teeth and even influencing jaw alignment. This method is often used when there are complex issues like facial asymmetry, lower jaw stick-out, or upper teeth overlap.
Invisalign aligners are clear, removable trays that gently shift teeth. They’re great for mild to moderate concerns, like slightly crooked teeth, small gaps, or upper and lower teeth misalignment.
Here’s what these treatments can impact:
Bite alignment (how top teeth and bottom teeth meet)
Teeth alignment (how straight the teeth sit)
Jaw structure and position
Facial symmetry and balance
Even minor tooth movements can make a noticeable difference in how the facial features come together, especially for younger patients.
Yes, Braces and Invisalign Can Change Your Face - Here’s How
Now let’s get into the good stuff – how exactly braces or Invisalign can change your child’s face shape.
Jaw alignment: Moving the upper jaw or lower jaw into a better position helps with bite correction and improves the overall facial profile.
Lips: As teeth shift, especially the front teeth, the lips may sit differently. This can sometimes create a plumper upper lip appearance.
Cheeks and Smile Width: Expanding the dental arch (especially in interceptive orthodontics) gives a broader, more natural smile.
Nose Shape: While braces don’t change nose shape, aligning the jaw and teeth can create the illusion of a more balanced nose.
Facial symmetry: With a properly aligned bite, the face often appears more harmonious.
Fun fact: Our patients often notice they look more “open” or confident in their after photos, not because their face was changed dramatically, but because of subtle facial enhancements from better alignment.
Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Affects Face Shape More?
Both treatments can result in facial changes, but they work a little differently.
Feature | Traditional Braces | Invisalign Treatment |
|---|---|---|
Appliance Type | Fixed metal braces | Removable aligners |
Control Over Jaw Movements | High | Moderate |
Best for Complex Cases | Yes | Best for milder corrections |
Facial Impact in Kids | More noticeable | Subtler but still effective |
If your child needs growth modifying treatments or has a more complex bite, traditional braces may offer greater control over how the skeletal features and facial structure develop. Invisalign, on the other hand, is great for teens with minor spacing or crooked teeth.
Specific Facial Features That May Change
Let’s break it down even further. Here are the facial areas most often affected by orthodontic treatment:
Upper and lower teeth: When teeth are properly aligned, the lips rest more naturally.
Lips: Better support from the teeth can lead to a fuller look.
Chin and jawline: With better jaw alignment, the lower jaw becomes more defined.
Smile width: Narrow arches can be expanded for a broader, more attractive smile.
Cheeks: As teeth shift, cheeks may appear slightly lifted.
Nose: Orthodontics won’t change your nose shape, but balanced jaws can make it look more proportional.
Do These Changes Last Forever?
Good news – facial changes from braces or Invisalign treatment are usually long-lasting if you maintain the results. But here’s the key: wear your retainer.
After treatment, the teeth and jaw need time to stabilize. Without retainers, they might drift back, which could subtly alter how the facial shape looks again.
A strong treatment plan includes long-term retention to keep those changes and your child’s confident smile intact.
Age Matters: Kids, Teens, and Adults
Younger patients experience the most change. That’s because their bones are still growing, which means tooth movements can guide bone remodeling and influence long-term facial aesthetics.
Kids and teens: Can benefit from early intervention and growth modifying treatments
Adults: Can still see improvements especially with adult braces or clear aligners but facial changes are generally more subtle
Whether it’s shifting baby teeth or managing adult bite issues, our Calgary orthodontists create a personal orthodontic plan tailored to each stage of development.
FAQs
Do braces change your face shape?
Yes, especially in kids. They can improve jaw alignment, facial symmetry, and overall facial profile.
Does Invisalign change your face?
It can! Invisalign gently shifts teeth, and with time, this may enhance facial features and balance.
Will my face go back if I stop wearing a retainer?
Yes – lose teeth, lose balance. Retainers are critical to keeping that new alignment stable.
Can braces change nose shape?
Not directly, but better bite alignment and jaw positioning can make the nose look more proportional.
