The connection between the teeth and facial aging

Summary

1. How does the aging of the face happen?
2. What are the factors responsible?
3. What are the consequences of tooth loss?
4. What are the techniques available to replace lost teeth?
5. What are the impacts of these techniques?
6. What are the techniques available to delay aging?

How does the aging of the face happen?

The face consists of 3 parts:

• The upper part: The forehead
• The middle part: The eyes, the nose, and the maxilla
• The lower part: The mandible and the chin.

Only the lower level is mobile.

The teeth and the jaws support the face. If either or both of them are damaged, it results in the collapse and premature aging of the face.

What are the factors responsible?

• Unreplaced missing teeth can result in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, the accentuation of the nasolabial fold, the collapse of the lips, and the suction effect of the cheeks.
• Poor alignment of the teeth increases the retention of dental plaque and tartar and so the risk of periodontitis.
• Bruxism: It is the grinding of the teeth during the day or night that causes premature dental deterioration. 

        This leads to a reduction of the lower level, and therefore the occlusal vertical dimension.

What are the consequences of tooth loss?

• Premature aging of the face
• Premature deterioration of the remaining teeth

   For example, missing teeth on one side of the mouth ( especially the molars) leads to unilateral mastication on the remaining teeth.

This results in a mechanical overload that increases the risk of tooth fracture. 

• Joint disequilibrium

   When one or more teeth are missing, the adjacent teeth tend to shift and alter the dental occlusion. This change can affect the muscles, tendons, and joints.  

 What are the techniques available to replace lost teeth?

• Removable denture.
• Fixed denture or Bridge.
• Implant.

What are the impacts of these techniques?

• Prevent the remaining teeth from shifting.
• Restore a balanced occlusion preventing any mechanical surcharge.
• Tighten the tissue of the cheeks, lips, nasolabial fold and prevent wrinkles.
• Prevent joint pain.

What are the techniques available to delay aging?

Multiple signs can indicate premature aging: wrinkles, yellow teeth, and reduction of the lower part of the face.

Different techniques made available enable you to get rid of these signs:

• Yellow teeth

Whitening techniques restore a beautiful bright smile that makes you look younger.

• Wrinkles

Hyaluronic acid injection around the mouth and nasolabial fold rehydrates and tightens the skin.

• Reduction of the lower part of the face

Consult your dentist to treat the cause of the dental abrasion and restore the teeth.