Does Straightening Teeth Change Your Face?

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Woman is showing her straightened teeth

Teeth straightening is one of the most common dental procedures to improve the appearance of misaligned teeth. But does it change your face? This blog will tell you how straightening teeth could affect your facial appearance. We would talk about the science behind this treatment, the types of braces available, and what changes you should expect with them. By the end, you will know how teeth alignment affects the face and much more.

The Science Behind Teeth Straightening

Woman with a perfect smile and healthy teeth
Perfect teeth

Teeth straightening is a branch of dentistry known as orthodontics. It involves procedures like braces or aligners to reposition teeth into their desired position. The basis of treatments relies on a methodology where a gentle force is applied for an extended time and causes teeth to move. This pressure is applied to the teeth, the adjacent bone, and surrounding soft tissues. The whole surrounding area of the tooth undergoes a process of bone remodeling to adapt to the new tooth position. This bone remodeling might lead to the alteration of your jaw shape and the entire facial structure.

How Do Teeth Affect Facial Structure?

Your teeth provide crucial support for your facial muscles and skin, help shape the lips and cheeks, and are a part of the facial structure. Misaligned teeth can cause an imbalance in this system of support. For instance, overcrowding in the front may cause lips to push forward excessively, creating a fuller appearance, while gaps between the teeth may make the lips thinner. Straightening your teeth enhances facial symmetry, giving your overall appearance better dimension and balance.

The Role of Jawline

Moreover, the location of teeth may affect the jawline. Misaligned teeth may lead to misaligned jaws, creating an uneven or asymmetrical appearance.Teeth straightening may align the jaw correctly, providing a more balanced and defined jawline. Therefore, this enhances one's facial profile and gives more symmetry to one's features.

Types of Braces and Their Impact on Facial Structure

There are different types of braces available, each impacting your face, tongue, and overall facial appearance. The most commonly known options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. Now, let's go through each type, and how it may affect your overall facial profile.

Metal Braces

The most common braces are traditional metal ones. They are fitted with metal brackets joined through wires and elastic bands. Metal braces help straighten teeth and align the jaw, resulting in a more balanced and symmetrical facial appearance. However, they are quite noticeable during the treatment duration.

Ceramic Braces

Like metal braces, ceramic braces use brackets; the only difference is that they have clear or tooth-colored brackets. This feature makes them less noticeable which is more favorable to adults and older teenagers. Also like metal braces, they help in straightening teeth and improving facial symmetry.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth and are practically invisible from the frontal view. They work like any other braces but are customized to fit the contours of the back of your teeth. If you wish to straighten your teeth without anybody noticing, lingual braces may be a good option.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a popular alternative to conventional braces. They consist of custom-made clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. The trays are changed out every 10 days to move your teeth slowly to their desired position. Clear aligners are invisible and can be removed to eat and clean the teeth. They are efficient in moving the teeth and enhancing the facial appearance. However, they might not be the best for very severe cases of orthodontic problems.

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Potential Changes in Facial Structure

Here are some common changes that you might experience.

Improved Facial Symmetry

One of the major advantages of having straight teeth is the improvement of facial symmetry. Misaligned teeth can cause your face to appear uneven; one side might be different from the other. Teeth straightening and jaw alignment contribute to a more balanced and symmetrical facial appearance. This enhances the overall harmony of your features, creating a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Enhanced Jawline Definition

Straightening teeth also leads to better-defined jawlines. With misaligned teeth, the jaw may sit improperly leading to a less-definite or asymmetrical jawline. Correcting these issues may enhance the overall look of your jawline by making it appear sculpted and youthful.

Fuller Lips and Cheeks

Your teeth play a crucial role in supporting your lips and cheeks. Misaligned teeth may make your lips seem thinner or your cheeks sunken.Properly aligned teeth provide strong support for fuller lips and cheeks, enhancing facial contours for a youthful, radiant look.

Improved Profile

Straightening misaligned teeth also improves facial contours. Misalignment can disrupt facial balance, causing the chin or lips to protrude too far forward or backward. Proper jaw and teeth alignment creates a more harmonious, balanced, and attractive profile, enhancing overall facial symmetry.

