July 19, 2024
There are many things in life that are inevitable. Taxes, changing seasons, and getting old. While there are those select few who choose to grow old gracefully, the majority of us are gonna fight it kicking and screaming. Age has a cruel way of sneaking up on us and then one day we look in the mirror and ask “OMG……what happened?’ But there it is. We see the evidence in the mirror. Lines in our face that didn’t used to be there. We notice our faces now have thinning lips and sagging skin. But before you make a long overdue appointment with the plastic surgeon, ask yourself, “ How did this happen?”
What changed? For many, it’s not what they think. It may be their teeth.
Think about it—our facial skin relies on the bone structure beneath it, and teeth are a key part of that system. If you’ve ever seen someone without their dentures, you’ll notice how the face appears collapsed. That’s how important teeth are. And when damage occurs, knowing what are the types of dental fillings can make all the difference in restoring both function and facial support.That is what happens when our teeth are not there to do their job. When the skeletal system changes we see those effects literally on our face. The volume of our face has decreased. The skeletal system has diminished but all the skin is still there. Wrinkles are the result. While this is most noticeable in the lower third of the face, in reality the effects reach much higher. Though to a lesser degree, even the lines and wrinkles around the eyes may have some connection to this phenomena.
Wrinkles form for many reasons—sun exposure, reduced skin elasticity, lifestyle habits, and genetics all play a role in how we age. A big factor is the gradual loss of facial support, which makes lines and sagging more noticeable. Treatments like Brookhaven dental implants not only restore oral function but can also help support facial structure, reducing some visible signs of aging.
Loss of skeletal support in the face is most often the result of worn teeth. Years of wear and tear from normal use is often accelerated by common habits like clenching and grinding your teeth. It is thought clenching and grinding your teeth can put up to 10x the destructive force on teeth compared to normal chewing. In addition, habits such as ice chewing and using your teeth as tools can push the teeth to their limits. The result is worn, damaged and broken teeth. As our teeth wear, the portion of the facial skeletal system supported by our teeth starts to decrease. We start to see thinning of the lips, a downward turning of the corner of the mouth, increased lines in the face especially around the nose and mouth, drooping cheeks, and lower eye wrinkles.
This is a common response I hear when talking about tooth damage. But how can you be so sure? Just because you’re unaware of the habit doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Ask your partner if they notice it while you sleep. Look for chips or unusual wear on your teeth and unexplained gum recession despite good brushing and flossing. Alongside these red flags, you may also want to discuss concerns like how much is teeth whitening at dentist to fully understand your overall dental health.
If you have any or all of those symptoms then you may clench or grind your teeth. The really tricky part of figuring this all out is that you may have the habit even if you have none of these symptoms.
Not necessarily. Many dentists focus mainly on cavities or areas of pain and may not always be trained to notice the more subtle changes in your mouth. That doesn’t make them bad dentists, but it may mean they simply don’t know to look for certain signs and symptoms. Some even share the mindset of their patients—that if it doesn’t hurt, it’s nothing to worry about. The problem with that approach is that ignoring potential issues doesn’t make them disappear. Having a proper evaluation and diagnosis is key to knowing what can be done, and that starts with choosing the right provider. Whether you need general care or are considering a cosmetic dentist in Brookhaven, it’s important to find a team that cares about your overall health, not just the tooth in the chair, and understands how your oral health connects to your well-being.
The answer is not at all! By evaluating your teeth, bite, and facial structure, we can assess the extent of damage. One of the simplest checks your dentures dentist near me performs is examining facial symmetry. The face can be divided into thirds horizontally, and we evaluate whether the lower portion aligns proportionally with the rest. We are looking to see if the lower third is smaller or has collapsed. In an ideal situation we see proportional balance between the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the face. As the balance between the thirds changes, our lower face starts to collapse and we start to have a loss of volume that manifests itself as looking aged. It is that extra unsupported part that adds the wrinkles and lines to our face. We also notice our lips are not as full and the chin is slightly more pronounced.
A plastic surgeon will perform a face lift as a solution to this problem. This is accomplished by pulling this unsupported skin back and stitching it tighter to minimize wrinkles. While effective the underlying issue of why it occurred is not being addressed. It is a solution to the symptoms only. In contrast, facelift-like dentistry is aimed at fixing the underlying source of the condition. By establishing the correct position of the teeth and jaw we can create a better balance in the facial thirds, support loose skin, minimize lines and wrinkles. The results is looking years younger and getting a great smile in the process.
Of course not—just like a plastic surgeon isn’t for everyone, there’s no one-size-fits-all fix when it comes to people. If you’re weighing options like a dentist who specializes in dentures near me, the real question is whether you want to treat the cause of the issue or just manage the symptoms.
Before deciding on surgery, it’s smart to meet with a cosmetic dentist who can evaluate your options and address the root concerns. Click here to find a dentist who specializes in dentures near me for expert guidance.
Call or text (404) 816-2230 today, and set up an appointment to discuss if you’re a candidate for a dental facelift.
Not only can you look years younger but you will walk away with a great smile on your face.
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