How to prevent dentures causing premature facial aging
The transition from natural teeth to dentures can often be a distressing process that has both physical and psychological implications for the denture wearer. Although it is estimated that approximately one third of the world population wears some form of denture or dental implant, there is very little information that specifically addresses the emotional impact of tooth loss and the negative effect that wearing dentures can have on an individuals self esteem. This is mainly due to the observation that dentures and denture wear is often associated with old age, the stereotypical denture wearer being physically decrepit sporting a particularly poor fitting denture that slips out when they attempt to talk.
It is because of the negative associations that have become affiliated with denture wear that many denture wearers prefer to actively avoid addressing denture related issues, ignoring denture related problems and concerns as a result of the shame and embarrassment that has become associated with wearing false teeth. In fact, you could go as far to say that subject of dentures is as equally taboo as asking someone their age based on the fact that we subconsciously assume that only elderly people need dentures. Although we all know that this stereotype is unrealistic and has been perpetuated and reinforced by the worlds media and their marketing efficacy, we cannot help but feel saddened and disillusioned when we are faced with the prospect of losing something so personally important as our teeth. So we can safely conclude that the aging effect of wearing a denture and the implications that aging has on ones physical appearance, represents a fundamental issue of concern within the denture wearing community.
In order to confront this issue and provide denture wearers with a valuable source of support concerning the subject of facial aging caused by dentures, I have developed an easy to follow 5 step plan that will demonstrate how you can prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles caused by denture wear and reduce the appearance of existing ones. Not only will you notice a significant improvement in terms of facial aging, you will also notice that your denture will appear more natural looking.
Firstly we need to examine why wearing a denture can enhance the appearance of premature facial aging.
Step 1: Getting the right fit
Probably the most important aspect of denture wear within the context of premature aging is the “fit” of the denture in terms the sizing of the denture and how well the denture sits on the gums and ridges. This is because it is the teeth and gums constitute the supportive structures that determine the appearance of the lower part of the face. Any good dentist or denturist can identify an ill-fitted denture simply through visually examining the denture wearer’s facial features and expressions.
A patient wearing an ill-fitting denture often displays the following symptoms;
- An inability to pronounce certain words and phases
- A compulsion to bite down on the denture when in conversation
- Drooping and thinning of the top lip
- Fine lines around the lips and mouth area through the frequent tensing of facial muscles
- A reduced distance between the nose and chin
It can therefore be established that wearing a denture that it is not a properly tailored to the suit the denture wearers personal requirements will significantly increase the probability of displaying some of the outlined symptoms. It is important to note that because the gums and supportive structures change over time, a denture typically needs replacing every 3 to 5 years. As we progress through the aging process, our gums and ridges begin to shrink and recede which often results in denture slippage and movement, forcing the denture wearer to continuously bite down on the denture in order to keep it in place. It is the frequent tensing of the facial muscles that will ultimately enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a very similar effect that smoking has on facial aging.
As a denture wearer if you begin to exhibit any of these symptoms you must seek a consultation with your dentist or denturist so that he or she can adjust the fit of your denture to accommodate any changes that you have experienced. It is important to remember that the longer you wear an ill-fitting denture the more likely you are to demonstrate the symptoms of premature aging. Think prevention is better the cure!
Step 2: Practising a good gum care routine
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding denture wear concerns the belief that because you have lost some or all of your natural teeth, taking care of your gums is no longer a necessary requirement of your oral care routine (why pay attention to gums when there are no longer any teeth!). In reality, actively taking steps to ensure that your gums remain in good health is absolutely vital in terms of preventing and improving the appearance premature aging caused by denture wear. This is based on the premise that neglected gums are more likely to recede at a faster rate than gums that receive the right level of care and attention.
It can therefore be established that as the gums and ridges essentially serve as the foundational structures upon which dentures are designed to fit, maintaining them correctly will also serve to ensure that you retain the right denture fit for a longer period of time. This will in turn, prevent the sensation of denture looseness that is primarily responsible for the development of the previously identified symptoms that are indicative of facial aging.
For more information concerning gum care and the most effective gum care routine for denture wearers please read my article entitled “4 Easy Steps to Caring For My Denture”.
Step 3: Exercising the facial muscles
One of the primary concerns for denture wearers relates to the changes in facial expressions that are caused by the presence of a foreign object in the mouth. As you adjust to your dentures, your tongue and cheek muscles will attempt to repel the denture as they would any foreign body which may often result in the sensation of denture looseness. However over time, your facial muscles will actually aid in holding the denture in place, resulting in an over-all improvement in fit that is integral to preventing premature aging. It is therefore vital that steps are taken to promote the strength of the facial muscles based on the observation that it is the propensity of these muscles to secure the denture in place that accelerates the rate of denture adjustment.
There are many facial toning exercises that claim to prevent the emergence of fine lines, wrinkles and general facial sagging that is indicative of premature aging and these exercises are equally as effective when strengthening the facial muscles for denture adjustment.