Long-Term Benefits of Teeth-Straightening

These are important long-term benefits of getting your teeth straightened.

Improved Oral Health

Teeth straightening may benefit your oral health. Misaligned teeth are difficult to clean, which increases the risk of cavities and gum diseases. Teeth straightening can aid in maintaining good oral hygiene and thus reduce the risk of developing these problems. Healthier teeth and gums mean a more attractive smile.

Bite Function Improvement

Misaligned teeth affect your bite function and make chewing or speaking difficult. Teeth straightening not only enhances your appearance but also improves bite function, making it easier to chew and speak. This improves your health and well-being in general and lets you enjoy a comfortable functional smile.

Long-Lasting Results

When properly taken care of, the effects of getting your teeth straightened can last a lifetime. Following your orthodontist's instructions and maintaining impeccable oral care can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a straightened, lovely smile for years.

Introducing ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners

A photograph of ALIGENRCO Clear
			Aligners
ALIGENRCO Clear Aligners

Modern-day clear aligners serve as the most appropriate alignment solution for your teeth. They are almost invisible and unnoticeable by anyone when worn. Each set of aligners is custom-fabricated according to your specific misalignment. Hence, it provides a practically comfortable and highly effective way to achieve a straighter smile. For individuals who require simple and inconspicuous, soft, alternative braces treatment, this option works remarkably well.

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ALIGNERCO Canada’s clear aligners are affordable and convenient, offering a modern solution to straighten your teeth without changing the facial aesthetics.

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How Does It Work?

Here are three easy steps to transform your smile:

Create your Impressions

Capture dental impressions from the comfort of your home using our easy-to-use impression kit. Once completed, send back your impressions to us using the prepaid shipping label provided.

See Your New Smile

Our experts will design a treatment plan for your unique smile. Each plan is carefully checked and approved by a licensed orthodontist for best results.

Smile with Confidence

Look at your smile transforming through the clear aligners specially made for you. Enjoy the benefits of improved aesthetics and a huge dose of confidence while your dream smile becomes a reality.

Recap

Your smile can now shine brighter, straighter, and much faster than before. With ALIGNERCO’s clear aligners, you can start the first step of a smile transformation at your home. Everything is designed to be comfortable yet accurate, from taking your impressions down to seeing your personalized treatment plan.Start your journey today and experience the life-changing benefits of a beautifully aligned smile with ALIGNERCO.

FAQs

Q. Does straightening teeth improve jawline?

Yes, teeth straightening improves jawline by aligning the bite and enhancing facial symmetry.

Q. Can braces make your face shape uglier?

No, braces are made to improve facial balance and symmetry, not to worsen it.

Q. Do straight teeth make you look better?

Yes, straighter teeth can enhance your smile, enhance facial harmony, and improve your overall appearance.

References

Shotell MD. The Proliferation of Clear Aligner Orthodontics: Workflows, Materials, and Designs (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32551717/). Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2020 Jun;41(6):340-341. Accessed 10/12/2022.

American Dental Association. Braces (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces). Accessed 1/13/2023.

American Association of Orthodontists. Why Orthodontics? (https://www3.aaoinfo.org/_/why-you-should-get-orthodontic-treatment/) Accessed 10/12/2022.

Zimmerman B, Shumway KR, Jenzer AC. Physiology, Tooth (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538475/). 2022 Apr 14. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Accessed 10/12/2022.

  • Victoria Bentley

    Victoria Bentley

    Content Contributor

     Victoria Bentley stands at the forefront of dental and public health, holding a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree and a Master's in Public Health (MPH). Her career is characterised by a dual commitment to clinical excellence and advocating for widespread access to oral healthcare. Dr. Bentley's research has been... Read More

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  • Dr. Anas Athar

    Dr. Anas Athar

    Medical Reviewer

    Dr. Anas Athar is a highly sought-after orthodontist with nearly two decades of experience in dentistry. He is the only dual-trained Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist and Orthodontist in Texas, with specialties in clear aligners, interceptive orthodontics, advanced dental imaging, dental sleep medicine, and more. Dr. Athar continually hones his skills... Read More

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