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If you\u2019ve spent any time scrolling on the beauty side of TikTok lately, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve seen your fair share of videos about facial balancing. The trend has taken off on the platform, with a focus on subtle, natural changes that make the face appear more symmetrical and balanced.<\/p>\n
While many people have leaned into neurotoxins and filler to contour their features and achieve that effect, there\u2019s an unsung hero in this facial-balancing conversation: orthodontia. \u201cOrthodontics is the quiet foundation of facial balancing,\u201d says Chicago restorative and cosmetic dentist Jen Moran-Kobes, DDS. \u201cInjectables refine soft tissue, but braces and aligners reposition the tooth-and-bite framework so the lips, smile and lower face read in better harmony.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curious about how to take your facial balancing to the next level with orthodontia? Read on for everything you need to know about how braces help balance your face, whether dentists recommend trying it, how long it takes to see results and more.<\/p>\n
Yes: Orthodontia is an underrated yet important piece of the facial balancing puzzle. Alongside injectables, you can see significant changes in your face with the use of braces. Of course, function comes first when it comes to orthodontia, as it is a medical treatment. \u201cA stable, comfortable bite reduces muscular compensations that can influence facial appearance over time\u2014and it protects cosmetic and restorative work long term,\u201d says Dr. Moran-Kobes. Here\u2019s what improves with orthodontics:<\/p>\n
The way that braces or clear aligners (commonly referred to as Invisalign) actually work to balance the face is by applying \u201clight, continuous forces so bone remodels around the teeth, allowing precise movement,\u201d says Dr. Moran-Kobes. In more severe cases or when needed, you may also need \u201celastics, attachments, temporary anchorage devices or, in select adult cases with significant jaw discrepancies, coordinate orthodontics with jaw surgery,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
The short answer to whether or not you should get orthodontia for facial balancing depends on the needs of your face and mouth. When structural issues underlie aesthetic concerns, Dr. Moran-Kobes does recommend it, and it can be used in conjunction with other treatments as well. \u201cAs a cosmetic and restorative dentist, I often plan treatment \u2018foundation first\u2019 with orthodontics, then fine\u2011tune with bonding, veneers or injectables as needed,\u201d she explains. She likes to pair orthodontia with cosmetic dentistry for even better results.<\/p>\n
That being said, \u201cNot everyone needs braces to achieve balance\u2014but when they do, it\u2019s the most durable, face\u2011driven approach,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
When it comes to facial balancing, injectables will give you results pretty quickly (within days to weeks), but orthodontia takes longer. You\u2019ll start seeing early smile changes after three to six months, says Dr. Moran-Kobes, which may include \u201crelieving crowding and smoothing the smile arc,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
For profile changes and lower\u2011face balance, this will take longer: \u201ctypically six to 18 months as bite relationships and incisor position are refined,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Your full treatment timeline is typically about 12 to 24 months on average, she says, adding that \u201ccomplex or surgical cases can take 18 to 30 months.\u201d<\/p>\n
A reminder: \u201cRetainers are non\u2011negotiable,\u201d she says. \u201cLifelong retention preserves the result and protects your investment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Good news: It\u2019s almost never too late to get braces or Invisalign. \u201cWe see excellent outcomes in patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond,\u201d says Dr. Moran-Kobes. Before beginning treatment in adults, Dr. Moran-Kobes does note that your provider should \u201cconfirm gum and bone health, move teeth within the bony envelope to avoid recession, plan for any black\u2011triangle risks and review medical history and medications to co\u2011manage care as needed,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
She says to \u201cchoose an experienced, collaborative team and ask how the plan will influence your facial thirds, smile arc and lip support.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n