There are several reasons to be unhappy about missing teeth—not only does it result in unattractive gaps in your smile, but the overall functionality of your mouth is severely crippled if you’ve sustained tooth loss! And even worse, tooth loss can also negatively impact the very shape of your face. Fortunately, dental implants are among the best possible solutions for addressing this issue, restoring your smile, and keeping your facial structure intact. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about the connection between tooth loss and your face’s shape, and how dental implants can help.
The Link Between Missing Teeth and Facial Shape
It goes without saying that tooth loss can lead to all kinds of problems, most notably the increased likelihood of losing additional teeth. But those gaps left in your smile can cause all sorts of issues for the literal structure of your face. This is because when tooth loss occurs, it leaves those areas of your jawbone totally void of stimulation.
Since your jaw relies on this constant pressure and blood flow to remain healthy and strong, it can actually begin to shrink away, deteriorate, and lose mass. This can cause all kinds of changes to your facial profile, many of which can even make you appear older, including:
- Facial angles and wrinkles, especially around the lips
- Cheek jowls
- Bite pattern changes
- Thinning lips
- Chin rotation
- A perpetual frown-like appearance
Dental Implants: Restoring Your Smile & Supporting Your Face
Dental implants provide an optimal solution for patients with missing teeth since the implants can fully replicate the stimulation that is provided by your natural teeth. The implant posts are surgically embedded into the jawbone, where they act as roots—a crown is attached to the top of the post that serves as the chewing surface of the tooth. In tandem, these two components fully restore the entire structure of lost teeth, meaning that your jawbone is provided with an adequate amount of stimulation and can remain healthy.
As a result, patients with dental implants won’t just enjoy a beautifully restored smile; they’ll also have access to the benefits that implants provide in terms of facial structure. And since implants are designed with the future in mind, they can last for several decades with proper care, meaning that your new smile and rejuvenated, youthful-looking face are here to stay!
About the Author
A Dallas native, Dr. Ellis Shwarts received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has proudly served the dental needs of the Richardson area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of treatments, including tooth-replacement options like dental implants. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (972) 525-9283.