Posted on 12/16/2024 by Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry
Many people associate dentures with aging, and for good reason. Traditional dentures can sink into your face, causing wrinkles around the mouth and making you look prematurely aged. But why is this?
Changes in Facial Structure
When you lose teeth even if it's just a few, your facial structure begins to change. The bone in your jaw that once supported the teeth starts to shrink, causing your jaw to recede and your cheeks to sag. This loss of bone can also make your lips appear thinner and your mouth sunken.
Traditional Dentures Don't Support Your Face
Traditional dentures rest on your gums, which means they don't provide any support for the facial muscles. This lack of support can lead to wrinkles and a sagging appearance. Additionally, traditional dentures can slip and slide, which can make you look older by making your mouth look smaller and less defined.
Restoration Options that Support Your Facial Structure
Thankfully, modern dentistry offers several options that can help you maintain a youthful appearance even after tooth loss.
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Dental Implants: Implants are artificial teeth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. This provides a strong foundation for dentures, preventing them from sinking into the face and causing wrinkles.
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Overdentures: Overdentures are dentures that attach to dental implants. This option provides even more stability than traditional implants, and it can help to preserve more of the jawbone.
Maintaining a Youthful Look with Dentures
Even if you choose traditional dentures, there are things you can do to help maintain a more youthful look.
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Proper Oral Care: Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your mouth healthy and your dentures looking their best. This includes brushing your dentures regularly, soaking them in a denture cleaner, and seeing your prosthodontist for regular checkups.
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A Well-fitting Denture: A well-fitting denture will not only be more comfortable but will also help to prevent premature facial aging. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for adjustments to ensure your denture continues to fit properly.
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Cosmetic Dentistry: In some cases cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as lip fillers or Botox injections can help to restore a more youthful appearance to your face.
Conclusion
While dentures are a valuable tool for restoring your smile and oral function after tooth loss, it's important to be aware that they can also contribute to premature facial aging. By choosing implant-supported dentures or overdentures and practicing good oral care, you can maintain a more youthful look and enjoy the benefits of dentures for many years to come.
Dental Blog | Wausau, WI | Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry Dr. David Wanserski, DDS, from Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Learn more. Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, 550 N. 17th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401 / (715) 848-2435 / wanserskidental.com / 1/17/2025 / Key Phrases: dental implants Wausau WI /
Many people associate dentures with aging, and for good reason. Traditional dentures can sink into your face, causing wrinkles around the mouth and making you look prematurely aged. But why is this?