Did you know that in the United States, on average, adults lose 12 teeth by the time they turn 50? Unfortunately, about 26% of Americans have lost all of them once they’re 74 years old. It’s natural to be shocked by these statistics, but the truth is that tooth loss is a common part of the aging process.
It’s important to replace your teeth with a restoration like dental implants sooner rather than later because otherwise, the gaps in your grin can affect your facial structure. Continue reading to learn about four changes that can occur after teeth go missing!
Alteration #1: Thinning Jawbone
Many patients don’t realize that their jaw begins to deteriorate without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth every time they bite down. In fact, up to 25% of the bone density can be lost in the first year after a tooth falls out. You might not think this is a big deal, but if left unaddressed, this degradation eventually causes additional tooth loss.
To make matters worse, your weakening jawbone can give your face a more sunken appearance. As the jawbone height lowers, it subverts the angles of your face and makes your nose seem larger in comparison.
Alteration #2: Additional Wrinkles
Another change that happens when your jaw starts to erode is that the muscles and ligaments connected to it start to loosen and grow lax. Your cheeks may look droopy as the soft tissues begin to sag. This causes additional vertical lines on your cheeks and at the corners of your lips, making you look older than you feel.
Alteration #3: Thinning Lips
Tooth loss and a thinning jawbone can also lead to flatter, thinner-looking lips. This occurs as the muscles around your mouth weaken. The loss of elasticity in the supporting structures that control your lips can lead to a permanently frowning expression, regardless of your mood. Plus, without a complete set of teeth to form a firm foundation, your lips elongate and stretch, adding years to your appearance.
Alteration #4: Bite Misalignment
Your remaining natural teeth are prone to shifting out of their proper positions to fill in the holes left behind by their missing counterparts. This dental drifting can negatively impact both your oral health and your visage. Your enamel can wear down unevenly or prematurely, leaving you vulnerable to decay or injuries. Bite misalignments can also cause your jaw to jut forward, resulting in a more pointed-looking chin.
Thankfully, dental implants include a titanium rod inserted directly into your jawbone to protect and preserve your dental health and facial structure!
About the Author
Dr. Jordan Hardin is passionate about helping people enhance the quality of their daily lives by improving their oral condition. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry and stays on top of the latest dental technology and techniques with ongoing educational courses. He offers a full range of services and has the training and equipment required to perform the dental implant procedure in the office. If you’ve suffered from tooth loss and are looking for replacements, you can request a consultation on the website or call (972) 964-8989.