Can Invisalign Change the Shape of Your Face?

Many patients at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center ask Dr. Stephen Forrest if Invisalign can change their face shape. The answer is yes. Invisalign can lead to subtle changes in your appearance by improving the alignment of your teeth and jaw. These changes are generally positive, enhancing your natural features without dramatically altering them. This article explains how Invisalign may influence your facial appearance, what changes to expect, and how they happen over time.

Reviewed by Stephen Forrest, DDS, cosmetic dentist with over 30 years of experience helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles in Des Moines, Iowa.

How Teeth Alignment Affects Your Face

Your teeth and jaw play a major role in shaping the lower half of your face. When teeth are misaligned, they can impact facial structure in ways that are sometimes hard to notice until they are corrected.

Overbite: This can make your chin look smaller or your lower face appear recessed.
Underbite: This often pushes the lower jaw forward, making the chin look more prominent.
Crossbite: This can cause one side of the jaw to appear higher or wider, creating uneven facial features.
Crowded or Gapped Teeth: These can affect how your lips and cheeks are supported, which may subtly change the shape of your face.

Correcting these issues brings your facial features into better balance. By adjusting your bite and teeth alignment, Invisalign improves the structure that supports your lips, cheeks, and jaw. This often results in enhanced facial symmetry and definition.

Subtle Changes Invisalign Can Bring

Invisalign’s main purpose is to straighten teeth and correct your bite. This process can also lead to several subtle facial improvements.

Improved Jawline and Chin Definition

Fixing overbites and underbites brings your jaw into better balance. If your upper teeth previously hid your chin, correcting the bite can bring more definition to your jawline. The result is a more sculpted look and improved proportions.

Fuller Cheeks and a Balanced Profile

Teeth that are poorly positioned might make the cheeks appear sunken. Invisalign helps lift and support the cheeks by aligning the teeth beneath them. Many patients say their cheeks look fuller and their profile more balanced after treatment.

Better Lip Support

Your teeth act as a frame for your lips. When they are properly aligned, your lips rest in a more natural position. If your front teeth were too far forward or back, it could affect how your lips looked. Once Invisalign moves your teeth into better positions, your lips often appear more even and better supported.

Enhanced Facial Symmetry

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can create facial asymmetry. Invisalign brings your bite into proper alignment, making your smile and chin appear more centered. Many patients notice a more even look from one side of their face to the other.

These improvements happen gradually. Invisalign moves your teeth little by little, so facial changes are subtle and natural-looking. Over time, these small improvements add up to a more refined, confident appearance.

“I didn’t expect it, but my jawline actually looks better after finishing Invisalign,” one patient shared. “It’s like my face looks more awake and even.”

Invisalign vs. Braces: Facial Impact Differences

Both Invisalign and traditional braces can influence facial appearance by improving dental alignment. They do so in slightly different ways.

Force Level: Braces often exert more force and are used for more severe cases. Invisalign applies gentler pressure, making changes more gradual and subtle.
Soft Tissue Impact: Braces can cause puffiness in the lips or cheeks due to brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners sit flat against the teeth and do not create that extra bulk.
Jaw Development in Teens: Younger patients whose bones are still growing may experience more noticeable facial changes. Adults typically see smaller, yet still meaningful improvements.

For most patients, Invisalign offers a less intrusive path to both a straighter smile and improved facial symmetry.

When Facial Changes Become Noticeable

Facial changes with Invisalign do not happen all at once. Most patients start noticing small shifts after three to six months. By the end of treatment, typically 12 to 18 months, jawline definition, cheek support, and lip shape may all show improvement.

Because these changes are gradual, taking a before photo at the start of treatment can help highlight the difference later. Comparing it to your results at the end makes it easier to see the changes.

Short-term effects:

At first, your aligners may make your lips feel fuller or cause slight pressure around your mouth. Some people experience mild discomfort or a temporary lisp. These early effects fade as your mouth adjusts.

Long-term improvements:

As your bite and tooth alignment improve, your face may appear more balanced. To keep these changes, you will need to wear your retainers consistently. This helps your teeth and jaw maintain their new positions and prevents regression.

Are There Any Risks?

Invisalign is safe for most patients, but it is important to understand the possible side effects or limitations:

Mild soreness or pressure when switching to new aligners
Temporary speech changes, such as a slight lisp in the first week
Minor adjustments to facial appearance, no extreme changes
Not suitable for every case, especially those needing major jaw repositioning

We will evaluate your bite and overall oral health during your consultation to determine if Invisalign is the right solution for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Invisalign change the shape of my face?

Yes. Invisalign can subtly reshape your face by improving your bite and jaw alignment. The changes enhance balance and support in your facial features.

Can Invisalign fix a weak chin or double chin?

If a weak chin is caused by an overbite, Invisalign may help improve its appearance. However, it will not remove fat or affect skin tone under the chin.

Will my lips look different with Invisalign?

Possibly. As your teeth shift, your lips may rest differently, appearing more supported and evenly shaped. Any puffiness caused by aligners is temporary.

Can Invisalign make my face look thinner or rounder?

It depends on your starting bite and structure. Some patients report that their face appears slimmer. Others find that their cheeks look more lifted. The primary effect is improved balance, rather than a specific facial shape.

When will I start to notice changes in my face?

Most patients see small differences after a few months. More noticeable changes, especially in the jawline and smile, appear by the end of treatment.

What to Do Next

If you are thinking about Invisalign, talk to your dentist about how your current bite might be affecting your face. A professional exam can reveal whether treatment could enhance both your smile and your facial structure.

We recommend taking a photo now, your before smile, so you can track changes during treatment. Small details, like improved chin shape or better cheek support, often go unnoticed in daily life but become clear in side-by-side comparisons.

Ready to see what Invisalign can do for you?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Forrest and get a personalized plan that supports both your smile and your facial balance. We are here to help you feel confident, inside and out.