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Dental implants are an effective and lasting option for replacing missing teeth. Not only can they restore your beautiful smile, but they can also deliver lesser known cosmetic benefits. Here’s how dental implants can enhance facial structure and prevent premature ageing for a more youthful appearance.
What Causes Missing Teeth?
According to Dr George Connell, Clinical Director at Green Door Dental, “The most common reasons for missing teeth are dental caries (AKA tooth decay), periodontal diseases, trauma, and orthodontic extractions.”
Other factors that may be linked with tooth loss are age, gender, socio-behavioural factors, oral health habits, as well as the accessibility and quality of dental services.
What Are Dental Implants & How Do They Work?
Dental implants are an effective, lasting solution for missing teeth. They can replace one or multiple teeth. The dental implant itself is a titanium post that’s surgically implanted into the jaw. This acts as the ‘root’ for the new tooth.
An abutment is used as a connector to securely attach the dental crown (replacement tooth) on top of the implant. As part of the healing process, the dental implant will fuse with the jawbone (a process called osseointegration). This helps ensure the implant remains stable.
“The great thing about dental implants is that they look, feel and function like real teeth. Our patients at Green Door Dental Moss Vale are often overwhelmed by how natural their new smile looks,” says Dr Connell.
How Do Missing Teeth Affect Your Facial Structure?
Our jawbone needs frequent stimulation to maintain its density and shape. Natural teeth are embedded into the jawbone, so every time you bite or chew you stimulate the bone. When a tooth is lost, no pressure is applied to the bone. This causes the bone to resorb, becoming smaller, thinner and weaker.
As part of this deterioration, the facial muscles and tissue pull away from the bone. Your facial features can take on a sagging, sunken appearance that can make you look older than your years.
The Benefit of Dental Implants on Facial Appearance
Your facial structure largely depends on a well formed, healthy jawbone. As mentioned above, tooth loss causes the bone volume to decrease. This process, known as jawbone atrophy, can result in facial collapse. The shape of the facial structure shifts. The face can look sunken or hollow and may appear shorter than normal.
The benefit of a dental implant is that it acts as a tooth root to promote natural bone growth. The implant post is placed into the jawbone, which stimulates and maintains the health of the bone and prevents further bone loss.
How Dental Implants Can Enhance Facial Symmetry
Missing teeth can cause shifting (AKA drifting). This is where the gap causes the surrounding teeth to move position to fill the hole. The teeth may rotate, tilt and become crooked. These changes can lead to an uneven jawline and bite misalignment.
Not only can this cause teeth grinding, jaw pain and increased risk of decay, but it can affect your facial symmetry. Changes to your bite can influence your facial muscles. They may cause your lips and cheeks to sink inwards, leading to facial asymmetry. The extent of the changes to facial structure are dependent of several factors including:
- the number of missing teeth
- the location of the missing teeth
- how long the teeth have been missing
While replacing missing teeth with dental implants is about more than just cosmetics, the improvements in facial appearance can boost confidence and self-esteem. Dental implants can also keep your dental health on track. After all, good oral hygiene habits are essential to maintaining healthy implants.