Can missing teeth change face shape? Tooth loss consequences

Our teeth are the foundation of our face. Whether you lose teeth from trauma, decay, or disease, a weakened foundation causes changes to the structures around it.

Think of your teeth as the support architecture for your facial tissues. Because teeth support the muscles in your face, missing teeth can cause these muscles to weaken and sag. This can lead to wrinkles and a sunken appearance or face collapse due to missing teeth. The impact of missing teeth is not only cosmetic, but cumulative, contributing to a variety of health issues.

The good news is that if you're suffering from tooth loss, there is treatment. Replacing lost teeth with dental implant restoration can significantly lower the risk of future oral health problems. Whether you're having difficulty chewing, or you're experiencing face sagging from missing teeth, ClearChoice® is here to help.

Discover the impact of missing teeth on your facial structure and appearance, and learn how dental implants can help.

Understanding the impact of missing teeth 

Missing teeth impact more than just your cosmetic appearance. They can have a domino effect on your overall health. Apart from the effects of missing teeth on face shape, tooth loss consequences include a range of interrelated conditions.

Tooth loss consequences

Apart from facial changes, there are other adverse effects from tooth loss.

Gum loss from tooth loss can lead to periodontal disease, also called gum disease. This is a bacterial infection usually caused by plaque buildup. It affects the gums and the tissues that support the teeth.

Teeth shifting is a common consequence of missing teeth, because the adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space. This shifting can also result in a decreased ability to chew. If the surfaces of your upper and lower teeth don't match up, it can cause discomfort and decreased bite power.

Atop discomfort, missing teeth can also hinder digestion. Because chewing is integral to the digestion process, you may not get enough nutrients. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Tilting teeth can also make good oral hygiene difficult because of the hard-to-reach spaces.

Nutritional deficiencies can also weaken the immune system and heighten the risk of infections. A poor diet from missing teeth risks chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Missing teeth can even make it difficult to speak, because we use our teeth to enunciate and articulate words.

But the biggest impacts aren't always the physical ones; missing teeth can wear down your confidence and quality of life. Act quickly to restore not only your teeth, but your way of life.

How missing teeth affect facial structure

Whether removed via tooth extraction or natural causes, tooth loss affects your facial features. Read on to learn how to prevent facial collapse and sunken face due to missing teeth.

Face collapse due to missing teeth

The effects of missing teeth on face shape are notable.

As mentioned previously, your teeth and jawbone support the muscle tissue, keeping your face firm. Missing teeth change face shape, because without the support of teeth, the muscles in your face can weaken, causing the skin to sag. This can lead to drooping jowls and wrinkles. But even more seriously, the loss of a tooth causes loss of the jawbone beneath it.

The bone supporting the tooth root begins to deteriorate, resulting in reduced bone density and bone volume. This bone loss causes potential facial sagging. In addition, bone loss can diminish the space between the nose and chin, giving your face an older appearance. The reduction in jawbone length also lowers your facial height, making your face appear sunken due to missing teeth.

Because teeth shape the mouth, tooth loss also alters your facial expressions. Changes in your bite pattern affect the corners of your mouth, leading to a harsher expression. Teeth also support lip fullness, so thinner lips create a frown-like appearance.

If you're missing a tooth, face collapse could be next without preventive maintenance. Missing even one or two molars may not seem like a big deal, because they're not visible in the esthetic zone. However, this can trigger a detrimental domino effect on your other teeth. Because losing even a single tooth increases your chance to lose others, it's important not to let the process progress.

Signs of facial changes from missing teeth

• Bleeding gums

• Exposed roots

• Thinning lips

• Bad breath

• Loose tooth

• Sagging jowls

• Sunken cheeks

• Wrinkles

• Space between your existing teeth

• It becomes difficult to eat and speak
  
  

Jawbone deterioration due to missing teeth 

Face sagging due to missing teeth isn't the only problem at play. Let's take an in-depth look at how missing teeth can affect jawbone health.

Bone resorption from missing teeth

Jawbone loss from missing teeth is a common condition. Alveolar bone is the jawbone tissue that supports and holds teeth in place. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing, biting, and clenching. This causes the bone to gradually break down in a process called bone resorption.

Without a tooth root in place, the bone around the missing tooth begins to deteriorate. Where there's bone resorption, missing teeth are often the culprit.

Preventing jawbone loss

The impact of tooth loss on jawbone health is notable, but treatable. It comes down to re-stimulating the jawbone, in conjunction with other treatments and procedures. Preventing jawbone loss with dentures is possible, but jawbone health after dental implant restoration is considerably stronger.

This is because dental implants anchor into your jaw to act as the natural tooth root. This mimics the function of a natural tooth by stimulating the jawbone with pressure from biting and chewing.

Before your surgeon places the implant, you may need a bone graft to help regain bone tissue. The bone graft procedure uses bone chips or granules to fill in the gaps of lost bone tissue.

Preventing facial changes with dental solutions

Tooth loss is reversible with tooth replacement procedures. The best solutions for missing teeth include dental implant treatment to prevent or correct facial changes.

Although you can use a dental bridge or dentures to prevent face collapse, they may not be the ideal long-term solution. The prosthetic teeth attached to dental implants resemble natural teeth, and last longer than any other replacement option. Dental implants for missing teeth can even lift and support the face, restoring your youthful appearance.

