Do Braces Change Jawline and Reshape Face Shape in Adults?

If you’re an adult considering braces, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Will braces change the shape of my face?” or “Can they fix my jawline too?”

While most people start orthodontic treatment for straighter teeth, many are surprised to learn that braces can influence more than just your smile. In fact, the right treatment can lead to subtle but noticeable changes in your facial appearance, especially to your jawline and overall symmetry.

In this post, Woolaver Orthodontics will explain how braces can affect the shape of your face as an adult, what kind of changes you might expect, and how treatment can enhance both your smile and facial balance.

Can Braces Actually Change Your Jawline as an Adult?

Yes, braces can influence your jawline, but not in a dramatic or unnatural way.

As adults, our bones are no longer growing, so the changes won’t be as pronounced as they might be in teenagers. But the positioning of your teeth and jaw can still affect how your lower face looks. When your bite is corrected and your teeth are aligned, it can create a more balanced and defined appearance.

Here’s how that works:

• Improved jaw alignment: If you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, correcting it with braces can change how your jaw sits at rest. That shift can affect your profile and the way your jawline appears.
  
• Balanced facial proportions: When your teeth and jaws are aligned properly, your cheeks, lips, and chin can sit more naturally, giving your face a more harmonious look.
  
• Reduced strain in jaw muscles: If you’ve been overcompensating for a misaligned bite, the tension in your jaw muscles can impact your facial expression. Braces help relieve that strain, often softening your overall appearance.

What Kind of Facial Changes Can You Expect?

Braces won’t make you look like a different person. But depending on your bite and alignment issues, you may notice some of these subtle changes as your treatment progresses:

1. A More Defined Jawline

Correcting bite problems can enhance the way your lower jaw appears, especially in cases of deep overbite or underbite. As your bite improves, your chin and jaw may appear more sculpted or prominent.

2. Softer Cheeks and Lips

Crowded or protruding teeth can push your lips or cheeks forward. Aligning the teeth often helps the facial muscles relax into a more natural position, which can soften the overall look of your face.

3. Better Facial Symmetry

A misaligned bite can cause one side of your face to appear slightly different than the other. Fixing the bite may improve symmetry and make your features appear more balanced.

4. Slimmer or More Toned Look Around the Mouth

When teeth are crowded, the mouth area can look “busy” or puffy. As teeth straighten, the area around your lips may look slimmer or cleaner in profile.

How Long Do Braces Take To Change The Facial Appearance?

Changes in facial appearance typically happen gradually over the course of orthodontic treatment. Some people begin to notice differences within a few months, especially as their bite improves. The most noticeable shifts usually occur toward the end of treatment, once the teeth and jaws have settled into their final position.

The timeline can vary depending on the severity of the alignment issue, the type of braces used, and how consistently treatment guidelines are followed. The key is that facial changes tend to evolve naturally alongside improvements in tooth and jaw alignment.

Will My Face Look Different in a Bad Way?

This is one of the most common concerns adults have, and it is completely understandable.

When orthodontic treatment is done perfectly, any changes to your facial appearance are typically positive and very natural. Braces don’t change your face drastically, but they can bring your features into better balance by correcting bite issues, improving symmetry, and reducing muscle tension caused by misalignment.

The goal of adult orthodontics isn’t to change how you look, it is to help your teeth and jaw function better, with the added benefit of a more relaxed and confident appearance.

Have Questions About Adult Braces in Ahwatukee, Phoenix and How It Changes Facial Structure?

Many adults are curious about whether orthodontic treatment can improve their jawline or facial balance, and in some cases, it can. The best way to find out which treatment is right for your unique smile is to talk with an experienced orthodontist.

Woolaver Orthodontics offers personalized consultations to answer your questions and explain what to expect during adult braces treatment. Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to get started, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and or you can visit our office at 4425 E. Agave Rd., Suite 126, Phoenix, AZ 85044. Get direction now.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can braces really change my face shape as an adult?

Yes, but the changes are typically subtle. While adult bones are no longer growing, orthodontic treatment can still improve facial symmetry, soften certain features, and create a more defined jawline by correcting bite alignment and straightening the teeth.

2. Will my jawline look more defined after braces?

It depends on your bite and the position of your teeth before treatment. In cases where a deep overbite, underbite, or misalignment is present, braces can help reposition the jaw slightly and reduce strain in the surrounding muscles, which may result in a more defined or balanced jawline.

3. Do facial changes from braces happen immediately?

No, the changes occur gradually throughout your treatment. Some people begin noticing differences within a few months, while others see more noticeable improvements near the end of their treatment, once the teeth and bite are fully aligned.

4. Is Invisalign® as effective as braces for changing face shape?

In many cases, yes. Invisalign can help improve alignment and bite just like traditional braces, which may lead to similar facial changes, especially in mild to moderate cases.