Dental treatment can create a better smile and facial harmony beyond the teeth. Facial contouring, in particular, can sculpt different parts of the face and jaw. Understanding the benefits of different types of facial contouring can inform your treatment decisions.
Facial contouring in dentistry refers to a set of aesthetic and functional treatments aimed at harmonizing the facial profile by enhancing or modifying facial features, particularly in the lower third of the face. While traditionally associated with plastic surgery or dermatology, facial contouring has become an integral part of advanced dental care, especially within general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery.
Dental professionals trained in facial anatomy understand how oral structures affect the appearance of the jawline, cheeks, lips, and chin. Facial contouring treatments may involve reshaping hard or soft tissue, restoring lost volume, or correcting asymmetries that impact both facial balance and oral function. Whether addressing congenital irregularities, changes due to aging, or something else, dental-based facial contouring blends precision, artistry, and medical knowledge to deliver transformative results.
Many facial contouring treatments from a general or cosmetic dentist are minimally invasive and non-surgical, such as dermal fillers. This makes them appealing options for those seeking enhancement without the need for extended recovery time. That said, there are also surgical options for those seeking a more transformative facial contouring treatment. An oral surgeon may sculpt the chin or jawline through various procedures to create a more balanced look.
Beyond aesthetics, both non-invasive and surgical facial contouring can offer therapeutic value. Certain procedures help alleviate discomfort associated with muscle tension, correct bite imbalances, or reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, all while enhancing the surrounding facial features. These improvements often contribute to greater comfort and functionality in everyday activities, such as speaking and chewing.
There is also a self-confidence component to consider. When facial features are brought into better proportion, patients may feel more confident in their self-image. Facial contouring is highly customizable and can be integrated seamlessly with other dental procedures, creating a cohesive approach to both oral health and facial aesthetics.
General dentists, cosmetic dentists, and oral surgeons offer a diverse range of facial contouring procedures, many of which can be completed in the office with minimal downtime. These treatments may address both hard tissue (bone) and soft tissue (skin and muscle) to enhance the general balance of the face. Explore some of the most common procedures below.
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are frequently used to plump the lips, define the cheekbones, and reshape the chin or jawline. In a dental setting, fillers may also be applied around the mouth to smooth nasolabial folds or marionette lines. The results are immediate, and treatment sessions typically last less than an hour.
Another common injectable is Botox®, which takes a similar but different approach to non-surgical facial contouring. Instead of merely plumping up the target areas, it temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles. As a result, this injectable softens lines and can improve facial symmetry. In dental applications, Botox is often used to treat a gummy smile, jaw tension caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), and asymmetry resulting from muscle overuse. It may also help contour the jawline by reducing masseter muscle hypertrophy (a square jawline from muscle overuse while chewing), which can create a slimmer facial silhouette.
A well-defined chin provides foundational support for the lower face and plays a significant role in facial harmony. Dental professionals may use injectable fillers for non-surgical chin enhancement or recommend more permanent solutions, such as custom-fitted chin implants, typically performed in coordination with oral surgery. In some cases, orthodontic treatment or jaw repositioning may also contribute to improved chin projection and balance, especially when correcting skeletal discrepancies or malocclusion.
The jawline frames the face and contributes to both aesthetics and function. For patients with a recessed or prominent jaw, corrective procedures such as jaw (orthognathic) surgery may be performed to reposition the jawbone and optimize both bite function and facial appearance. This procedure is often combined with orthodontics or restorative dentistry for comprehensive treatment planning and better long-term results.
Facial contouring can help you get a balanced profile beyond the smile. Whether you want to enhance your lips, jawline, or something else, there are many options available. If you want to learn more about your facial contouring options, reach out to our team at {{DBA}} today. We can help you find a treatment that aligns with your needs and goals.
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