The decision to opt for dentures can be a significant step in restoring your smile and oral function. However, many denture wearers experience concerns about facial collapse. This is a common worry, and it’s essential to understand that with proper care and denture design, it’s possible to minimize this effect.

Now you might think, “How Can I Prevent My Face from Collapse with Dentures?”

Dentures are commonly used by individuals who have missing teeth because of aging, injury, or disease. While they restore the function and appearance of your smile, there is a potential risk of facial collapse if dentures are not managed properly. Facial collapse occurs when the bone that once supported the teeth deteriorates, leading to changes in facial structure, premature aging, and other complications.

Cheek biting in complete dentures 2

What is Facial Collapse?

Facial collapse, a noticeable change in facial appearance, occurs when the jawbone gradually shrinks over time. This process, known medically as bone resorption, is primarily triggered by the absence of teeth. Our teeth act as vital anchors, stimulating the jawbone through the forces of chewing and biting.

When teeth are lost, the jawbone that once supported them no longer receives the necessary stimulation. The body interprets this lack of activity as a signal that the bone is no longer needed, leading to bone resorption. As a result, the jawbone starts deteriorating, which leads to a sunken facial profile. This bone loss affects not only aesthetics but also oral function. It can make dentures unstable and uncomfortable, as they lose their secure base and hinder chewing and speech.

While helpful, dentures do not provide the same stimulation as natural teeth or dental implants, leading to further bone loss. This continued deterioration can make wearing dentures uncomfortable and eventually impossible. However, with proper care and timely intervention, it is possible to prevent or mitigate the effects of facial collapse. Preventive measures and professional guidance are essential in maintaining jawbone health and avoiding severe bone resorption.

How to Prevent Your Face from Collapse with Dentures

When it comes to maintaining your facial structure and overall oral health with dentures, the way you manage them can significantly impact bone preservation. Here are key strategies to prevent facial collapse and ensure your dentures support a healthy and youthful appearance.

1. Support Your Dentures with Remaining Natural Teeth

Retaining some of your natural teeth can help reduce bone loss. These remaining teeth not only anchor your dentures but also continue to stimulate your jawbone through normal chewing and biting. This stimulation helps keep your jawbone healthy and firm, supporting your facial structure.

However, this approach has its limitations. If your remaining natural teeth are damaged, infected, or unable to support your dentures effectively, they may need to be removed. This strategy is also not applicable if all your teeth have already been extracted.

2. Consider Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the best solutions to preserve your jawbone when wearing dentures. Implants operate as artificial tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone in the same way that genuine teeth would. This stimulation prevents bone loss and preserves bone structure.

Implants offer a chance to start fresh, especially when combined with bone grafting if necessary. They effectively support dentures, allowing for normal biting and chewing, which promotes a balanced diet and overall bone health. At Park Meadows Dental, our advanced digital implant systems make the process easier and more precise.

3. Ensure a Proper Denture Fit

Poorly fitted dentures can accelerate bone loss by causing irritation and pressure on the gums and jawbone. This irritation can trigger the body to remove bone more quickly, leading to accelerated bone loss and changes in facial structure.

To avoid this, it is crucial to have well-fitting dentures. Neuromuscular dentistry at Park Meadows Dental ensures your dentures fit your bite perfectly, reducing irritation and maintaining bone health. Our dentures are specifically designed to offer a superior fit and comfort.

4. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Bone health depends heavily on proper nutrition. A diet high in meat, vegetables, fruits, and unprocessed foods promotes bone health and repair. Proper nutrition is especially crucial if you wear well-fitting dentures or implants to support your jawbone. If your denture is not fitting correctly, it could be challenging to keep up a balanced diet. Making sure your dentures fit correctly enables you to eat a varied diet that enhances your general health..

5. Minimize Denture Wear Time

If your dentures are poorly fitted and causing significant bone loss, reducing the time you wear them might be necessary. While this approach might feel like a setback, it is sometimes the best option to prevent further bone loss.

Although living without dentures at home can impact your quality of life, addressing the fit and comfort of your dentures should be a priority. Our team at Park Meadows Dental can help find solutions to improve your denture fit and minimize discomfort.

6. Immediate Denture Placement

Immediate dentures are an effective solution for those who need to replace missing teeth quickly. By promptly replacing missing teeth, you maintain pressure on the jawbone, which helps stimulate its continued growth and prevent rapid bone loss.

If you’re considering tooth extraction, consult with Park Meadows Dental to explore immediate denture options that can support bone preservation and maintain your facial structure.

7. Consider Bone Grafting

If significant bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting might be necessary. This procedure involves adding bone tissue to the jaw to restore its structure and provide a stable foundation for dentures or implants.

Our dental team at Park Meadows Dental can evaluate your suitability for bone grafting and guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome for your oral health.

8. Regular Dental Check-Ups

Maintaining oral health and avoiding problems requires routine dental care. We can monitor your dental health, adjust your dentures, and treat any problems before they worsen with routine checkups and cleanings.

Conclusion

A balanced diet, appropriate fit, and denture selection are just a few of the tactics used to prevent face collapse caused by dentures. Following these recommendations and getting medical attention from a specialist will help you keep your appearance confident and healthy while lowering your chance of bone loss.

Schedule a Consultation with Park Meadows Dental Today!

At Park Meadows Dental, we’re dedicated to giving you individualized care so you may reach and keep the best possible oral health. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you take care of your dentures properly, make sure they fit pleasantly, and promote your general wellbeing. To arrange a consultation and find out more about using dentures to prevent facial collapse, get in touch with us right now.

FAQs

Will dentures stop my face from sagging?

Properly fitted dentures are essential for preserving facial structure. By replacing missing teeth, they help maintain the stability of facial features, preventing sagging and promoting a more youthful appearance. However, the jawbone can gradually change due to the lack of natural tooth roots.

How do you reverse facial collapse?

A dental bone graft is essential for restoring jawbone volume. Your oral surgeon will assess whether they can use bone from your body or if donor bone is necessary. After a healing period of four to twelve months, your jawbone will become robust enough to support dental implants.

How long does it take for facial collapse to happen?

Facial collapse happens gradually over a span of ten to twenty years following the loss of all your teeth. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that within the first three months after tooth extraction, the jawbone can lose 25 percent of its mass, and this resorption can increase to 50 percent within the first six months.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grew - D.D.S. on July 24, 2024

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