Posted on September 10, 2025
Thinking about getting braces? You’re probably picturing a straighter smile and better bite alignment. But have you ever wondered, “Can braces change your face?” It’s a question we hear often at Lustig & Young Orthodontics, and the answer is yes—braces can change your face, sometimes in ways that are subtle yet transformative.
While the main goal of braces is to straighten teeth and improve your bite, the benefits often extend beyond your mouth. Because your teeth and jaw help shape the lower half of your face, correcting alignment can bring balance, symmetry, and even a more youthful appearance.
To understand how braces change your face, think about your teeth and jaw as the framework that supports your lips, cheeks, and chin. When that framework is off balance, it can subtly change how your face looks. Braces adjust this foundation, improving both function and appearance.
Let’s explore how braces can influence facial structure in different situations.
Overbites:
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. This can make the chin look smaller and the upper lip more prominent. When braces correct an overbite by gently moving the teeth and aligning the jaw, the result is a stronger, more defined jawline and a balanced facial profile.
Underbites:
An underbite happens when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. This can make the chin appear larger or more protruded. Braces, sometimes combined with other treatments, help shift the lower jaw back into proper position, softening the jawline and creating a more natural, symmetrical look.
An open bite means the front teeth don’t meet when your mouth is closed. This can make it hard to chew or speak clearly, and it often changes the way your lips rest. Braces close that gap by aligning the teeth vertically, allowing your lips to close comfortably and giving your face a more relaxed, balanced appearance.
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This imbalance can cause the face to look uneven or asymmetrical. By realigning the teeth and widening the upper arch, braces can improve symmetry and restore harmony to your features.
Large gaps between teeth can affect not only your smile but also the way your lips are supported. When braces close these spaces, they provide better lip support, resulting in a fuller and more youthful appearance.
Crowded or overlapping teeth can make the smile appear uneven and can slightly distort the way your lips and cheeks rest. By straightening crowded teeth, braces help your smile appear broader and more balanced, often enhancing overall facial proportion.
It’s important to understand that the way braces change your face is usually gentle and natural. You won’t look like a completely different person—rather, your features will become more balanced and harmonious.
Many patients notice improvements such as:
These changes can boost self-confidence, enhance appearance, and contribute to a healthier bite and jaw function.
While the visual improvements are exciting, braces also play a major role in your long-term oral health. Here’s how:
So yes—braces change your face, but they also improve function, health, and confidence.
For most patients, braces alone are enough to create the desired results. However, in more complex cases involving severe jaw misalignment, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be recommended along with braces.
This procedure repositions the jaw for better function and aesthetics, helping to create long-lasting facial balance. During your consultation at Lustig & Young Orthodontics, we’ll review your options and determine whether surgery is needed.
Every smile is unique, which is why we offer a range of orthodontic options designed to fit your needs and preferences:
During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the treatment that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
At Lustig & Young Orthodontics, we combine expertise, technology, and personalized care to deliver beautiful results for patients in Fort Worth, Saginaw, Haslet, and Azle, TX.
Our orthodontists have years of experience helping patients achieve straighter smiles and improved facial balance through braces and aligner treatment. We take time to understand your goals, explain every step, and design a plan that’s right for you.
We also make treatment affordable with flexible payment plans and assistance maximizing your insurance benefits.
So, can braces change your face? Absolutely. The transformation may be gradual, but the impact—on your smile, your facial balance, and your confidence—can be life-changing.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile, schedule your free consultation with Lustig & Young Orthodontics today.
We’ll evaluate your bite, discuss your goals, and show you how braces can enhance not only your smile—but your entire facial appearance.
Your best smile starts here.
