Do Braces Change Your Face? Before–After Photos & Expert Tips

Many people considering braces often ask the popular question: Do braces change your face? Some hear that their face becomes slimmer, others say their lips or mouth shape changes, some notice a more youthful appearance, while others feel no difference at all. This can leave anyone confused about how much orthodontic treatment really affects facial appearance.

This article explains in detail whether braces actually change your face and what factors contribute to facial changes. Braces can influence your appearance through several factors, including tooth alignment, jaw structure, tooth extraction, front teeth retraction, and post-treatment habits, helping you plan your orthodontic treatment with confidence

Do Braces Change Your Face? The Answer Youve Been Wondering About
So, do braces change your face? The answer is yes, braces can change your facial appearance, but how much your face changes depends on factors like your facial structure, the condition of your teeth, and whether tooth extraction or surgery is involved, which can significantly affect your facial shape.

Common changes after orthodontic treatment may include:

Lip and mouth shape
Smile angles
Front teeth protrusion
Facial balance
Overall facial structure (in some cases)
Therefore, when asking Do braces change your face?, its important to consider multiple factorsresults are not the same for everyone

Do Braces Change Your Face? Why Orthodontic Treatment Can Alter Facial Appearance

For most people, orthodontic treatment can cause slight changes to the facial appearance, varying by individual case. Some notice more significant changes. Here are the main reasons why braces can alter your facial look:

Front Teeth Movement Affects Lip Shape
Most braces treatments involve adjusting the position of the front teeth. When protruding or tilted teeth are realigned, the lips appear smoother and can close more naturally, immediately changing the shape and fullness of the lips.


Tooth Extraction for Orthodontics
In cases requiring tooth extraction, retracting the front teeth inward can reduce lip protrusion, giving the overall facial structure a softer, more balanced look. This is often the main reason why many people notice significant facial changes after braces.


Bite and Jaw Alignment
Braces improve the alignment of upper and lower teeth, resulting in:


A more balanced facial appearance
A well-shaped chin
Better harmony between cheekbones and jawline
Especially in cases of protruding teeth, gaps, or jaw irregularities, the upper and lower facial proportions improve noticeably, even from a side profile.


Relaxed Facial Muscles
Properly aligned teeth allow the muscles used for chewing and speaking to work more evenly, making the overall facial appearance look more relaxed and natural.
Do Braces Change Your Face? Which Cases Show the Difference


As mentioned earlier, whether braces change your face depends on many factors, and results vary from case to case. However, facial changes after orthodontic treatment are most noticeable in the following cases:

People with Protruding Teeth / Prominent Lips
Retracting the front teeth can make the lips appear more aligned and reduce lip protrusion. The face looks slimmer and more contoured, giving a noticeably smaller and more confident appearance.


People with Receding or Short Chins
Adjusting the lower teeth for proper bite alignment can slightly elongate the chin and enhance facial dimensions. This can make the face appear slimmer, and others may even notice and comment on the change.


People with Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
Once the teeth are properly aligned, the smile changes immediately, giving a more youthful and confident appearance. Beautifully aligned teeth transform the look of your smile noticeably.
Do Braces Change Your Face? Children vs. Adults
Another common question is whether braces change your face and whether its better to start treatment in childhood. Both children and adults can see changes in facial appearance after orthodontic treatment, but the degree of change differs:

Children (Ages 7-18)

Bones are still growing
Teeth are easier to move
Facial changes are more noticeable than in adults
Ideal for correcting jaw alignment and protruding teeth
Adults (18 and older)

Facial changes are possible but occur more slowly
Most noticeable in cases involving tooth extraction
Lip shape and fullness can change significantly
Which Type of Braces Produces the Most Facial Change?
Metal Braces
Allow precise control of tooth movement, ideal for cases requiring significant changes to the lips or correction of severe protruding teeth.


Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Effective for mild to moderate cases, including some protruding teeth. Facial changes correspond to the degree of tooth movement.


Braces with Tooth Extraction
Often produces the most noticeable facial change by reducing lip protrusion and retracting front teeth naturally.


Braces Combined with Jaw Surgery
Provides the most dramatic changes in facial structure, especially for cases with severe upper or lower jaw misalignment.


Do Braces Change Your Face? BeforeAfter Photos

If youre still wondering whether braces can change your face or whether to start treatment, viewing before-and-after photos can help you see how much facial change occurs in different cases. These comparisons can serve as a useful guide when deciding on orthodontic treatment.

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Conclusion: Do Braces Change Your Face? What You Should Know Before Starting
So, do braces change your face? In short, yes, orthodontic treatment can alter facial appearance, but the degree of change depends on the underlying dental issues, such as protruding teeth, misaligned teeth, or jaw imbalance, as well as the type of braces used.

If you want to know whether braces will change your face in your case, a thorough evaluation is essential. This includes X-rays, dental impressions, and facial structure analysis to develop the best treatment plan and achieve safe, predictable results.