You’ve just been told that you need braces, and you’re frantically Googling if braces can change your face shape. That is the reality for most teens and their parents or guardians in Toronto. But there is a surprising twist to the answer.
The honest answer: Yes, braces can change your face shape. But no, not in the way you think!
Stay with us for a moment. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t create an artificial or “weird” appearance. Instead, braces (or clear aligners like Invisalign) correct bite issues and teeth alignment and improve jaw positioning. It is easy to see how all these subtly improve your facial structure and symmetry.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how braces can change your face shape, show you what to expect, compare options like Invisalign, and help you make the best decision for your smile.
How braces change face shape
As someone getting braces, or as a parent of someone getting braces, it’s completely natural to worry about how treatment will affect your or your child’s appearance. You want to have a healthy smile without looking overdone or unnatural. The good news is that modern orthodontics perfects your natural features rather than changing them.
When you hear orthodontists talk about braces changing your face, they are referring to subtle improvements in the face’s symmetry and balance that gradually change the overall shape. Not dramatic transformations like reconstructive surgery! Let’s look at what really happens during orthodontic treatment:
- Teeth alignment and your facial symmetry: Crooked or crowded teeth often make the face appear uneven or asymmetric. For example, if your front teeth protrude because of an overbite, the upper lip may appear to push forward. Braces move the teeth back, align them properly with the others, create a more natural lip position, and improve your facial profile.
- Jaw positioning and facial structure: Bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite affect jaw placement, which can influence your chin definition, cheekbone appearance, and facial proportions. Your Toronto dentist can use braces (sometimes with elastics or appliances) to guide the jaw into the correct position and improve your chin prominence naturally.
- Closing spaces between teeth creates a fuller appearance: Gaps can sometimes give a hollow look and feel. Clear aligners and braces can subtly close this gap over time, giving your face a more natural, fuller look.
These changes do not just happen rapidly but rather slowly, compounding over 12 to 24 months of treatment. You wouldn’t look like a completely different person. Instead, you’ll look like the healthiest, most confident version of yourself, sporting the smile that fits your face properly.
How do braces compare to clear aligners for face shape change?
Although both braces and clear aligners like Invisalign produce the same facial improvements, the real difference lies in the treatment experience and the situation that requires them.
Traditional braces work effectively in complex cases. They are the ideal option for severe crowding and complex bite issues. They are also the go-to option for younger patients whose adult teeth are still coming in. The metal brackets and wires give you precise control over the tooth movements.
Braces usually take 18 to 24 months for complete treatment. Insurance usually covers 50% of the costs up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $3,000, meaning you’d have to pay $3,000 to $5,000 out-of-pocket, depending on the complexity of the treatment.
That being said, the main feature to consider when choosing braces is their visibility. You will have metal brackets in your teeth throughout treatment, and while this might not be an issue for some, others may be self-conscious about their appearance.
Clear aligners offer nearly invisible treatment. Invisalign works perfectly for moderate to mild alignment issues. Due to its characteristic nature, it appeals to a much older patient demographic. The aligners are barely noticeable, so many patients find this a confidence boost during treatment.
Treatment usually runs between 12 and 18 months, with you paying a similar cost range of $3,500 to $7,500. Insurance covers the same percentage as traditional braces.
Regarding facial changes, both options provide identical improvements. Whether you wear braces or Invisalign, the outcome remains the same. You’re only choosing based on lifestyle, age, case complexity, and comfort.
For younger patients, full orthodontic treatment is usually too early. However, it is important that we assess early to monitor and prevent costlier treatments later.
How much do braces cost, and what are the payment options?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, which is most likely your biggest concern: how much do braces cost?
The average cost of orthodontics in Canada can range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the treatment type and its complexity. Traditional braces typically cost $3,000 to $7,000, with Invisalign costing similarly in most cases.
Insurance does help, but only a percentage is covered. Most dental plans cover 50% of orthodontic treatment, up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $3,000. This means you might have to pay up to $3,000 in out-of-pocket costs, even with insurance.
Payment plans make such treatments affordable for Toronto families. Most practices offer monthly payment plans that spread the cost over the treatment duration. For example, a $3,500 out-of-pocket cost on 0% interest financing, spread over 24 months, amounts to about $145 per month.
Addressing orthodontic issues early can also reduce the financial strain of future treatments. For example, minor palate expansion at age 8 might cost $2,000 to $3,000 but allows teeth to grow naturally with proper spacing. Without this early intervention, your child might develop severe crowding by age 12, requiring tooth extractions plus 24 months of braces costing $7,000 or more.
Why expertise and technology matter in orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is an investment, and, as with all investments, making smart choices will determine whether you get a good ROI. Not all orthodontic treatments deliver the same results. The success of your treatment largely depends on the expertise of your provider and the technology they use.
You’ll want to look out for providers with specialized orthodontic training beyond dental school. This will provide the necessary expertise required to create personalized treatment plans for each unique case, preserving your natural facial features rather than just straightening teeth.
Downtown Dentistry holds a Platinum Provider status in Invisalign, placing us in the top 1% of Invisalign providers across North America. This shows a proven track record of preserving natural, beautiful results without adverse facial changes after braces treatment.
Modern orthodontic practices also utilize digital technology to improve precision and comfort. No one likes the messy impression moulds that cause gagging. With digital scanning, we can get detailed images of your teeth in minutes! 3D simulation shows predicted results; digital X-rays significantly reduce radiation compared to traditional films and provide clearer images.
The bottom line is, put the future of your smile in trusted, capable hands. Visit a Toronto dental office that offers expert, personalized orthodontic care with digital technology.
Take the next step in your orthodontic investment
Yes, braces can change your face shape, but not for the wrong reasons. With orthodontic appliances, you can get a proper bite, better facial symmetry, and balance. But choosing the right orthodontic provider matters if you want the best results.
You’d want a dentist in Toronto that can offer expert, personalized, affordable treatment with digital technology. We provide orthodontic consultations at no cost, so that you can ask your questions and learn more about the treatment process and recovery.
Call us today to book and discover how we can help you perfect and preserve your natural smile.
Frequently asked questions about braces and facial changes
Q: Can braces change your face shape in a bad way?
A: No. When you get a proper treatment plan and execution, your braces will improve your facial appearance naturally. Poor treatment planning could potentially create less-than-ideal results, which is why choosing an experienced provider matters.
Q: At what age should my child get braces?
A: It varies by individual. We can start early assessment around age 7 to identify issues that might benefit from monitoring or early intervention. Full treatment typically begins only when most permanent teeth have emerged. Your Toronto dentist will recommend the optimal timing based on your child’s specific development.
Q: Will my face shape change after braces are removed?
A: The improvements in facial symmetry and jaw alignment remain stable after treatment when retainers are worn as directed. Teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions, which is why retainer use is crucial for maintaining results long-term.
Q: Do clear aligners work as well as braces for changing face shape?
A: Yes, both Invisalign and traditional braces achieve the same facial improvements when treating appropriate cases. The choice between them depends on your child’s needs, age, and personal preferences regarding visibility during treatment.
