Dentures that are too short will cause the lips and cheeks to fold in creating a sunken look and improperly fitted ones can cause bone deterioration which will also change the shape of your face.
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.
With missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, your facial muscles will begin to sag, giving you a lopsided, sunken appearance. But with properly fitting dentures designed at the correct height, your face will be proportioned as it should.
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.
When they fit properly, they restore your ability to eat your favorite foods and to be understood when you speak. However, dentures do have some downsides, one of which is that they can make your cheeks sink in.
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.
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.
While dentures give you back your full smile and restore some of your ability to chew and speak normally, they do not prevent jawbone deterioration. Without natural teeth, your jaw will change shape over time. This not only leads to facial collapse, but also causes your dentures to stop fitting properly.
Sunken cheeks can be addressed via facial rejuvenation treatments designed to add youthful contours. Because hollow cheeks are the result of volume loss, restoring volume offers the most successful cosmetic outcomes. The most popular outpatient treatment is injectable fillers, also commonly called dermal fillers.
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.
Treating Facial Collapse
Fortunately, oral surgery can restore jawbone stability and eliminate issues with eating. Dental implants are an effective solution. However, when little bone is left, precision placement — using advanced imaging technology and virtual software to guide the procedure — is essential.
As a general rule of thumb, dental professionals are likely to tell you that adjusting to new dentures takes about 30 days, on average. You might not be keen to wait this long, but you need to be careful how quickly you try to get back to normal.
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 sunken face that comes from having dentures isn't actually related to your muscles at all, it's caused by tooth (and consequently) bone loss in the jaw.
A flat face can be attributed to aging, genetics, or lifestyle habits. Aging can cause a lack of definition in the face due to decreased collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are two key proteins our body produces that are responsible for giving the skin its structure and definition.
The biggest changes typically occur when people are in their 40s and 50s, but they can begin as early as the mid-30s and continue into old age. Even when your muscles are in top working order, they contribute to facial aging with repetitive motions that etch lines in your skin.
First things first, call your dentist. They should be able to get you in for an appointment right away. After the dentist examines your mouth, they can determine which option is best for you. It may be as simple as repairing or replacing your dentures.
If your dentures are too big or short, your face might look puffy. Dentures that don't fit properly can affect the alignment of your chin and make your face look lopsided. During your visit to the Neenah, WI, dental office, your dentist will help you find dentures that fit well and enhance your appearance.
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. If this becomes a prolonged issue, you may need additional adjustments.
The answer is yes; you can feel normal with dentures. Modern technology has made it easy; dentures can feel as if they are part of the mouth. You need your dentures to feel like part of your mouth because they play an important role in your life, including how you look and feel when you smile.
It's normal to develop sore spots during the first few days of wearing dentures. You may also have more saliva. Gum tissue contracts as it heals. For this reason, you may need to visit our office several times so your dentures fit comfortably.
How Long Does It Take to Talk Normally After Dentures? Denture wearers can talk and eat normally after 15–30 days of getting their new dentures. By this time, salivation and sore spots also tend to decrease, and you can use denture adhesives to feel more comfortable.
Full dentures are a good option for patients who have no remaining teeth, or whose damaged teeth are beyond repair or salvaging. Meanwhile, a partial appliance makes sense when the person still has some natural teeth remaining.