Dentures create a nonsurgical facelift
Dentures have been around for a long time now, and they’re still one of the most popular choices for patients who need to replace a full arch of teeth. In fact, dentures (also called false teeth) have been around for centuries. People have always valued their smiles. Throughout history, dentures were made from various materials, including wood, ivory, and bone. What many patients don’t know is that dentures create a nonsurgical facelift. This can be a good thing if they’re done right, or it can make your face look older if you don’t find the right dentist.
No doubt, the idea of dentures carved out of animal bone is very off-putting. Luckily, getting dentures isn’t as nasty an affair as it used to be. With the help of modern dentistry, your dentures can fit perfectly. Adjustments can also respond to any changes in your jaw as you age.
Despite the advancements, removable dentures still aren’t an ideal tooth replacement option. The device only rests on the gums, meaning it doesn’t replace any of your missing tooth structure below the gumline.
Dentures create problems if not done right
As mentioned, dentures can be far from an ideal tooth replacement option. Whenever possible, dentists prefer replacing missing teeth with more permanent options. These include All-on-4 dental implants or implant-supported bridges.
But because a full arch of implants isn’t financially viable, a large number of Americans opt for removable dentures. But removable dentures have some major downsides, seeing as they tend to shift in the mouth and even fall out on occasion. This isn’t always fun to live with.
Unfortunately dentists have to extract teeth to fit dentures. After a tooth extraction, the bone in the area begins to recede.
This deterioration of bone tissue will take its toll on your appearance. Your teeth play a big role in supporting your facial structure, making it look fuller and more youthful. So the difference in your appearance could already be visible immediately after extraction.
In short, wearing dentures may make you look older than you used to. And once you’ve got dentures, your face may age faster because of the jaw tissue that deteriorates where your teeth have been extracted. This leads to your face looking sunken and hollow.
Dentures, a nonsurgical facelift, and aesthetics
Dr. Stone has been practicing cosmetic dentistry in Ft. Lauderdale since 1979. His success as a cosmetic dentist comes from years of advanced dental education. He has a specialty degree in prosthodontics and over 30 years of practical experience.
Wearing dentures shouldn’t have to be like a life sentence of faster aging, reduced confidence, and discomfort. There are options available that can help combat the aging effect of dentures on your appearance. Some patients choose to go for filler treatments like Juvéderm and Restylane, but while they do help, it’s not a long-term solution.
More permanent solutions to common problems with dentures include:
- A proper fit: This seems simple, but many patients don’t realize the impact well-fitting dentures can have on appearance. Not all dentures are equal, and seeing a prosthodontist to fit your dentures can help, as prosthodontists specialize in helping patients with dental prosthetic devices.
- Dental implants: Implants can be used to support removable dentures. Using this method, dentures fit onto your permanent implants. Not only do the implants help to prevent the dentures from shifting, but they stimulate bone growth, thereby slowing the aging process.
Traditional denture alternatives
Implant-supported dentures are typically cheaper than getting full implants. This makes them a great option for patients who want to live without the worry of shifting teeth, but who can’t afford more conventional implants.
What should be clear, though, is that getting the right dentures can make your face look years younger and improve your quality of life. At the same time, the opposite can also be true, and a bad set of dentures can accelerate the aging process. Dentures create a nonsurgical facelift. But make sure that you’ll like the way it’s going to affect your appearance. If you would like to see a denture specialist to learn more, feel free to get in touch with Dr. Stone and book an appointment.
