People in the dental field and on social media have been asking this question: Can getting rid of wisdom teeth make your face look thinner? It looks like a dream come true on the surface: an easy way to improve your looks and get a more sculpted jawline.
But getting your wisdom teeth out is a little more complicated than that. Some people may notice changes in their faces for a short time, but the truth is that getting rid of your wisdom teeth does not permanently make your face slimmer.
Let’s really look into why this myth has stuck around and why you don’t need to worry about your face changing forever after this common dental procedure.
The Temporary Nature of Swelling and Perception
People who say that getting your wisdom teeth out makes your face look slimmer are probably talking about the swelling that happens right after the surgery. It’s normal for the cheeks to look bigger after the procedure as the body heals.
This swelling is a normal part of the healing process and may make your face look fuller in the days after the surgery. But after a few days to a week, when the swelling goes down, your face will go back to its normal shape, and the slimming effects will not last.
Does Removing Wisdom Teeth Slim the Face?
It’s important to remember that the teeth being taken out are your wisdom teeth, which are at the back of your mouth in the dental alveolus. This area doesn’t directly affect the bones that give your face its overall shape, like your jawline or cheekbones. In other words, the extraction might make the lower part of your face look different for a while, but it won’t change the way the bones are structured underneath.
Important Information About Removing Wisdom Teeth and Changing the Shape of Your Face
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Taking out third molars, usually done with local anaesthesia or sedation. |
| Swelling After Surgery | Normal swelling goes away after a few days to weeks. |
| Long-Term Facial Change | No permanent change in the shape of the face; jawline and cheekbones stay the same. |
| Why People Think They Look Slimmer | Swelling goes down, and short-term dietary changes may cause slight weight loss. |
| Jawline Impact | No structural change in the bones of the face. |
| Time to Heal | Pain and swelling ease in 1–2 weeks; full healing usually takes 4–6 weeks. |
| Advice for Care After Surgery | Rest, ice packs, soft foods, and gentle oral hygiene for the best recovery. |
| Trusted Source | NHS: Wisdom teeth removal |
Understanding the Mechanics: Why Your Face Doesn’t Change Much
Many people think that getting rid of your wisdom teeth can make your face look thinner. This is not completely true, but it is based on short-term effects. It’s true that getting your wisdom teeth taken out can make your face look puffy for a short time because of swelling, but it won’t change the shape of your face in the long run.
Dr. Sam Harouni, a well-known oral surgeon, explains: “The wisdom teeth are very far back in the mouth, far away from the bones that give your face its shape, like your cheekbones and jaw. After the initial swelling heals, your facial features will return to their natural state.”
In other words, taking out these teeth doesn’t change the actual bones in your face. So, if you notice that your face looks slimmer for a short time, it’s probably because the inflammation has gone down, not because the structure of your face has changed permanently.
Short-Term Changes That Might Make You Look “Slimmer”
So, why do so many people say that their faces look thinner after the surgery? It’s mostly about how your body heals and how you perceive yourself.
- Swelling After Surgery: Your cheeks may look swollen right after the extraction as your body heals. This is completely normal and will go away on its own. Once it does, your face may look slimmer simply because it has returned to normal.
- Dietary Changes: After the surgery, many people stick to soft foods like soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and yoghurt. This shift sometimes results in slight weight loss, which can make the face appear slimmer for a short while.
- Psychological Aspect: There’s also the psychological side. People may feel their face looks thinner, even if the actual change is very small—similar to how a new haircut can make someone feel transformed.
Why Getting Rid of Wisdom Teeth Is About Health, Not Cosmetics
It’s easy to focus on how the procedure might change appearance, but wisdom tooth extraction is primarily a health decision, not a beauty one. Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth can cause pain, infections, crowding, and even cysts. Removing them is often necessary to maintain long-term oral health.
Dr. Harouni emphasizes: “The benefits of getting rid of wisdom teeth go far beyond just how they look. The main goal is to prevent issues like infections, misalignment, or cysts that can harm your oral health.”
This is why the NHS and dentists worldwide recommend the procedure when wisdom teeth are impacted or damaging neighboring teeth. The true importance of the surgery lies in avoiding complications—not in reshaping the jawline.
The Bottom Line
Removing your wisdom teeth may cause your face to look different for a short time because of swelling and diet changes. Once the swelling heals, your face will return to its natural shape. The jawline, cheekbones, and facial bones remain unchanged.
It’s better to focus on the health benefits of wisdom tooth removal—such as lowering infection risk and preventing misalignment—rather than on the myth of a slimmer face.
So, the next time someone says wisdom tooth extraction will permanently change the shape of your face, you’ll know the truth: it won’t. What it will do, if medically necessary, is protect your smile for the long run.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon for personal recommendations about wisdom tooth removal and oral health.
