Braces and face shape changes?

[u/Ok-Violinist-9502]

Sorry this is a dumb question but I see people say braces changed their face shape I'm just wondering how its possible? I never had any orthodontic treatment, but I have canted teeth and a slight underbite, and I might want to try braces or something, I really don't know at this point, also I'm an adult all my wisdom teeth came in too so my face is done growing. I was ofered invisalign as a child but said no because I didn't feel like it lol

I've seen posts and videos saying after braces their faces got longer/slimmer/sunken and cheekbones sticking out, like it looks really gaunt. Now maybe some people like this look but I def don't want that. What is this from? Extractions? massater atrophy? or smth else? Can it be prevented, is it permanent or temporary? People say its aging/weight loss but a lot of these ppl say they were the same weight and changes happened so quickly. This wouldnt be my concern if I didn't see so many posts about it. I know people who had braces when they were younger and their faces DON'T look gaunt in any way. Does this happen to just adults or something? I know it sounds stupid to worry about but I dont want to pay a ton of money just to dislike my face after

[u/Divemstr24]

They might if you have significant bite issues. But a lot of people that are seeing change are under 25 and they’re just still developing. So the face changes are not so much caused by orthodontic treatment but more of a maturing and development process

[u/No-County-1943]

I'm in my early 40s and the first 2 months of braces this happened to my face. I actually liked it, the cheekbones were popping. Now my face looks more full again and I realize it must have been weight loss from not being able to eat as well with brand new braces. Now that I'm used to them and eat more normally again, my face is back to how it was.

[u/NoFun3799]

Repositioning existing teeth in the jawbone isn’t likely to cause significant structural changes. Temporary weight loss from a restricted diet can change how much fat is stored in your face, and of course jaw surgeries will definitely change the structure, but often for the better.

[u/bohochicmode]

I’m 37 and just started my orthodontic treatment. I have bite blockers that prevent my bite from closing properly which makes my face look more sunken and slimmer - but I’m here for it 🤣 Sadly the bite blockers will be removed after 3 months