What Causes Sunken Cheeks After Orthodontic Treatment? Can It Be Fixed? What You Should Know Before Getting Braces

One of the top concerns for people considering orthodontic treatment is the possibility of facial changes after getting braces—especially the issue of sunken cheeks. Many worry that while their teeth may become beautifully aligned, their face might appear thinner, more hollow, or even older than before, leading to a loss of confidence.

In reality, sunken cheeks after braces do not happen to everyone. However, it is an important topic to fully understand before starting treatment, so proper prevention and planning can be done from the beginning.

Today, we’ll take an in-depth look at what truly causes sunken cheeks after orthodontic treatment, and whether this condition can be corrected to restore a fuller, more youthful appearance.


The Real Causes of Sunken Cheeks After Braces
Sunken cheeks after orthodontic treatment usually result from multiple factors combined, not simply from wearing braces alone. The most common causes include the following:

1. Tooth Extraction and Jaw Retraction
In cases where multiple teeth need to be extracted to correct protrusion or severe crowding, the teeth are moved backward to close gaps. This movement can affect jaw position and facial structure. For some individuals, this may cause the skin and facial fat around the cheeks to appear reduced, resulting in sunken cheeks.

2. Reduced Chewing Muscle Volume
During orthodontic treatment, tooth pain or discomfort often makes chewing difficult. As a result, many people choose soft foods and chew less frequently. When the chewing muscles—especially the masseter muscles—are not used regularly, they can gradually shrink, similar to the effect of jaw-reduction Botox. This can make the cheekbones appear more prominent and create the appearance of sunken cheeks.

3. Weight Loss
Pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment may also lead to reduced appetite, causing rapid weight loss. Facial fat tends to decrease more quickly than fat in other areas of the body, making the face look thinner and more hollow. This is another common reason why some people experience sunken cheeks after getting braces.

How to Prevent and Manage Sunken Cheeks After Orthodontic Treatment
If you want to avoid sunken cheeks after braces, proper planning and self-care should begin from your very first consultation with the dentist.

Discuss the Treatment Plan in Detail
Share your concerns about potential facial hollowing with your dentist from the start. This allows the dentist to design a tooth movement plan that minimizes excessive facial retraction and helps prevent the face from appearing overly slim.

Maintain Normal Chewing Habits
Once tooth pain subsides, you should gradually return to eating foods with moderate firmness. Regular chewing helps exercise the cheek muscles and prevents muscle atrophy, which can contribute to sunken cheeks after orthodontic treatment.

Ensure adequate nutrition by consuming a balanced diet that includes all five essential food groups. Try to maintain a stable body weight and avoid sudden or drastic weight loss, as this helps preserve facial fat and prevents the face from looking hollow or gaunt.

Sunken cheeks after orthodontic treatment should not discourage you from getting braces. With proper treatment planning by an experienced dentist, a beautiful smile can be achieved alongside a balanced and attractive facial appearance.

If you are looking for accurate and reassuring advice, we recommend Pasook Dental Clinic—a certified dental clinic that pays close attention to every detail of facial aesthetics. Our experienced dentists provide personalized care, supported by high safety standards and multiple conveniently located branches near your home. Travel easily to the branch closest to you and feel confident in our friendly, professional service.