The short answer is yes, dentures can definitely change the shape of your face. But if you've been missing teeth or dealing with bad, ill-fitting dentures, the change may be for the better.
Sagging chin, also called witch's chin, is caused by changes in the jawbone due to wearing dentures. As the jawbone loses volume, the muscle attachments of the jaw change, resulting in less bulk in the chin area, and more sagging.
Some people worry that dentures will make them look older. Thankfully, this is far from the truth. Not only are today's dentures incredibly realistic looking, but if you pair them with dental implants, you'll end up with a smile that will look and feel completely natural.
The only way a denture wearer can prevent facial collapse is to support the dentures with dental implants. Two to eight dental implants can be surgically implanted in the jawbone, and dentures are secured to them.
By listening closely to the person, you may detect a lisp. This happens because the tongue and the mouth are not used to having dental plates. However, as time passes, the lisp will eventually disappear, and it will be impossible to know if the person is wearing a denture by observing the person's speech.
The short answer is yes, dentures can definitely change the shape of your face. But if you've been missing teeth or dealing with bad, ill-fitting dentures, the change may be for the better.
There is no question that dentures can drastically change your appearance for the better. Dentures are reliable options to help improve your smile and overall facial appearance by replacing lost teeth and restoring a natural bite.
Dentures can improve facial sagging to a limited extent because they provide some lift and support for your facial muscles. You will experience additional facial support if you receive implant dentures. You may need grafting to build up the bone to support dental implants if you have experienced jawbone shrinkage.
One of the things that people fear most about getting dentures is the way their face may shrink as a result. With smaller bones, they end up with excess skin that sags and folds, sinking in around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and other places.
A sunken face indicates your current dentures are not fitted properly. The most likely cause of this is the teeth in the denture being too short. It is important to spot a sunken face immediately as improperly fitted dentures can cause other dental problems like jaw deterioration over time.
Chewing or Speaking Difficulty
It takes practice to eat and converse with dentures. Dentures are less stable and prone to fall out of position since there isn't much gum or bone underneath to resist movement. In fact, chewing meals with new dentures can take up to 5 times longer.
While many get their first set of false teeth between 40 and 49, the need to replace teeth becomes nearly universal as people age.
Complete dentures are more prevalent in those above the age of 45. They're often used for those who have lost many teeth and suffer from periodontl disease. However, keep in mind that dentures can be a solution for anyone. In some cases, dentists may recommend them for people in their 30s or even 20s.
Because dentures rest on that gum ridge and are customized to fit its shape and size, dentures loosen as this happens, and for many patients, end up feeling too big for their mouths. What are your options if this has happened to you?
If you want to know if your dentures will feel normal, the answer is yes. You may have recently gotten the teeth, or perhaps you are considering getting them. You might want to know what to expect. The good news is that today's prosthetics feel more natural than ever, and you can get accustomed to them quickly.
If you've already experienced facial collapse, bone grafting can build up your jawbone to give it the necessary density to accommodate implants. Once the jawbone is built up, the implants are placed to support dentures. Dr. Anthony LaVacca has extensive experience in bone grafting and reversing facial collapse.
And considering that dentures often look better than real teeth, are unnoticeable, and can make it easier to chew and talk, there's nothing to be ashamed of.
Ideally, your dentures should support your lips and cheeks, but if they are too large, they can actually push your dentures outward, resulting in puffy lips and cheeks. The correct fitting of dentures can usually prevent this, but the denture flanges that go around the gums can cause puffiness for some people.
In the First 30 Days
It takes time for your gums, cheeks, and tongue to adjust to wearing an oral appliance. However, after a couple of weeks have passed, you'll notice fewer sore spots in your mouth and less saliva. Don't hesitate to call our office if you need your dentures adjusted.
Thanks to progress in dentistry, removable dentures – whether full or partials – can look as natural as real teeth. At your denture appointment ,we will will take precise measurements of your mouth and gums to ensure your replacement teeth fits your facial profile.
The first and foremost factor that makes a denture natural is its positioning. If the dentures are placed too far out, too far, or too short or too long, they won't seem as natural as you would like them to be. Another common element that can make your dentures look natural is the phenomenon of the 'Cheshire cat smile.
Strange Facial Expressions: When you first get your dentures, you might think your face looks a little strange. Again, this is normal. Your facial muscles need to adjust to the new dentures, and soon your facial expressions will look the old you.
Loss of teeth leads to bone resorption and weakening of facial muscles. Along with wearing dentures, this can cause your face to look different. Dentures can make your face appear hollow, with a sagging chin or sunken cheeks and lips. If your dentures are too large, you can get a so-called monkey mouth.
You may notice minor differences in your speech.
Your tongue, lips, and cheeks will need time to get accustomed to your dentures. Try reading out loud to yourself – it's an exercise that will help you get back to your normal speech. Also, initially speak slowly to prevent muffled speech.
The bulk of these dentures will probably even be visible with your mouth closed, and may make your face look puffy. Another change that dentures will cause in your mouth is the loss of bone in your jaw. Because there are no teeth to stimulate your jawbone, your body naturally removes it.