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Hello, many patients feel that their faces become slimmer, with slightly sunken cheeks or hollow temples after starting orthodontic treatment, leading them to wonder whether braces can cause sunken cheeks and whether this condition has any long-term effects. I will explain this from an orthodontic perspective so you can better understand the issue and feel more reassured during treatment.

Can Braces Cause Sunken Cheeks?

My answer is that orthodontic treatment does NOT cause permanent sunken cheeks. However, some patients may experience mild hollowing of the cheeks or temples during the early stages of orthodontic treatment. This is not because braces cause cheekbone resorption, but is mainly due to:

• Changes in eating habits due to discomfort after orthodontic adjustments
• Temporary reduction in chewing muscle activity
• Loss of facial fat due to reduced food intake or inadequate nutrition
• Prolonged stress during orthodontic treatment
• Alveolar bone loss caused by long-term missing teeth before orthodontic treatment

In other words, sunken cheeks during orthodontic treatment are primarily related to soft tissue changes, not negative effects on the bone. Once proper nutrition is restored and the jaw muscles function normally again, the cheeks typically regain fullness.

Causes of Sunken Cheeks and Hollow Temples During Orthodontic Treatment

Long-Term Tooth Loss and Alveolar Bone Resorption

If you lost teeth many years before starting orthodontic treatment, the alveolar bone in those areas may gradually resorb, making the cheeks appear more hollow. When orthodontic treatment begins, changes in chewing force may make this condition more noticeable. This is not caused by braces themselves but rather by the long-term consequences of tooth loss.

Inadequate Nutrition

When first getting braces or after each archwire adjustment, many patients eat less, consume only porridge or soup, or skip meals due to fear of pain.
As a result, the chewing muscles may weaken and facial fat may decrease, leading to sunken cheeks.

Improper Chewing Habits

Chewing predominantly on one side or avoiding chewing due to discomfort may cause facial muscle imbalance, resulting in mild hollowing of the cheeks or temples during the early stages of treatment.

Prolonged Stress

Anxiety, sleep deprivation, or prolonged stress can reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to weight loss and subsequently sunken cheeks and hollow temples.

Therefore, sunken cheeks during orthodontic treatment are primarily associated with soft tissues, nutrition, and habits rather than being a direct consequence of tooth movement.

Are Sunken Cheeks After Braces Permanent?

The answer is NO.

Sunken cheeks during orthodontic treatment are generally temporary. When:

• You maintain a nutritious diet
• Your chewing muscles return to normal function
• Your teeth stabilize after the initial adjustment phase
• Your nutrition and body weight return to normal levels

Your cheeks will typically regain their fullness. Persistent hollowing generally occurs only in individuals who experienced tooth loss and alveolar bone resorption before orthodontic treatment or who have had long-term uneven chewing habits.

How to Correct Hollow Temples and Sunken Cheeks During Orthodontic Treatment

Maintain a Balanced and Nutritious Diet

• Increase protein intake: salmon, eggs, milk, and soft meats
• Add healthy carbohydrates: sweet potatoes and oats
• Supplement with vitamins B and C to support muscles and soft tissues
• Choose soft but nutrient-rich foods and avoid eating too little

Maintain a Positive Mental State

Reducing stress helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively and prevents unwanted weight loss. Get adequate rest and practice facial muscle relaxation exercises.

Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions

Attend follow-up appointments on schedule to reduce prolonged discomfort. Once the teeth stabilize, chewing forces become balanced, and the cheeks generally regain fullness.

Choose a Reputable Orthodontic Clinic

An inexperienced orthodontist may apply excessive force or move teeth improperly, potentially affecting chewing function and contributing to prolonged cheek hollowing.

Choosing a reputable clinic helps ensure that the orthodontic process is smooth, comfortable, and safe.

Doctor’s Advice

If you are experiencing sunken cheeks during orthodontic treatment, do not worry too much. In most cases, the condition improves quickly once nutrition is adjusted, adequate sleep is maintained, and follow-up appointments are attended as scheduled.

At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, orthodontists always design gentle and safe force protocols to minimize discomfort and avoid adverse effects on the chewing muscles, thereby reducing the risk of sunken cheeks or hollow temples.

If you would like an orthodontist to evaluate your current condition and provide specific guidance based on your individual case, feel free to send photos so that we can assist you in greater detail.