How to avoid denture face?
How to Avoid Denture Face: Tips for Maintaining a Youthful Appearance with Dentures
“Denture face” is a term used to describe the sunken, aged appearance some people develop over time when wearing dentures.
This occurs when dentures do not fit properly, fail to provide adequate support to the facial structure, or when bone and gum tissue loss lead to changes in the face.
The good news is that with the right care, denture face can be prevented, helping you maintain a youthful look and facial structure.
In this article, we’ll explore what denture face is, why it happens, and what steps you can take to prevent it.
If you’re concerned about the fit and effectiveness of your dentures or have other dental health needs, seeking expert care can make a big difference.
Family Dentistry on Brock offers professional dental services, including root canal treatments, to support your oral health.
For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, you can contact Family Dentistry on Brock at +1 (519) 842-4653 or via email at info@familydentistryonbrock.com.
The clinic is located at 49 Brock St E, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 1Z7.
What Is Denture Face?
Denture face is a condition that affects the overall facial appearance of some denture wearers, giving them a hollowed or sagging look.
When natural teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to resorb or shrink over time, as it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth roots.
This bone loss can cause the lower third of the face to collapse inward, leading to a sunken appearance, wrinkles, and sagging skin around the cheeks and mouth.
Why Does Denture Face Happen?
There are several contributing factors to denture face:
- Bone Loss in the Jaw: When teeth are removed, the jawbone begins to shrink or resorb. Without tooth roots to stimulate the bone, it gradually loses volume, which can affect facial structure.
- Poorly Fitted or Old Dentures: Over time, dentures can become loose as the jawbone continues to change shape. If dentures don’t fit properly, they won’t provide adequate support to the cheeks and lips, which can lead to a hollow or aged look.
- Lack of Facial Muscle Support: Dentures that do not fill out the mouth properly may lack support for the facial muscles, causing the cheeks and lips to droop.
- Inadequate Denture Height: The height of your dentures affects the vertical dimension of your face. If the dentures are too short, they can make your face look shorter and cause wrinkles around the mouth.
Tips for Avoiding Denture Face
To prevent denture face, it’s essential to take proactive steps in denture care and maintenance. Here are several ways to keep your face looking youthful while wearing dentures:
1. Opt for Well-Fitted, Custom Dentures
Custom dentures are designed to fit your unique jaw shape, offering better comfort, functionality, and facial support.
Working with an experienced dentist to create custom dentures ensures they fit precisely, providing the necessary support to prevent facial collapse.
2. Consider Dentures with Proper Vertical Dimension
Dentures that are too short or too flat can cause the face to appear sunken.
By working with your dentist to ensure that your dentures have the correct vertical dimension, you’ll maintain the natural height of your face, giving it a fuller appearance.
3. Choose Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a great option to prevent bone loss and provide greater stability.
Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, which helps to stimulate bone growth, preventing the bone resorption that leads to denture face.
Implant-supported dentures offer a more permanent, comfortable solution that looks and feels like natural teeth.
4. Keep Up with Regular Denture Adjustments
As your jawbone changes over time, your dentures will require adjustments to continue fitting well. Loose dentures can accelerate bone loss, causing a quicker onset of denture face.
Regular dental check-ups ensure that your dentures are adjusted as needed for a comfortable fit and adequate support.
5. Practice Facial Exercises
Facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the mouth, cheeks, and jawline, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.
Exercises like smiling widely, puckering, and cheek lifts can help maintain muscle tone and support facial structure. Aim to do these exercises daily to see gradual improvement.
6. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene not only keeps your mouth healthy but also ensures that your dentures remain in good condition.
Clean your dentures thoroughly every day, and don’t forget to brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth.
A healthy mouth promotes better-fitting dentures and reduces the risk of irritation.
7. Avoid Smoking
Smoking accelerates bone loss and contributes to premature aging. Nicotine restricts blood flow, impacting the body’s ability to repair bone and soft tissues.
Smoking can worsen the effects of denture face, making it important to quit if you’re a smoker.
8. Stay Hydrated and Practice a Healthy Diet
Staying hydrated helps maintain the elasticity of your skin, preventing it from sagging.
Additionally, a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients can help support bone health and minimize the risk of bone loss.
Benefits of Addressing Denture Face
Taking steps to prevent or address denture face can significantly impact your appearance and self-confidence. By maintaining the proper fit of your dentures, you can enjoy:
- A fuller, more youthful appearance
- Reduced wrinkles and sagging around the mouth
- Improved speech and eating comfort
- Enhanced self-confidence and social interactions
How Family Dentistry on Brock Can Help
If you’re concerned about denture fit or experiencing discomfort, professional evaluation and guidance can make a difference.
Family Dentistry on Brock offers expert services to address your oral health needs, including fitting dentures to support a youthful, natural-looking smile.
They also provide root canal treatments and other dental care to help you maintain a healthy, comfortable mouth.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Family Dentistry on Brock at +1 (519) 842-4653 or email info@familydentistryonbrock.com. You can visit their clinic at 49 Brock St E, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 1Z7.
FAQ: Avoiding Denture Face
1. Can denture face be reversed?
While some changes in facial structure can be improved, complete reversal may be challenging.
However, getting properly fitted dentures, switching to implant-supported dentures, or performing facial exercises can restore some fullness and structure.
2. How often should I replace or adjust my dentures?
Dentures generally need to be replaced every 5-7 years. However, regular check-ups with your dentist can help ensure your dentures are adjusted as needed to accommodate any changes in your jaw structure.
3. Will implant-supported dentures prevent bone loss?
Yes, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, which helps prevent the bone resorption associated with tooth loss.
Implant-supported dentures are an effective way to maintain jawbone density and prevent denture face.
4. Are facial exercises effective for denture wearers?
Facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your cheeks and mouth, providing some support to maintain facial structure and minimize wrinkles and sagging.
5. What should I do if my dentures feel loose?
If your dentures feel loose, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Loose dentures can accelerate bone loss, which may contribute to denture face.
Regular adjustments help ensure a comfortable, supportive fit.
Conclusion
Denture face can be a common concern among denture wearers, but it’s not inevitable.
By choosing high-quality, well-fitted dentures, maintaining a regular adjustment schedule, and considering options like implant-supported dentures, you can prevent bone loss and keep your face looking youthful.
Simple steps like facial exercises, good oral hygiene, and a healthy diet also contribute to preserving facial structure and confidence.
If you’re experiencing discomfort with your dentures or are concerned about denture face, Family Dentistry on Brock is here to help.
For personalized dental care and expert guidance, contact Family Dentistry on Brock at +1 (519) 842-4653 or email info@familydentistryonbrock.com.
Visit their clinic at 49 Brock St E, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 1Z7 for a consultation to ensure your smile and facial structure remain well-supported for years to come.
