Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing MI
One of the biggest concerns about dentures is whether it will change your appearance. People considering dentures may wonder if others will notice a difference in their smile, and not in a good way. Since the type of dentures you choose can have a dramatic impact on your appearance, it’s best to research your options. When you opt for poorly fitted or cheap dentures, your appearance could dramatically change for the worse. Therefore our Okemos dentist who makes custom dentures, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares on the blog today how dentures could change your looks and shares an alternative tooth replacement option that could help boost your confidence.
Sagging Face
One of traditional dentures’ most common adverse side effects is a sagging face. In addition, many patients experience turkey neck, hanging jowls, or deep facial folds accompanied by wrinkles. Our Lansing dentist explains that sagging face conditions are due to dentures not entirely replacing the same amount of volume in the lower face because of bone resorption and tooth loss. As a result, even though you have the same amount of skin, muscles, tissue, and fat pockets, you no longer have the underlying support structure necessary to fill in your facial features.
Sunken Lips
Some patients experience excess tissue around the mouth that causes the cheeks and lips to roll inwards. Unfortunately, this creates a hollow, sunken appearance around your mouth. In fact, closing your lips may be challenging, or your lips may prematurely wrinkle.
Jawbone Loss
Your chin shape depends on fat and muscle composition and the supporting jawbone. Wearing dentures may cause your jaw bone to lose volume, including your chin area. Our East Lansing dentist explains that volume loss causes muscle changes that force fat and other muscles to move downward. The result is a sagging chin, which may look unfavorable and make you feel self-conscious.
Puffy Lips and Cheeks
in addition to providing the ability to bite and chew food, dentures should adequately support your lips and cheeks. When dentures are too big, they can make your lips and cheeks look too puffy. On the other hand, too short dentures may cause the cheeks and lips to fold. Although properly fitted dentures can reduce the puffy look, some patients may still experience the side effect of denture flanges that fit snugly around the gums.
Crooked Jaw
Properly fitted dentures aim to maintain your natural jaw alignment to reduce jaw joint strain. However, when dentures fit improperly, they can misalign your jaw and tilt it to one side or the other, potentially causing conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ/TMD. Our Okemos dentist explains that although the difference may not be evident at first, you may begin to realize it when you notice jaw pain or become aware that the tilt increased because of denture wear.
It is for these reasons that patients considering dentures should choose one of the best dentists in Okemos. Dr. Tenaglia offers custom dentures designed to look and feel natural, taking into account your jaw alignment and bite for the most comfortable fit. However, if you’d like to learn more about alternatives to dentures, the All on 4 implant system may be right for you.
How All on 4 Can Help
All on four dental implants can change a denture wearer’s life. The procedure requires the surgical placement of four dental implants, four in each jawbone, to anchor dentures or a specially crafted dental bridge and provide a secure, comfortable fit. Since the implants fuse with your jaw bone, not only do they provide security, but they also stimulate the underlying jaw bone to reduce jawbone resorption. The implants anchor the single unit replacement teeth on each dental arch, making chewing, biting, and speaking comfortable and easy. Therefore, you should no longer experience embarrassing situations like slippage when speaking or eating.
All on 4 Dentures in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Don’t fall victim to denture face! Instead, rejuvenate your appearance with implant-supported dentures or the All on 4 implant system. Not only will it improve your smile aesthetics, but it will help maintain your facial shape. In addition, you no longer have to worry about ill-fitting or cheap-looking dentures that could alter your looks. Please contact our dentist who offers dental implants in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, to schedule a consultation and determine which tooth replacement option is best for your oral health and appearance. Feel free to call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.