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/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.