Evidence-Based Insights for South Adelaide Patients

You’ve likely seen it on TikTok or Instagram: the claim that removing your wisdom teeth is a 'secret hack' for a slimmer face or a more defined jawline. It’s an appealing idea a routine dental procedure that doubles as facial contouring.

But before considering surgery for cosmetic reasons, it is worth asking: What does the science actually say?

The Short Answer: No

Wisdom tooth removal does not change your facial structure or make your face slimmer. Despite viral claims, your jawline remains fundamentally the same after extraction. This conclusion is supported by modern 3D imaging research and clinical guidelines from leading dental organizations like the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and AAOMS.

1. Anatomy 101: Teeth vs. Jawbone

Your facial shape is determined by three key components:

1.      The Basal Bone: The main structural framework of your jaw.

2.      The Facial Muscles: Specifically the masseter muscles used for chewing.

3.      The Fat Pads: Which provide facial volume and contour.

Wisdom teeth sit within the alveolar bone the portion of the jaw specifically designed to hold teeth in place. When a wisdom tooth is removed, the socket heals and fills with new bone, but the frame of your jaw remains untouched.

The Brick Analogy: Removing a wisdom tooth is like removing a single brick from a wall not the foundation of the building. It does not cause the jaw to 'collapse' or reshape.

2. What the Research Shows

Modern imaging, such as 3D facial scans and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), allows researchers to measure changes with millimetre precision. The findings are consistent across the board:

• Stable Soft Tissue: A 2023 study by Wang XW, et al. published in BMC Oral Health used 3D imaging to confirm that while bone volume reduced locally at the extraction site, facial soft tissue volume showed no measurable change.

• No Long-Term Profile Change: Research by Rathod AB, et al. in the American Journal of Orthodontics found that long-term facial profile changes were not significantly different between patients who had extractions and those who did not.

• Development vs. Extraction: While Gkantidis N, et al. found that the natural absence of wisdom teeth can be associated with subtle facial variations during growth, removing them from a fully developed jaw does not replicate these patterns.

3. Why the Myth Persists: The Slimming Illusion

If there is no structural change, why do some people feel they look different? It usually comes down to three temporary factors:

·         Resolution of Swelling: Post-surgical inflammation can make the face appear full. Once this subsides (7–14 days), the face returns to its normal state, which can feel like slimming by comparison.

·         Short-Term Dietary Changes: Recovery often involves a liquid or soft-food diet. Minor, temporary weight loss during this period is common and often shows in the face first.

·         Reduced Inflammation: If an impacted tooth was causing chronic infection or puffiness, removing it allows the tissues to return to a healthier, leaner-looking state.

The Bottom Line: Health First

Wisdom tooth removal is a health-focused decision, not a cosmetic one. It is clinically recommended to:

·         Prevent gum inflammation (pericoronitis).

·         Relieve pain or pressure on adjacent teeth.

·         Protect neighbouring teeth from decay or root resorption.

As the Australian Dental Association notes, treatment should be based on clinical need, not social media trends.

Thinking About Wisdom Tooth Removal in Adelaide?

A proper assessment is essential. At our Adelaide-based practice, we use advanced 3D imaging (CBCT) to plan your treatment safely while preserving your natural facial structure.

We offer:

·         Comprehensive consultations with transparent discussion of risks and benefits.

·         HCF, Bupa, AHM, Medibank and NIB Provider recognition for eligible wisdom teeth removal procedures.

·         Sedation options, including IV sedation, for your comfort.

·         Local care for patients in Blackwood, Flagstaff Hill, Aberfoyle Park and Greater Adelaide.

References

1.      Wang XW, et al. Slim the face or not: 3D change of facial soft and hard tissues after third molars extraction. BMC Oral Health. 2023.

2.      Rathod AB, et al. Extraction vs no treatment: Long-term facial profile changes. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015.

3.      Gkantidis N, et al. Third Molar Agenesis Is Associated with Facial Size. J Clin Med. 2021.

4. Australian Dental Association: Wisdom Teeth

5. AAOMS: Wisdom Teeth Management