More and more adults are turning to orthodontists not only to straighten their teeth and correct their bite but also to achieve a more youthful appearance. Proper tooth alignment can positively influence facial proportions, the facial profile, and the overall aesthetics of a smile.
In this article, we explain how braces can transform your appearance, why it is never too late for orthodontic treatment, and discuss some of the complex clinical cases we have encountered in our practice.
How Braces Affect Your Appearance
The teeth, jaws, and facial muscles are closely interconnected. As a result, correcting the bite often makes the entire face appear more balanced and harmonious.
Scientific studies confirm that orthodontic treatment can positively influence not only tooth alignment but also the soft-tissue profile of the face. The most noticeable changes involve the position of the lips, chin, and nasolabial angle, particularly in patients with pronounced malocclusions before treatment. The extent of these changes depends on each patient’s individual anatomy and the chosen treatment plan.
Below are the main changes that may occur following orthodontic treatment in adults:
- Improved Jaw Contour and Facial Profile. Correcting the bite influences the position of the lower jaw, resulting in a more balanced facial profile. For example, when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, the chin may appear recessed and visually smaller. After bite correction, the chin may move slightly forward, giving the face a noticeably different appearance. Likewise, when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, the face may appear elongated. Correcting the bite can create a more symmetrical and harmonious facial appearance.
Dr. Yarema Miklosh- Changes in Lip Shape and Position. Once the teeth are properly aligned, excessively protruding lips often become less prominent. Conversely, when the teeth are excessively inclined inward, orthodontic treatment creates a properly aligned dental arch that acts as a supportive framework for the lips. As a result, the lips no longer appear sunken and often look fuller and more naturally contoured.
- A More Expressive Smile and Firmer Cheeks. After treatment, many patients notice that their smile has become broader, while their face appears more open and welcoming. The cheeks may also change slightly. In patients with malocclusion, the cheek muscles may function improperly, making the face appear fuller than it actually is. Following orthodontic treatment, the cheeks may become more toned due to the normalization of muscle function.
Dr. Olga Kukharska
Dr. Olga Kukharska- Improved Facial Symmetry. With an improper bite, the load placed on the jaws is distributed unevenly. This may lead to displacement of the lower jaw, uneven lip corners, cheek asymmetry, and excessive muscle tension on one side of the face. During orthodontic treatment with braces, the bite is corrected, allowing the jaws to assume their physiologically correct position. The facial muscles also begin to function more symmetrically. As a result, the face appears more harmonious, and facial asymmetry becomes less noticeable.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Effective in Adulthood?
Age itself is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment. The biological principle of tooth movement within the bone works the same way at the age of 15 as it does at 50. The only difference is that, in adults, the jawbones have already completed their growth and are denser. As a result, treatment may take slightly longer than it does in children. Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is important to assess the condition of the teeth and gums and address any existing dental problems.
However, a systematic review published in the journal Progress in Orthodontics found that the overall duration of orthodontic treatment with braces in adults often does not differ significantly from that of adolescents, although certain types of tooth movement may indeed require more time. This confirms that adulthood itself is not an obstacle to successful orthodontic treatment.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, age alone is almost never a limiting factor for orthodontic treatment. The Association emphasizes that treatment in adults can be just as successful as in teenagers, and that approximately one in every three orthodontic patients today is an adult.
How Do Braces Work in Complex Cases?
Modern bracket systems and adjunctive orthodontic technologies make it possible to correct a wide range of malocclusions in both children and adults.
Which Conditions Can Be Effectively Treated with Braces?
- Crowded Teeth. Dental crowding is a developmental abnormality characterized by insufficient space within the jaw for teeth to align properly. Teeth may erupt at incorrect angles, overlap one another, or emerge outside the dental arch. Braces are highly effective in correcting dental crowding in both children and adults of almost any age. This is the most common and one of the most predictable orthodontic treatments. Braces apply continuous, gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into their proper positions. Modern orthodontic systems—including metal, ceramic, and sapphire braces—allow excellent treatment outcomes to be achieved.
- A Protruding or Receding Jaw. In distal occlusion (prognathism), the upper jaw protrudes excessively forward. In mesial occlusion (progenism), the lower jaw protrudes forward. Braces can partially compensate for these conditions. For example, they can correct the position of the teeth to mask the jaw discrepancy. In mild cases, this noticeably improves facial appearance. In more severe cases, braces are used during the preparatory stage before orthognathic surgery.
- Deep Bite. In a deep bite, the upper incisors excessively overlap the lower incisors. Braces gradually reposition the upper teeth slightly upward and the lower teeth downward, increasing the vertical distance between them and creating a more balanced bite.
- Open Bite. An open bite occurs when a gap remains between the upper and lower front teeth even when the jaws are fully closed. In adults, open bites are treated with braces combined with elastic bands or temporary anchorage devices (orthodontic mini-implants). These auxiliary appliances help guide tooth movement so that the upper and lower front teeth come into proper contact.
- Facial Asymmetry and Crossbite. A crossbite occurs when one jaw is displaced relative to the other, causing the face to appear asymmetrical. In most cases, a crossbite can be corrected with braces alone. In more complex cases, orthodontic treatment may be combined with orthognathic surgery to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic results.
How Orthodontic Treatment Is Performed at Yarema Dental (Kyiv)
At Yarema Dental in Kyiv, we specialize in modern aesthetic orthodontics. We provide orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology.
