The appearance of the lower-third of the face is determined by the bite, which includes teeth alignment, jaw position and jaw bone structure.
When teeth wear down or are lost prematurely, or a bite condition progresses without treatment, the results often include a sunken, aged look. Via Smile Columbia Dentistry’s offices in Columbia, SC, our cosmetic dentist Dr. Adam Hahn offer treatments that can alter your facial profile and restore a youthful appearance without surgery.
Your Bite and Facial Aesthetics
In a new video on the Smile Columbia YouTube channel, we discuss the concept of total facial aesthetics and the myriad ways your bite affects your facial appearance.
When teeth are lost to injury or decay, the underlying jaw bone begins to break down. The deteriorating bone density leads the remaining natural teeth to slowly shift, and it eliminates support for the surrounding facial tissue. The cosmetic results may include sunken cheeks, jowls, and sagging skin below the neck.
Teeth that are misaligned or well-worn can also give the appearance that you’re older than you really are. These aesthetic issues may also lead to more serious dental health problems, including an increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease, without treatment.
A New Smile; A Youthful You
In our video, we refer to some cosmetic dentistry procedures as nonsurgical facelifts. This may seem like hyperbole, but these procedures can provide dramatic, lasting results. Two options we explore in the video are porcelain veneers and state-of-the-art dentures.
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of dental ceramic that are bonded to the surfaces of the natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can correct a number of minor aesthetic issues, and they provide a bright, uniform smile.For those with missing teeth, the Denture Fountain of Youth® is a superior alternative to traditional dentures. FOY Dentures are designed based on the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, and they are custom made to work with your unique bite. They offer exceptional function, and they help support facial tissue for a more youthful appearance. They can reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, jowls, turkey neck, and more.
The accomplished cosmetic dentists at Smile Columbia Dentistry can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We take the time to understand your goals, and our treatments are based on considerations of your facial aesthetics as well as your dental health. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile and would like to learn more about your options, please contact us online or call us at (803) 781-9090 to schedule your personal consultation.
