Having orthodontic treatment with Invisalign braces can lead to a lifetime of benefits. But many patients will have plenty of questions before treatment. One that might seem surprising at first is, “Can Invisalign change your nose?”
Can Invisalign Change Your Nose?
At first, this question might sound out of place. Invisalign treatment works by aligning your teeth. It takes an uneven smile and makes it ordered and neat. However, this question understands that changes to one part of the face’s structure can influence another part.
Indeed, some changes to the jaw can influence your nasal area. For example, if you have missing teeth, the jawbone below your sinuses can deteriorate and weaken. This process is why some patients need bone grafting before dental implants, restoring that bone mass.
However, in short, Invisalign will not change your nose. It will not notably affect your:
- Nose size
- Nose shape
- Nasal breathing
Why Do People Think Invisalign Can Change Your Nose?
In some photos, it might at first look like Invisalign changed a patient’s nose. However, this is only apparent. Depending on a patient’s Invisalign treatment, the process can subtly shift the upper lip.
For example, orthodontic treatment could bring in teeth that form an overbite. Since the teeth no longer press the upper lip out as much, it can rest differently. This might lead to a slightly different contour between the nose and lip. However, the nose itself undergoes no change.
Any change to the face can influence how one perceives it on the whole. The face’s structures naturally change over time as well, leading to shifts in how it looks. What matters is how balanced your features are. And balance is precisely the focus of Invisalign.
Can Invisalign Change Other Facial Features?
Orthodontic treatment creates very limited changes to one’s face. We use Invisalign for its precise process. It moves your teeth into position. Nothing else.
In some cases, it may look like Invisalign moves your jaw. However, this is only a reflection of the improved bite alignment. The treatment corrects overbite or underbite, restoring a natural bite position.
Take an underbite, for example. Before, closing your mouth could result in your lower jaw being pushed forward because of your teeth’s positions. Correcting that underbite lets your jaw now rest in a natural position when you close it.
Can I Know If Invisalign Will Affect My Face?
Your orthodontic specialist can provide you with an overview of any potential changes. For most patients with mild alignment concerns, no notable changes should occur. Your overall facial structure and appearance should remain the same. That is, aside from a set of beautifully straight teeth.
Noticeable changes generally only occur with more involved orthodontic treatments. Even then, these changes are very subtle and happen gradually. With Invisalign, only your teeth move. Still, if you have any worries, be open about them with your dentist.
The Changes Invisalign Does Make
Generally, Invisalign only creates changes like:
- Improving facial symmetry and balance
- Allowing the lower jaw to rest comfortably and naturally
- Removing uncomfortable bite misalignments
- Letting your teeth rest comfortably when closing your jaw
Two Things to Remember About Invisalign
Remember, Invisalign Is Invisible
With traditional braces, patients have reported their faces looking different during treatment. This happens because the brackets can actually push the lips out, even if very slightly. This difference can leave patients feeling self-conscious about their appearance.
Invisalign simply slips right over your teeth. The trays are thin, transparent, and shaped to your teeth. While wearing them, no one should notice. Unless they are way too close to your mouth.
Remember, Invisalign Is Not Only Cosmetic
The cosmetic benefits of Invisalign certainly exist. We will not deny that. Having a set of aligned teeth can boost confidence and give you a smile you love.
But Invisalign is, at its core, a benefit to your oral health. Misaligned teeth can cause a range of issues, including:
- Hygiene Issues: Overlapping or misaligned teeth prove harder to clean. Bacteria buildup can happen more easily, leading to decay, gum disease, and more.
- Comfort Issues: Bite issues simply do not feel comfortable. Fixing them can let your jaw finally rest how the bone structure wants it to.
- Wear and Tear: Improper bite alignment can place additional wear on your teeth.
Choose an Experience Team for Invisalign Treatment
From cosmetic dentistry to orthodontics, the team at Monte Vista Dental Group excels in dental care. Call our office today to see what we can do for your smile.