How Can Losing Teeth Change the Shape of Your Face?

Some of the effects of tooth loss are immediately obvious, such as having trouble speaking clearly or chewing your food. Other consequences will only be apparent after your teeth have been missing for some time without being replaced. In particular, losing teeth can actually have an impact on the shape of your face; your dentist is here to explain why this happens as well as how dental implants can help solve the problem.

The Relationship Between Tooth Loss and Face Shape

Without the stimulation provided by your teeth, your jaw will gradually start to lose its bone density. This can affect facial height and give you a more sunken, hallowed appearance. Furthermore, the lack of support from your teeth can lead to certain muscles weakening, resulting in sagging facial tissue in the cheeks.

Missing teeth are also associated with facial wrinkles, thinning lips, and the appearance of constantly frowning. If you don’t want to end up looking older than you actually are, it’s best to prioritize re-completing your smile as quickly as possible.

How Dental Implants Can Help Prevent Changes in Your Facial Shape

There are several ways to re-complete your smile after one or more teeth have been lost. In many cases, your dentist may decide that dental implants are the best option. For this treatment, titanium implant posts will be inserted into your jaw. Said posts can fulfill the same functions as your natural tooth roots while supporting a crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental implants can put a stop to bone loss in the jaw thanks to the stimulation they provide. As a result, they can help you maintain the shape of your face in the long run. On top of that, dental implants look and feel very natural, which can help you feel more confident about your appearance overall.

Are Dental Implants the Right Choice for You?

As useful as dental implants can be for helping you maintain your facial shape, your dentist will have to confirm that you’re a viable candidate for the treatment. This involves evaluating your overall oral health as well as checking the current bone density levels in your jaw. Sometimes even people who are unable to have dental implants placed right away can still have the procedure done with the help of certain preliminary treatments.

Are you worried about tooth loss making you look older? Your best chance of maintaining a more youthful facial shape is to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible to ask them about the available tooth replacement options.

About the Author

Dr. Terry L. Drennan has more than 40 years of dental experience. He graduated from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio Health Science Center in 1979. He works with local specialists to ensure that his patients are able to enjoy the best possible results when it comes to dental implant placement. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Drennan at Drennan Family Dentistry in Fort Worth, visit his website or call (817) 732-5522.