We follow a multidisciplinary approach. When planning orthodontic treatment, we consider every aspect of the patient’s oral health and, whenever necessary, involve other specialists, including a general dentist, oral and implant surgeon, and periodontist. This approach enables us not only to straighten teeth but also to comprehensively improve the patient’s overall oral health.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. Orthodontic treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation. We take clinical photographs, perform digital radiographic imaging, and, when necessary, obtain a 3D CBCT scan. We also create digital impressions of the teeth.
This comprehensive diagnostic assessment allows us to accurately evaluate tooth position, jaw dimensions, temporomandibular joint condition, and other important anatomical factors. Based on the collected data, the orthodontist develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
We present all available treatment options, recommend the most appropriate type of braces, provide an estimated treatment timeline, and explain whether any additional procedures are required. These may include wisdom tooth extraction or restorative dental treatment before orthodontic therapy begins.
Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is also essential to evaluate the condition of the gums and periodontal tissues. The American Academy of Periodontology emphasizes that orthodontic treatment should begin only after inflammatory periodontal conditions have been successfully managed and the health of the supporting tissues has been carefully assessed. This approach contributes to more predictable tooth movement and greater long-term treatment stability.- Choosing the Right Braces System. At Yarema Dental, we offer a wide range of orthodontic systems, allowing every patient to choose the option that best suits their individual needs.
For patients concerned about aesthetics during treatment, we recommend ceramic braces, which closely match the natural shade of the teeth, or lingual braces, which are placed on the inner surfaces of the teeth and remain virtually invisible.
We also offer bite correction using clear aligners—removable, transparent trays that are almost imperceptible when worn.
The choice of orthodontic appliance depends on the complexity of the case as well as the patient’s expectations and lifestyle. We carefully explain the advantages and limitations of every treatment option to help patients make an informed decision.
All orthodontic systems used at our clinic are manufactured by leading international companies, are fully certified, and have demonstrated their effectiveness through years of clinical practice.
- Choosing the Right Braces System. At Yarema Dental, we offer a wide range of orthodontic systems, allowing every patient to choose the option that best suits their individual needs.
- Treatment Process and Ongoing Monitoring. The placement of braces is performed under local anesthesia when necessary, although the procedure is usually painless and often does not require anesthesia at all.
Each patient receives detailed instructions on maintaining proper oral hygiene while wearing braces, as well as dietary recommendations to protect the orthodontic appliances throughout treatment.
Routine follow-up appointments at Yarema Dental are scheduled every 4–6 weeks to adjust the orthodontic archwires and monitor treatment progress.
Our orthodontists carefully evaluate how the teeth are moving at each visit and modify the treatment plan whenever necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.
Should patients experience any discomfort or have questions during treatment, they can contact our clinic at any time. Our team is available seven days a week to provide ongoing support. - Completion of Treatment and Retention. Once the teeth have been properly aligned and the bite has been corrected, the braces are removed.
Patients are then provided with retainers—custom-made appliances designed to maintain the achieved results and prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Retainers may consist of clear removable trays or thin bonded wires placed discreetly on the inner surfaces of the teeth.
At Yarema Dental, every retainer is individually fabricated, and we continue to monitor the stability of the treatment results during regular follow-up examinations. - The final stage of treatment includes professional dental cleaning and enamel polishing.
Patients who wish to further enhance their smile can also choose a comprehensive smile makeover at Yarema Dental, including professional teeth whitening, aesthetic restorations, dental implants, and prosthetic rehabilitation to replace missing teeth.
Our Patients’ Stories
A 32-year-old woman visited our clinic with a deep bite and crowding of the upper incisors. She felt uncomfortable smiling broadly because her upper teeth excessively overlapped the lower teeth, her chin appeared recessed, and the corners of her mouth were slightly downturned. After 18 months of orthodontic treatment with braces, her bite was successfully corrected. Her chin became more defined, her facial contours appeared more refined, and her overall facial profile became more harmonious. The patient says that she now feels much more confident and no longer feels self-conscious about her smile.
Another patient, a 45-year-old man, presented with an open bite. His upper and lower front teeth did not meet when he closed his mouth, and noticeable spaces were present between his upper teeth. His face appeared elongated, his lips could not close completely, and he experienced difficulty biting into food. The patient underwent orthodontic treatment with braces for two years. Following treatment, the gaps between his teeth were eliminated, and the upper and lower teeth now come together properly. His facial proportions also improved significantly. The lower third of his face became shorter due to the correction of the open bite, and his lips are now able to close naturally. The treatment made him look noticeably younger, but more importantly, it restored his ability to bite and chew comfortably.
Our next patient was a 38-year-old woman with noticeable facial asymmetry. Her lower jaw was slightly displaced to the right, causing her face to appear uneven. When she smiled, one side of her jaw appeared lower than the other, and her chin was visibly shifted. She admitted that this made her feel uncomfortable being photographed from the front.
Our specialists developed a comprehensive treatment plan that combined orthodontic treatment with braces and orthognathic surgery. Following treatment, the jaws were successfully realigned, her smile became symmetrical, and her facial features became balanced and harmonious. The patient says she feels as though she has been given “a new face.” Today, she looks in the mirror with confidence, enjoys seeing her beautiful smile, and no longer feels the need to hide it.
In each of these cases, braces became much more than a tool for straightening teeth. They transformed not only the patients’ smiles but also their overall facial appearance. Proper tooth alignment improved facial proportions, enhanced overall attractiveness, and contributed to a younger-looking appearance.
Our team has extensive experience treating adult patients, including complex orthodontic cases that require individualized treatment strategies and innovative clinical solutions. Schedule a consultation at Yarema Dental and discover how orthodontic treatment can transform not only your smile but also your quality of life.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.