Losing teeth can change more than just your smile. It can also change the shape of your face. This might make you look older or tired. But many people wonder—can dental implants restore face shape? The simple answer is yes, in many cases, they can.
Dental implants don’t just replace missing teeth. They also help support your facial structure and stop bone loss. In this article, we’ll explain how implants work, how they help your face, and what results to expect.
How Tooth Loss Affects Your Face
When teeth are lost, the bone around them begins to shrink. This process is called bone resorption. Without teeth, your jawbone no longer gets the signals it needs to stay strong.
Over time, this causes changes to the lower part of your face. You may notice:
- Wrinkles around your mouth
- Sunken cheeks
- Thinner lips
- A shorter-looking face
- A sagging jawline
These changes can make you look older, even if you are still young.
Can I Get Dental Implants Years After an Extraction
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal post that is placed into the jawbone. It works like a natural tooth root. On top of this post, a crown or bridge is added. This replaces the visible part of the tooth.
If you’re considering implants, an NHS Dentist in Aberdeen can assess your oral health and advise if implants are right for you. Dental implants are strong, long-lasting, and look just like real teeth. But the best part? They help keep the jawbone active and healthy.
Can I Drink Alcohol After Dental Implant?
Do Implants Really Help Your Face Shape?
Yes, they do. Here’s how dental implants help restore your face shape:
1. They Stop Bone Loss
When you chew, your teeth press into the jawbone. This helps the bone stay strong. Implants copy this action. They keep the jawbone active and stop it from shrinking. That’s the first step in keeping your face full and firm.
2. They Support Your Cheeks and Lips
Missing teeth can cause your cheeks to fall inward. This gives the face a sunken look. When implants are placed and crowns are added, they support the soft tissues around the mouth. This helps your face look more balanced and youthful.
3. They Keep Your Bite Height
Tooth loss can lower the height of your bite. This can change how your top and bottom jaws meet. Over time, your face may look shorter. Implants can rebuild this height, giving your face a better structure.
Can Dental Implants Cause Ear Pain?
Implants vs Dentures
Dentures also replace missing teeth. But they sit on top of the gums and don’t connect to the bone. This means they can’t stop bone loss like implants do.
Dentures can sometimes improve the look of your face, but only on the surface. Implants work deeper, helping both the bone and soft tissues.
Some people choose implant-supported dentures. These give the best of both worlds—support and stability, along with better facial shape.
What If You’ve Already Lost Bone?
If you’ve had missing teeth for a long time, you might already have some bone loss. In many cases, your dentist can still place implants. You may need a procedure called bone grafting first. This helps rebuild the jawbone so it can hold the implants.
Can I Eat Bread After a Dental Implant
How Soon Will You See Changes?
Every patient is different. But many people notice a change in their face shape within a few months after the implants are placed and healed. Once the crowns are fitted, your cheeks and lips will look more supported. This can make a big difference in your overall appearance.
Do Dental Implants Make You Look Younger?
They can. Because they support the face from the inside, implants often reduce wrinkles, stop sagging, and restore fullness. All of these effects help turn back the clock and give you a more youthful look.
How Many Teeth Can One Implant Replace?
Final Thoughts
So, can dental implants restore face shape? Yes. They do more than just fill gaps in your smile. They help rebuild your face from the inside out. By stopping bone loss and supporting soft tissues, implants help you look more like yourself again.
If you’re missing teeth and feel like your face has changed, dental implants may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dental implants help with sunken cheeks?
Dental implants support your jawbone and replace lost teeth. This gives your cheeks something to rest on, helping them look fuller. Without implants, your cheeks may sink in, making your face look older or tired.
Will I look the same after getting implants?
You may not look exactly the same, but your face can look fuller and more balanced. Dental implants help restore natural face shape and support the lips, cheeks, and jawline.
Can implants stop my jaw from shrinking?
Yes. Implants are placed in the jawbone, which helps stop bone loss. They keep the bone active, just like real teeth do. This helps keep your face shape strong and healthy.
Do I need a full set of implants to see changes?
Not always. Even a few implants in key spots can help support your facial structure. Your dentist will guide you on the best number of implants for your needs
Are the results of dental implants permanent for face shape?
If you care for your implants properly, they can last many years and help keep your face shape. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are key to long-term success.
