If I have braces, will my nose look bigger??

I wish every patient would ask their orthodontist this question BEFORE they agree to move any teeth. It is a great question. I strongly believe that facial aesthetics, a healthy TMJ and airway are far more critical than straight teeth. Therefore, if straightening teeth detracts from facial aesthetics, TMJ or airway health than don't straighten the teeth; or better yet, find someone to straighten the teeth who understands the relationship between orthodontics/orthopedics and facial beauty and TMJ/airway health because there is DEFINITELY a relationship. Getting to your question of whether or not straightening your teeth will make your nose look bigger, the simple answer is that it depends. It depends on how the doctor doing your orthodontics decides to treat you. One common way to treat your problem (a 5 mm overjet) is to extract upper bicuspids and retract your upper front teeth to eliminate the 5 mm overjet. While this sounds like a good idea it will indeed make your nose look longer. The reason is because your upper lip covers your upper front teeth. If you move the upper front teeth back, your upper lip will also be moved back but your nose will stay where it is. You are essentially "growing your nose" 5 mm by retracting the lower one-third of your face. A far better way to treat your case (assuming your 5 mm overjet has the same cause as the VAST majority of cases) is to develop the upper dental arch, bring your lower jaw forward and then straighten your teeth. This is all done with simple removable appliances and conventional braces. No surgery. Good luck!