Do braces cause sunken cheeks? Braces are commonly used to correct dental alignment, enhance smiles, and improve overall oral health. However, some individuals notice changes in their facial appearance, particularly in their cheeks, during or after orthodontic treatment. This has led many to wonder: Do braces cause sunken cheeks? In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between braces and facial changes, particularly focusing on why sunken cheeks may occur and how to fix them.
Why Do Braces Cause Sunken Cheeks?
Braces work by gradually shifting the position of the teeth, which affects the underlying bone structure. Since the teeth and jaw are integral parts of the facial structure, altering their alignment can sometimes lead to temporary changes in the appearance of the face, including the cheeks.
1. Facial Bone Structure Adjustments: Braces put pressure on the teeth, which in turn moves the underlying jawbone and surrounding tissues. These changes can slightly alter the contours of the face, causing the cheeks to look more hollow or sunken. This effect can be particularly noticeable in individuals with thinner facial fat or those who already have a lean face.
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2. Loss of Muscular Support: While wearing braces, the normal position of your lips and mouth is affected. The metal brackets and wires can change the way you close your mouth and even how you chew. This can sometimes lead to a loss of muscular support in the cheeks, giving them a sunken appearance. Additionally, the pressure from the braces may cause changes in facial muscle activity, leading to a temporary alteration in facial volume.
3. Dental Bite and Facial Proportions: Changes in your bite (occlusion) can also influence the overall facial proportions. Braces can alter how the upper and lower jaws meet, potentially affecting the fullness of the cheeks. When the teeth are realigned, particularly in cases where the bite is corrected, this may lead to a shift in facial harmony, sometimes resulting in a sunken or hollow look in the cheeks.
4. Temporary Reduction in Fat Distribution: During orthodontic treatment, some individuals experience mild changes in the way fat is distributed around the face, particularly in the midface and cheeks. This can create a more sunken or hollow appearance, especially if the treatment is long-term. However, this effect is usually temporary and can be corrected after the braces are removed.
How to Fix Sunken Face After Braces
If you’ve noticed sunken cheeks after wearing braces, the good news is that there are ways to restore facial volume and bring back a youthful, fuller look. Here are some solutions, including non-invasive options like dermal fillers, that can help fix a sunken face after braces.
1. Filler Injections for Sunken Cheeks: Dermal fillers are one of the most popular and effective treatments to address sunken cheeks. These injectables, typically made from hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible substances, add volume to the cheeks, creating a plumper and more youthful appearance. Filler injections can immediately restore facial volume lost during orthodontic treatment and last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used.
How It Works: The filler is injected into specific points in the cheeks to lift and restore volume. This can not only improve the appearance of the cheeks but also enhance the overall facial harmony and balance.
Benefits: Filler injections are minimally invasive, require no downtime, and provide instant results. The treatment is customizable, so you can achieve the desired fullness for your face.
2. Cheek Exercises to Build Muscle: Facial exercises, also known as facial yoga, can help strengthen the muscles around the cheeks, which in turn may reduce the appearance of sunken cheeks. Exercises like puffing out your cheeks, smiling widely, or lifting your cheek muscles can gradually improve the muscle tone in the face. While this method may take longer to show results, it’s a natural and non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation.
Example Exercise: Try smiling as wide as possible while keeping your lips closed, and then hold that position for 10 seconds. Release and repeat several times throughout the day. Over time, these exercises can lift the cheek muscles and improve the overall appearance.
3. Weight Gain and Nutritional Support: If weight loss during your orthodontic treatment contributed to a sunken appearance in your cheeks, gaining back some healthy weight might restore facial fullness. Focus on a well-balanced diet rich in healthy fats (like avocados and nuts), proteins, and other essential nutrients that support skin health and elasticity.
4. Hydration and Skin Care: Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for plump, healthy-looking skin. Dehydration can exacerbate the appearance of sunken cheeks, so ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Additionally, using skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin, can give your cheeks a fuller, more hydrated appearance.
5. Facial Massage: Facial massage can improve circulation and promote collagen production, which helps plump the skin and reduce the appearance of hollow or sunken cheeks. Use a gentle upward motion when massaging your cheeks to lift the skin and improve elasticity. Regular facial massages can lead to a more toned and youthful look over time.
6. Surgical Options: In rare cases, if braces have significantly impacted your facial structure and you’re seeking a more permanent solution, surgical options such as fat grafting or cheek implants may be considered. Fat grafting involves transferring fat from another part of your body to the cheeks to restore volume, while cheek implants are synthetic materials inserted into the face to achieve a fuller appearance.
Fat Grafting: This surgical procedure involves removing fat from one area of the body (usually the thighs or abdomen) and injecting it into the cheeks. It offers a more natural and long-lasting solution compared to fillers.
Cheek Implants: For those seeking a more permanent fix, cheek implants can enhance the facial structure. Implants are typically made of silicone and can provide a fuller, more youthful cheek contour.
Conclusion
While braces can sometimes lead to temporary facial changes, such as sunken cheeks, these effects are usually not permanent. Understanding why this happens and exploring available treatments like dermal fillers, facial exercises, and other non-invasive options can help restore your facial appearance. If you’re concerned about sunken cheeks during or after braces, consider consulting with a dermatologist or cosmetic professional to find the best solution tailored to your needs.
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