Dental implants for missing teeth

One of the most popular and permanent tooth replacement options are dental implants. Dental implants for missing teeth can restore the integrity and function of your mouth.

An oral surgeon inserts a titanium pin through the gumline. This implant eventually fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Dental implants provide a strong foundation for prosthetic replacement teeth, called the crown. The three-part installation of implant, abutment and crown restores the foundation to your mouth for a lasting smile.

Comparing dental implants and dentures

The choice between dental implants vs dentures is up to each individual patient. When weighing the pros and cons of dental implants, make your choice based on factors like cost, appearance and maintenance.

Traditional dentures can be less expensive and fitted more quickly, but there are other considerations to keep in mind. Dental implants anchor into the jawbone, offering greater stability to dentures, which can loosen over time. The prosthetic crowns also look and feel more like natural teeth than dentures, and are custom-made to match your existing teeth and needs. Compared to bulkier dentures, they also may be less conspicuous.

When deciding between the two options, it is important to consider the time investment and maintenance required. You must replace dentures every five to seven years, and soak them in solution every night. While the dental implant process requires surgery, it provides a long-lasting solution and saves time in the long run.

 At ClearChoice, we recommend dental implants as the best treatment for missing teeth. They provide a permanent solution to address tooth loss and the resulting effects on your face.

Finding the right dentist for tooth replacement

The best dentist for dental implants is one that meets your unique needs. Here are our tips on how to choose a dentist for tooth loss.

Best dentist for dental implants

The ideal provider uses high-quality materials designed to last a lifetime with care and maintenance.

You should also choose a provider with a high success rate. Dental implants typically deliver a 95% success rate.

On top of the technical elements and expertise, you should choose a dental provider with empathy. The right dentist understands what you're going through and offers solution with compassion.

Cost and insurance for dental treatments

The cost of dental implants depends on a variety of elements.

Cost of dental implants

The cost of dental implants can vary widely based on several factors, including:

• The number of implants placed

• The specific type of implant chosen

• The complexity of the surgical procedure

Schedule a free consultation at your local ClearChoice to see which option is best for your smile. Receive a custom estimate for affordable dental implants.

Dental insurance for missing teeth

Dental insurance for missing teeth may cover a portion of your cost. Talk to your insurance provider to see if they cover affordable dentures and implants. To make dental implants affordable, ClearChoice provides competitive third-party financing options that can help even before dental insurance. 

Long-term care for dental implants

Long-term dental care for tooth loss can preserve the look and function of your mouth, and prevent further issues. Once you've received your dental implant treatment, it's important to carry out the routine care and maintenance. Caring for dental implants can help them last a lifetime.

Caring for dental implants

Here are our tips for best practices for maintaining dental implants:

• Brush your implants twice daily with a soft bristle manual or electric toothbrush

• Floss twice daily with unwaxed dental tape

• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent plaque buildup

• Refrain from smoking or using chewing tobacco
  
  

Monitoring and managing jawbone health

Jawbone health after dental implants generally improves. Because the tooth root sends signals to stimulate new bone growth, dental implants mimic this natural process. As you chew or smile, the implant transfers force to the root to send these signals, preventing the bone from shrinking. 

Schedule regular checkups with your dental professional for monitoring jawbone health.

Sharing personal experiences with dental solutions

The tooth restoration journey may seem daunting, but you don't have to go through it alone. You may have lost teeth, but you can still gain community when you share experiences in online support groups and forums.

Dental implant success stories

Dental implant success stories can help others start theirs. Sharing dental treatment experiences is a helpful way to connect with others sharing your struggle. Even writing a dental implant review can aid someone else in their journey. Genuine, authentic connection helps everyone along their path.

Joining support groups and forums

The benefits of community support can outweigh the stigma of tooth loss. Dental support groups or online forums for dental implants are out there to engage with. Connecting with other dental patients can ease the emotional burden and social isolation you feel after tooth loss. Online communities can also share practical coping strategies and advice.

Try joining an online community for support. You can even join our Facebook group to talk to real ClearChoice patients about their experiences.

Get smiling again

It's crucial to address missing teeth promptly and seek professional treatment. Not only can dental implant treatment restore your oral health; it can restore your way of life.

Visit our website or call to schedule your consultation today.

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Frequently asked questions

How do missing teeth affect face shape?

Without the support of teeth, the facial tissues in your cheeks can start to sag and create a more aged appearance.

How does losing teeth affect my jawbone?

Your tooth root sends signals to your jaw to stimulate growth when you bite or chew. When you lose a tooth, the bone supporting it starts to shrink due to lack of stimulation. This leads to a gradual change in your jaw structure and facial appearance.

What are the signs that my face shape is changing due to missing teeth?

You may notice a sunken look on the face around the area where teeth are missing, as the jawbone recedes. You may also notice thinning lips, drooping jowls, and more prominent wrinkles without the support of teeth and jawbone tissue.

Can I reverse facial changes caused by tooth loss?

Yes, dental implant restoration can renew the structure of your face. The implants anchor into the jawbone, providing support for prosthetic teeth and stimulating the jaw.

What are the best options to restore my facial structure after losing teeth?

While dentures or bridges can help, dental implant treatment is considered the gold standard. They provide a permanent foundation to restore the look and function of your mouth.