How Long Does It Take for Braces to Change Your Face Shape?

Rearranging teeth and often jawbone can significantly alter the size and shape of the lower third of the face. Throughout orthodontic treatment, your Orthodontist carefully modifies the pressure applied to your teeth to optimize the final result and ensure positive changes.

Braces accomplish this through various means, such as adding more bands, adjusting the wire, and performing other procedures to customize the braces to your specific needs. For instance, bands might be utilized to address overbites or underbites by connecting your upper and lower jaws.

Typically, orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 and 18 months, as this is the time frame needed to see the full impact of these changes. The key to successful treatment lies in the gradual and controlled changes made to your teeth and jaw over this period.

How Orthodontic Treatment Affects Your Jaw and Face

The fibrous connective tissue that joins your tooth to the surrounding bone is known as the periodontal ligament. When braces are applied, the wires and bands create light and continuous pressure on the periodontal ligament. This triggers your body to produce bone-growing and bone-destroying cells, which can change the shape of your bone— and your face!

Your Orthodontist will carefully adjust the pressure applied to your teeth throughout your treatment. This ensures that any changes to your face are not just aesthetically positive but also align with your overall treatment goals. Other techniques like adding bands can help correct issues like overbites or underbites by connecting the upper and lower jaws directly.

Orthodontic treatment can also impact the growth of the jaw and potentially improve face symmetry. The controlled application of pressure to the periodontal ligament over time can lead to significant changes, making your face appear more balanced and harmonious. This is just one of the many advantages of wearing braces, as your Orthodontist may also collaborate with other professionals to address more severe jaw or face imbalances.

Customizing Braces for Optimal Results

The process of changing your face shape with braces involves more than just the application of pressure. Your Orthodontist will customize your braces to fit your unique needs. This may include:

Adding Bands: Bands can be added to provide additional support and control the movement of specific teeth. Adjusting the Wire: The wire is regularly adjusted to move teeth into the desired position, gradually reshaping the jaw and face. Other Procedures: Additional procedures may be performed to customize the braces further, achieving the best possible results.

By carefully modifying the pressure applied to your teeth and jaws, your Orthodontist can ensure that the changes to your face are both positive and long-lasting. The duration of treatment—typically between 12 and 18 months—allows for these controlled and gradual changes to occur, making it an effective and safe way to change your face shape.