Yes, Invisalign can change the shape of your face slightly, mostly around your lips, cheeks and jawline. Your lips and cheeks rest on your teeth, so when your teeth move, the soft tissue on top moves with them. For most people the change is small and makes the face look more balanced. Invisalign does not change the bones of your face in the way jaw surgery would.
We offer Invisalign clear braces at A1 Dental Surgery on London Road, Canterbury in Kent. We are a Diamond Invisalign Provider and offer a free consultation.
We use the iTero digital scanner to show you a 3D preview of your new smile before you commit. This means you can see how your teeth will move and ask any questions about your face before treatment begins.
Find out more about Invisalign in Canterbury, email us on a1teeth52@yahoo.com or call 01227 765851.
Key Points
- Invisalign can change the shape of your face because your teeth support your lips and cheeks
- Invisalign does not always change the shape of your face. If you only have mild crowding or a small gap, your face will look much the same as before
- You might notice changes to your face shape slowly during the treatment course. Typical Invisalign treatment takes 6 to 24 months.
Why Does Invisalign Change the Shape of Your Face?
Invisalign changes the shape of your face because your teeth support your lips and cheeks. If your front teeth stick out, they push your lips forward. When the aligners bring those teeth back, your lips sit further back too.
Your bite plays a part as well. With an overbite or underbite, your lower jaw can sit in an awkward position. Correcting the bite can make your chin and jawline look more even.
Narrow teeth can also leave dark spaces at the corners of your smile. Gently widening the arch fills these out and gives a broader smile.
More than 24 million people worldwide have now been treated with Invisalign, according to Align Technology, the company that makes the Invisalign product. Many of them notice a fresher look as well as a straighter smile.
Is it Good if Invisalign Changes The Shape of My Face?
Yes, in most cases it is good if Invisalign changes the shape of your face. The changes usually make the face look more balanced and the smile look fuller.
Common changes people notice include:
- Lips that close more easily, without straining
- A more defined chin and jawline
- A wider, fuller smile
- Less tension in the jaw muscles
A better bite can also reduce wear on your teeth and ease jaw ache. So the benefits are not just visual.
Does Invisalign Always Change The Shape of Your Face?
No, Invisalign does not always change the shape of your face. If you only have mild crowding or a small gap between your teeth, your face will look much the same as before, just with a straighter smile.
Larger changes are more likely when the front teeth move a long way, the bite is corrected, or space is closed after teeth are removed. Even then, the change is usually small.
A review of research on adults who had four premolars taken out found the upper lip moved back by 2 to 3.2 mm. The lower lip moved back by 2 to 4.5 mm. The researchers said these changes did not dramatically alter the profile.
Should I Be Concerned About Invisalign Changing The Shape of My Face?
No, most people do not need to be concerned about Invisalign changing the shape of their face. Every tooth movement is planned before treatment starts, so any change is expected and controlled.
Some people worry about a flat or sunken look, especially if teeth need to come out. A large review of the evidence found treatment with extractions moved the lower lip back by about 1.9 mm more than treatment without. That is a small difference, and your dentist will plan with your whole face in mind, not just your teeth.
If you have full lips or a flat profile, mention it at your consultation. Your dentist can plan the movements to protect the look you want.
How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Change The Shape of Your Face?
Any change to the shape of your face from Invisalign happens slowly, over the months of your treatment. Most courses of Invisalign last between 6 and 18 months, so you are unlikely to notice a sudden difference.
Each aligner moves your teeth only a tiny amount. Because the change is so gradual, friends and family often spot it before you do. Many people only see the full effect when they compare photos from before and after treatment.
It is a good idea to take a few photos of your face and smile before you start. Take them from the front and the side, in the same light, so you can compare them fairly later on.
Can Invisalign Change The Shape of Your Face as an Adult?
Yes, Invisalign can still change the shape of your face as an adult, but the change is usually smaller than in teenagers. Once you stop growing, your jaw bones are set, so aligners can only move the teeth within them.
This means adults should expect changes to the lips and smile rather than the jaw itself. If your bite problem is caused by the position of your jaw bones, rather than your teeth, jaw surgery may be needed alongside orthodontic treatment to change your profile.
Your dentist will check this at your first appointment, so you know what is realistic before you start.
Will The Shape of Your Face Change Back After Invisalign?
The shape of your face can change back after Invisalign if your teeth are allowed to drift or relapse. Teeth have a natural tendency to move back towards where they started, and your lips will follow them.
The answer is to wear a retainer as advised once treatment ends. Most people wear a clear retainer at night for the long term. This keeps your teeth, and the look of your smile and lips, exactly where your treatment left them.
