When you are missing teeth, you may worry about the impact this has on your smile and bite. However, the problem goes beyond this. Over time, even just a few missing teeth can take a major toll on the appearance of your face. You may find yourself dealing with sunken cheeks and a more hollow appearance.
This change in appearance is the result of evolving jawbone density. While this change can be tough to handle, dental implants can help you reclaim the appearance of your smile and face after tooth loss. But beyond maintaining your appearance, dental implants can also help you preserve your jawbone, which can be difficult to restore otherwise.
In this blog, we’ll explore why missing teeth impact the appearance of your face, how implants can preserve your appearance, and what other prosthetics you should consider before making your final decision.
The Hidden Impact of Bone Loss After Tooth Extraction
Immediately following the loss of one or more teeth, there are a lot of things you’ll find yourself worrying about. You may think about how these missing teeth can change your bite or alter the appearance of your smile. However, it is important to remember that the impact goes beyond what you can see and experience every day.
Losing one or more teeth can also compromise your jawbone. But why is this? The roots of your teeth naturally stimulate the jawbone, ensuring proper bone density. Once the tooth is removed, the jawbone may begin to shrink. In as little as six months, you can lose up to 60% of the bone’s horizontal width and 20% of its vertical height.
Over time, this means changes to the appearance of your face. Beyond this, it can complicate your future dental prosthetic options. If you’ve been considering getting dental implants for your missing teeth but have last jawbone density, you may need to speak to your dental team about potential bone grafting before moving forward with the prosthetics.
Why Missing Teeth Can Make Your Face Look Older
In addition to being concerned about the loss of jawbone, it is only natural to be concerned about changes in your appearance. While missing teeth can alter the appearance of your smile, it may also impact your face over time, making you appear older than you are. This change is the result of a few things, including:
- Shrinking Jawbone: Once the tooth is removed, your body may begin to break down and absorb the bone through a process called resorption. This bone shrinkage leads to a direct change in the appearance of your face.
- Sunken Cheeks: Your jawbone supports the muscles and skin of your face. Without the appropriate bone, this tissue loses its essential support, leading to it sinking inward, creating a hollow, gaunt appearance.
- Reduced Facial Height: If you lose your back teeth, this can cause your lower jaw to rotate upward toward the upper jaw. This bite collapse makes your chin look more prominent and pushes the nose and chin closer together.
- Thinning Lips & Wrinkles: Your front teeth support your lips. Without them in place, your lips fold inward, lose their fullness, and look thinner than they are. This can also result in increased mouth wrinkles.
How Dental Implants Help Preserve Your Natural Face Shape
If you have newly missing teeth, dental implants are the best way to preserve the natural shape and appearance of your face. Much like your natural tooth root, implant posts help to stimulate your jawbone. This stimulation helps you avoid the natural deterioration of your jawbone that you may otherwise experience when losing a tooth.
Additionally, this can help you maintain the appearance of your smile. Unlike some other prosthetic options, dental implants are a great way to preserve the appearance of your smile from before losing your teeth. Your dental team will work hard to ensure your new prosthetic matches the surrounding natural teeth.
If you’ve been worried about your missing teeth and their impact on your facial appearance, dental implants can put your anxiety at ease. With this prosthetic, you can maintain the smile you’re familiar with and love, and don’t have to worry about the problems that come with disregarding treatment for your missing teeth.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Although you may be interested in dental implants, you may also be considering other options to address your missing teeth. The most common prosthetic options include dental bridges and dentures. However, it is important to consider their durability, cost, and the impact on other teeth before making a decision.
| Dental Implants | Dental Bridge | Dentures | |
| Durability | Implants are the most durable option and have an anticipated lifespan of 15 or more years. | High-quality dental bridges are designed to last between 5 and 15 years. | Dentures are generally the least durable, and only have an anticipated lifespan of 5 to 8 years. |
| Cost | As the most expensive dental prosthetic, implants can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per tooth. | Bridges are the mid-tier pricing option for prosthetics, and will generally cost between $2,000 and $5,000. | As the least expensive prosthetic option, a full set of dentures will likely cost you no more than $3,000. |
| Impact on Teeth | They don’t rely on the surrounding teeth, which means they are protected from damage during installation and everyday wear. | The teeth surrounding the bridge need to be ground down before installation, permanently impacting these teeth after installation. | Because they are removable and not reliant on any teeth, there is no impact on your teeth during installation or wear. |
If you’re on the fence about which dental prosthetic is right for replacing your missing teeth, it’s always best to reach out to your dentist for support. With their understanding of your current oral health, budget, and needs, they can help you make the best decision for your long-term comfort.
Find Your Ideal Dental Prosthetic in Bismarck, ND, Today
Whether you want to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or dentures, our team at Bismarck Advanced Dental & Implants is here and ready to help. For almost 20 years, our team has provided expert support to dental patients across the area. From those who are only missing one tooth to individuals who are considering whole-mouth smile transformation, we are committed to supporting you from your first appointment until final installation and fittings.
If you would like to learn more about our prosthetic options to address missing teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.