Should People with High Cheekbones Get Braces? Can Orthodontic Treatment Make the Face More Balanced?

Hello, for individuals with high cheekbones, the most common concern is whether orthodontic treatment can make the cheekbones appear more prominent, or even negatively affect overall facial aesthetics. The doctor will provide a more detailed analysis of whether people with high cheekbones should undergo orthodontic treatment, based on both orthodontic and aesthetic perspectives, presented in a clear and structured manner so that you can better understand and feel confident before making a decision.

Should People with High Cheekbones Get Braces?

The doctor would like to clearly state that high cheekbones are not a contraindication to orthodontic treatment. The decision to undergo orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the condition of the teeth and bite, rather than solely on the prominence of the cheekbones.

From an anatomical perspective, the cheekbones are part of the midfacial skeleton, while orthodontic treatment directly affects the teeth and indirectly influences jaw positioning through tooth movement within the alveolar bone. Therefore, when teeth are protruded, flared, or misaligned, orthodontic treatment helps reposition them into their proper physiological alignment, thereby improving overall facial balance.

In clinical practice, many individuals have high cheekbones along with protruding or crowded teeth. Before orthodontic treatment, the lips and midface may be pushed forward, causing the cheekbones to appear more prominent and sharper. After undergoing orthodontic treatment according to an appropriate treatment plan, the face generally becomes more harmonious rather than making the cheekbones appear higher, as many people fear.

Can Orthodontic Treatment Change the Cheekbones and Facial Appearance?

From a medical standpoint, the doctor would like to clarify that orthodontic treatment does not alter the structure of the cheekbones. Therefore, if you ask whether orthodontic treatment can reduce the prominence of the cheekbones, the answer is no.

However, orthodontic treatment can change the aesthetic perception of the face, because the teeth, lips, and soft tissues are closely related to the facial skeleton. When the teeth are retracted into their ideal positions, the lips become less protrusive. This change makes the facial profile appear softer and reduces the visual prominence of the cheekbones.

In other words, orthodontic treatment does not lower the cheekbones, but it may help reduce the appearance of excessively prominent cheekbones by creating better balance among the teeth, lips, and chin.

Cases in Which People with High Cheekbones Should and Should Not Get Braces

For individuals with high cheekbones, orthodontic treatment often provides favorable aesthetic outcomes when accompanied by conditions such as protruding teeth, flared teeth, malocclusion, or dental crowding. Once these issues are corrected, the face generally appears more balanced and harmonious.

On the other hand, doctors tend to be more cautious with individuals who have high cheekbones along with a very thin face, limited soft tissue volume, or hollow cheeks. Without careful planning of orthodontic forces and tooth movement direction, orthodontic treatment may make the cheeks appear more sunken, inadvertently causing the cheekbones to look more prominent visually.

In such cases, orthodontic treatment can still be performed, but it requires a personalized treatment plan and close monitoring throughout every stage of treatment.

Advice from Orthodontists to Optimize Facial Aesthetics

To ensure orthodontic treatment maintains facial harmony in individuals with high cheekbones, doctors always emphasize the importance of a comprehensive facial assessment from the outset. Lateral cephalometric radiographs, profile analysis, soft tissue evaluation, and facial proportion assessments help doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan that not only aligns the teeth but also preserves natural facial aesthetics.

In addition, throughout the orthodontic process, doctors must closely monitor changes in the lips and cheeks and adjust orthodontic forces when necessary to prevent the face from becoming excessively thin or overly angular. This is why individuals with high cheekbones should choose a reputable orthodontic facility and an orthodontist experienced in treating adult patients.

If you are still wondering whether people with high cheekbones should get braces, or are concerned about whether orthodontic treatment for individuals with high cheekbones may affect facial aesthetics, you should visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital to receive a direct orthodontic examination, facial analysis, and consultation on the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.