Rhinoplasty with Braces: Can You Have a Nose Job During Orthodontic Treatment?

3 days ago

3 min read

Key takeaways

Braces themselves do not usually prevent rhinoplasty; the operation is performed inside and on the nose, and anaesthesia can be given safely with braces.
However, moving the teeth and jaws changes the lips and the area beneath the nose, which affects how the nose looks.
If only minor tooth alignment is planned, rhinoplasty can generally be done during treatment. If significant changes to lip support or jaw position are expected, it is better to finish orthodontics first.
If jaw (orthognathic) surgery is planned, rhinoplasty is usually performed after or in coordination with it.

Why the teeth matter to the nose

The nose does not exist in isolation. The upper teeth and jaw support the upper lip, and the upper lip supports the base of the nose. When front teeth are pushed forward or pulled back, the lip moves too, changing the angle between the nose and the lip (the nasolabial angle) and how prominent the tip looks. A retruded upper jaw can make the nose look larger; a protruding jaw can make the nose look smaller. A good rhinoplasty plan therefore considers the teeth and jaw.

Can I have rhinoplasty while wearing braces?

In most cases, yes. Practical points:

Anaesthesia: braces do not prevent safe intubation; your anaesthetist simply needs to know.
Oral hygiene: keep brackets clean around surgery; you may be advised to use an antiseptic mouthwash.
Elastics: if you wear elastic bands, your orthodontist may pause them for a few days after surgery.
Adjustments: avoid orthodontic appointments in the first week, and ask your orthodontist to avoid pressure on the upper lip and nose area for about two weeks.
Mouth breathing: in the first week, with a splint and internal swelling, you will breathe through your mouth; lip balm and hydration help with dryness around brackets.

When should I wait until orthodontic treatment is finished?

When the upper front teeth will be retracted or advanced significantly, changing lip support
When extractions are planned to create space
When the treatment aims to change the profile, not just align teeth
When jaw surgery is planned or likely

In these cases, operating first risks a nose that looked balanced before orthodontic treatment but not after it. Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas usually discusses the plan with your orthodontist to decide the ideal timing.

Rhinoplasty and jaw surgery

Orthognathic surgery moves the upper and lower jaws and can widen the nasal base or change tip rotation. Rhinoplasty is therefore generally performed 6–12 months after jaw surgery, once swelling has settled, or occasionally in coordination with the maxillofacial surgeon. Planning both together gives the best facial harmony.

Teenagers with braces

Many rhinoplasty candidates are young adults still wearing braces. Rhinoplasty is performed once nasal growth is complete, typically around 16–17 for girls and 17–18 for boys. See your teenager wants a nose job: a guide for parents and our guide to rhinoplasty age limits.

Frequently asked questions

Will rhinoplasty affect my teeth or braces?

No. Rhinoplasty does not move teeth. You may feel temporary numbness of the upper front teeth or lip, which resolves.

Can clear aligners be worn after rhinoplasty?

Yes, they can usually be worn normally from the day after surgery.

My dentist says my upper jaw is small. Should I fix it before rhinoplasty?

Discuss it with both specialists. Correcting jaw position can change the appearance of the nose, so the order matters.

Can a retainer be worn after rhinoplasty?

Yes, removable and fixed retainers are fine.

Next step

Share your orthodontic plan and photos with the clinic: contact Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic for a coordinated rhinoplasty plan with Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.

About the author

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas is a European Board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience, author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press) and founder of the Closed Atraumatic Rhinoplasty Course. Read verified patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is for general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.