Why the Face Comes First in Cosmetic Dentistry
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- April 11, 2025
When we think about cosmetic dentistry, we often jump straight to teeth. But if you really want to understand well-executed cosmetic work, you need to start by looking at the entire face—especially the lower third. That’s where the bite, the jaw, and the teeth play a huge role in how someone looks overall.
As we age, one of the biggest aesthetic changes we experience is the development of asymmetry—particularly in the lower part of the face. And here’s the key: facial symmetry is closely linked to how attractive we appear. Most people start off life with very symmetrical faces, but over time, things shift—especially in that lower third. The upper two-thirds of the face develop early and tend to stay relatively stable. They also move less, so they don’t pick up as many asymmetries over time.
But the lower third? That part of the face continues to develop during a very dynamic stage of life—during growth spurts, puberty, and any time dental work or orthodontics might be happening. So if there’s anything off in the bite or jaw at that point, it can impact how the lower third grows. Something as simple as chewing more on one side or grinding your teeth can cause one side of your face to grow differently than the other.
That’s where cosmetic dentistry steps in. By correcting the bite and aligning the teeth properly, we can actually help realign the lower third of the face. The result is often an immediate improvement in facial symmetry. And because the muscles and joints are now functioning in balance, they start to develop more evenly over time, leading to a stronger and more harmonious facial structure.
Teeth also influence how individual features are perceived. For instance, if your front teeth—especially the top two or six—are too prominent, they can make your smile look narrow. That narrowness shifts visual focus and can make your nose appear larger. Widening the smile by adjusting the teeth creates better proportion, and suddenly, the nose looks more balanced—without ever touching it.
The length and shape of the teeth can also affect how long or short your face looks. Teeth that are too long or too gummy can stretch the appearance of the lower third. On the flip side, carefully shaping the teeth can help you achieve a softer, more feminine or more angular, masculine look—depending on the patient’s goals.
Beyond aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry can dramatically improve function and comfort. Someone with a very prominent chin may have a bite that’s pushing their jaw forward unnaturally. With restorations, we can adjust the bite so the jaw muscles are no longer strained. This doesn’t just look better—it feels better. It can even improve breathing by opening up the airway. And for anyone considering chin surgery, the smartest place to begin is with the bite. When the foundation is right, many people find that they no longer need surgery—or that the results of surgery are far more natural afterward.
The same idea applies to lip enhancement. As people age—or if they naturally have less lip volume—they often turn to fillers. But what’s happening underneath matters just as much. If the teeth don’t provide enough support, the lips can collapse inward or lack structure. By positioning the teeth properly first, we can give the lips the support they need. Then, if desired, lip augmentation can be done more effectively.
In short: the face needs a strong foundation. Teeth and bite structure are that foundation. Any cosmetic work done on top—whether it’s surgical or non-invasive—is more effective when the base is set first. For patients considering facial enhancement of any kind, it’s worth making sure their teeth and bite are in the right place before moving forward.
This isn’t just about aesthetics for older patients, either. If a younger person is already showing signs of jaw shifting or asymmetry, early intervention is key. Fixing those issues sooner rather than later lays the groundwork for a stable bite, balanced muscle development, and a symmetrical face that ages more gracefully.
Ultimately, cosmetic dentistry offers a way to fine-tune the lower third of the face, not just through the alignment and positioning of teeth, but through their size, shape, and color. It’s a powerful tool for both restoring function and enhancing facial harmony—and it should be the first step for anyone thinking about refreshing or rejuvenating their appearance.
Image by joao Vitor Malvex from Pixabay
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Dr. Andrew Higgins is a dedicated and highly skilled dentist committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry , Dr. Higgins further honed his expertise through an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in the United States Navy. As a Naval officer, he served seven years delivering dental care to military personnel at home and abroad. After his time in service Dr Higgins practiced in Washington State and Orange County providing general dental care for families as well as quality cosmetic procedure. Most recently he acted as a hospital attending at the Department of Veterans Affairs, continuing his mission of excellence in dental care for fellow veterans.
With a passion for lifelong learning, Dr. Higgins stays at the forefront of the latest advancements in dentistry to offer state-of-the-art treatments. His expertise includes full-mouth rehabilitation, veneers, white tooth-colored fillings, and high-technology dentistry. A strong advocate for conservative dental care, Dr Higgins focuses on minimally invasive techniques to preserve and enhance their patients’ oral health. Above all, he is dedicated to creating a comfortable and stress-free experience for every patient.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Higgins enjoys weight training, playing piano , and exploring the outdoors with his husband. An avid traveler, he loves discovering new places and cultures. At home, they cherish their time with their three beloved dogs—two Labradors and a Boxer.
