Facial collapse is a long-term consequence of missing most or all of your teeth. Your teeth and jawbone work together to support the structure of your face.
When you lose teeth or have to get them extracted due to infection or decay, your existing teeth shift position in your mouth and your jawbone deteriorates over time.
This causes your chin and cheeks to sink, leading to sagging skin, wrinkles, and often the appearance of an underbite.
Dentures and Facial Collapse
Dentures are prosthetic teeth set in an acrylic base that matches the color of your gums. They are held in place by suction rather than being surgically placed.
While dentures give you back your full smile and restore some of your ability to chew and speak normally, they do not prevent jawbone deterioration.
Without natural teeth, your jaw will change shape over time. This not only leads to facial collapse, but also causes your dentures to stop fitting properly. As a result, dentures typically need to be refitted and replaced every five to seven years.
Alternatives to Dentures
For many years, dentures were the only option for people missing most or all of their teeth. Luckily, innovations in restorative dentistry have given rise to multiple alternatives to traditional removable dentures.
Dental implants are the most effective way to restore the form and function of your teeth, prevent jawbone deterioration, and support the structure of your face. Dental implants are titanium posts that are screwed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots.
Implants can support individual crowns as well as partial or complete bridges, or even an entire set of replacement teeth with the all-on-4 treatment method.
Implant-supported restorations are permanent solutions to having few or no teeth, and because they are surgically placed in your jaw unlike dentures, they maintain the structural integrity of your jawbone and prevent facial collapse. Contact our office today to learn more.
About Us - Tuscumbia, AL • Singing River Dentistry Click here to learn more about all aspects of our practice at Singing River Dentistry in Tuscumbia, AL. Singing River Dentistry, 121 E 6th St, Tuscumbia, AL 35674-2413 \ 256-712-2240 \ tuscumbia.singingriverdentistry.com \ 5/13/2025 \ Page Keywords: dentist Tuscumbia AL \
Facial collapse is a long-term consequence of missing most or all of your teeth. Your teeth and jawbone work together to support the structure of your face.