How Does the Facial Profile Change Before and After Braces?

Hello, before undergoing orthodontic treatment, many people are concerned not only about whether their teeth will become straighter but also whether their facial profile before and after braces will change. The facial profile is an important aesthetic factor that determines the harmony of the lips, nose, and chin. Therefore, the doctor will clearly explain the mechanism behind these changes from a professional orthodontic perspective.

Can Braces Change the Facial Profile?

The direct answer is: yes, braces can change the facial profile, especially in cases involving protruding teeth, underbite, buck teeth, or improper inclination of the front teeth. These changes are not caused by bone shaving or surgical intervention, but rather by moving the teeth into their ideal positions, thereby creating greater harmony among the lips, dental arch, and bite.

The facial profile is primarily determined by three major factors:

• The position of the incisors (inclined, protruded, retracted, or rotated).
• The degree of upper and lower lip protrusion.
• The balance of the bite and jawline contour.

When the teeth are properly aligned and repositioned, the lip and perioral region also change, naturally improving the facial profile. This is why many patients feel their face appears “more attractive,” “more balanced,” or “softer” after orthodontic treatment.

In children, profile changes may be more noticeable because the jawbones are still developing, whereas in adults, the changes mainly occur in the soft tissues and front teeth.

How Does the Facial Profile Change Before and After Braces?

To help you visualize the changes more clearly, the doctor will explain the differences in the facial profile before and after braces according to specific conditions:

1. Cases of Protruding Teeth or Buck Teeth (Protrusion)

• Before braces: The upper lip protrudes, the incisors lean forward, and the facial profile appears pushed outward, causing facial imbalance.
• After braces: The incisors are retracted, the lips become softer, and the facial profile appears more defined. This group typically experiences the most noticeable changes.

2. Cases of Underbite or a Prominent Lower Jaw (Underbite)

• Before braces: The lower lip protrudes forward, the chin appears longer, and the facial profile looks broken or imbalanced.
• After braces: When the incisors are repositioned to the correct inclination and the bite is corrected, the lower lip becomes less prominent and the facial profile becomes more harmonious.

3. Deep Bite or Open Bite

• Deep bite: Orthodontic treatment can improve lip balance and create a softer facial profile.
• Open bite: Correction allows the lips to close naturally and creates a more refined facial profile.

4. Cases of Severe Crowding or Misalignment

• Before braces: The profile may appear slightly distorted due to improper tooth inclination and soft tissue influence.
• After braces: Once the teeth are aligned, the lips and jawline appear neater and more balanced, significantly improving the facial profile.

5. Can Braces Make the Face Smaller?

Many people feel that their face looks slimmer after orthodontic treatment. In reality, this is not due to a reduction in jawbone size, but because:

• The soft tissues around the mouth and cheeks become less prominent once the teeth are properly aligned.
• A corrected bite allows the facial muscles to function more harmoniously.
• The lips become less protrusive when the incisors are retracted.

Therefore, the conclusion is: braces can improve the facial profile, making it more attractive and balanced. The degree of change depends on each individual’s initial condition.

If you would like to know exactly how your facial profile may change after orthodontic treatment or wish to view a 3D before-and-after simulation, you can visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital for a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. Gangwhoo currently offers advanced orthodontic techniques, including ceramic braces, metal braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign, helping optimize facial contours and improve the facial profile safely and naturally.