Fighting Facial Asymmetry

Facial Sagging and Asymmetry

As we age, it’s normal for the skin to lose elasticity and for bone density to decrease, leading to facial sagging. However, dental health can significantly affect how pronounced these changes become. When teeth are missing or misaligned, the surrounding muscles and tissues may not receive the support they need, causing the face to appear uneven or hollowed.

Improper bites or teeth alignment problems  can also lead to asymmetry. When teeth don’t meet correctly, it can create an imbalance in the way muscles work on either side of the face, leading to one side looking more developed than the other. Over time, this can result in a noticeably uneven appearance.

The Effects of Tooth Extraction on Appearance

Tooth extractions, whether due to decay, gum disease, or overcrowding, can have a significant impact on facial appearance. When a tooth is removed, the bone that once supported it begins to resorb or shrink, resulting in a loss of volume in the face. This can cause the cheeks to appear sunken, the jawline to soften, and overall sagging around the mouth.

The impact is more pronounced when multiple teeth are removed, as this can lead to a more dramatic loss of bone density. For example, losing several back teeth may cause the lower face to collapse inward, leading to wrinkles around the mouth and a more aged appearance. Missing front teeth, on the other hand, can result in a flattened or hollow look, making the lips appear thinner and less supported.

Impact of Wisdom Teeth Removal and Other Extractions

Wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent overcrowding, infection, or misalignment. In most cases, the removal of these third molars doesn’t significantly alter facial structure, as they’re located at the back of the jaw. However, when all four upper and lower wisdom teeth are extracted, there’s a possibility of creating excessive space in the jaw, which can, in some cases, contribute to slight changes in facial fullness or symmetry.

Extractions of other teeth, especially in the front or middle sections, have a more noticeable impact on facial appearance. For example, when teeth are removed due to severe decay or injury, the jawbone may shrink, causing changes in facial contours and increasing the likelihood of sagging skin.

Using Dentures and Implants to Restore Facial Structure

The good news is that dental solutions like dentures and implants can help counteract the effects of tooth loss on facial aesthetics.

Dental implants, which are titanium posts inserted into the jawbone, act like natural tooth roots. They help preserve bone density and maintain facial structure by stimulating the bone. This prevents the sunken, sagging look that often occurs with missing teeth.

Dentures, on the other hand, provide a more cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth. While they don’t stimulate the bone in the same way as implants, modern partial dentures are designed to support the facial muscles, especially if there has been teeth extracted, providing a more youthful appearance and helping to prevent the face from collapsing inward.

Choosing between dentures and implants often depends on individual circumstances, but both options can restore volume to the face and prevent further sagging, giving a more balanced, symmetrical look.

Braces and Aligners: Addressing improper bites and Asymmetry

Braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, play a crucial role in correcting malocclusions and improving facial symmetry. By aligning the teeth, these orthodontic treatments help ensure that the bite functions correctly, which in turn supports the surrounding muscles and tissues.

When teeth are aligned properly, the jaw is better positioned, leading to a more balanced and harmonious appearance. This is particularly beneficial for those with noticeable asymmetry caused by crooked or overcrowded teeth, as braces can gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions, enhancing both dental function and facial aesthetics.