Here is a selection of facial exercises that are designed to promote blood flow, improve circulation and tone the facial muscles that are responsible for holding the denture in place.
- Bring your lips together as you would when kissing and lift them in an upwards motion towards the tip of your nose. You should try to hold this position for 7 seconds. Repeat this five times.
- With your denture teeth and lips together, smile widely without opening your mouth. You should maintain this position for at least 7 seconds and repeat five times.
- Relax the face and gently suck in the cheeks. Hold this position for a couple of seconds before relaxing. Repeat this at least five times.
- Form your lips on to an “o” shaped kissing position and gently curl your lips under your denture teeth. Hold this position for at least five seconds before releasing. Repeat this five times.
- In front of the mirror, gently massage your cheeks in a circular motion, changing direction every ten seconds. Repeat this process for 50 seconds.
Through simply practising these exercises once a day you will begin to notice a significant improvement in the look and feel of the lower half of your face, accelerating the denture adjustment process making for a more natural and comfortable fit.
Step 4: Choosing the right cleaning products
Ensuring that your denture is cleaned properly on a regularly basis forms a fundamental part of your denture care routine. This based on the premise that failing to adopt good cleaning practices cannot only increase the probability of developing painful oral sores and bacterial infection it can also significantly shorten the lifespan of your denture. This is because like natural teeth, your dentures are susceptible to damage caused by certain corrosive agents that are present in many western diets, the main culprits being sugar and harmful acids which are present in many diet drinks and fruit based smoothies.
The frequent exposure of denture teeth to these agents and failing to ensure that denture teeth are properly cleaned leads to a build up of plaque and tartar that ultimately results in serious tooth decay. It is the decay that is caused by corrosive agents that leads to what we describe as the “shortening” of the denture teeth creating an ill-fitting denture which encourages the denture wearer to tense the facial muscles and thus enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It would appear that the solution to this problem is obvious, eat certain foods and drinks in moderation and ensure that denture teeth are brushed thoroughly on a twice daily basis and soaked in a cleansing solution at least once a week. However, you may be interested to know that the most corrosive and therefore harmful chemical substance to dentures in terms of preserving their durability is “hypochlorite”, which is most commonly referred to as bleach. It is somewhat ironic that the vast majority of denture cleaning products that are especially designed to clean dentures contain significant amounts of this powerful chemical!
Most commonly found in denture tablets, bleach based denture cleaning products significantly weaken the structure of the denture, increasing the probability of denture breaks and fractures and dramatically accelerating the process of denture decay. As part of our practice, we have seen a new denture be destroyed in as little as6 monthsthrough the frequent usage of bleach based products, actually reducing the lifespan of a denture by 120%. So you can imagine the financial costs incurred to patients who have incorporated bleach based cleaners in to their denture care routine! It was in response to these observations that initially led our organisation to develop our very own "denturebond" denture cleaning system that is designed to deliver maximum cleaning power whist remaining 100% free from bleaching agents.
The negative effects of bleach also has significant implications with regards to denture aging process as it is the “shortening” of the denture teeth caused by high levels of decay that represents the most prominent causal factor leading to the appearance of premature aging. It is therefore vital that these products are avoided at all costs from both a financial and aesthetic perspective.
Step 5: Skin Care
I cannot place enough emphasis on the importance of adopting a proper daily skin care routine in the battle against facial aging. Many people take for granted the benefits that can be obtained through simply ensuring that skin is thoroughly cleansed, regularly toned and moisturised. There are a variety of expensive anti- aging skin products that promise to eradicate fine lines and wrinkles as effectively as surgical face lift, many of which are designed to perform one simple action which is to keep the skin hydrated. This is based on the observation that it is de-hydrated skin that is lacking in moisture that is most susceptible to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles as dry, porous skin does not yield the level of elasticity required to recover from the aging effects of facial expression.
As a denture wearer, taking steps to ensure that your skin (especially around the mouth, cheeks and chin area) is kept supple and hydrated, will both prevent and improve any noticeable lines and wrinkles that have emerged through wearing an ill-fitted denture. Even if your denture retains the perfect fit, you must still adopt a good daily skin care routine, as at some point in the future you will require a new denture due to the structural changes of the gums and ridges that occur as part of the aging process. This will completely eliminate or significantly reduce the probability that you will develop any of the symptoms listed here previously that are indicative of premature facial aging.
I would recommend that you purchase a good skin cleanser to remove the build up of daily grime or make-up, a skin tonner that is designed to promote even skin tone, and a good quality moisturiser too keep the skin supple and hydrated. It is important to note that you do not have to spend a small fortune on these products as there are many inexpensive moisturisers on the market that provide the same benefits as the costly ones. All you need to do is follow these three simple steps on a twice daily basis, first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I also suggest that skin should be exfoliated at least once a week in order to prevent and remove the build up of dead skin cells.
In conclusion to this article, I sincerely hope that the tips that I have provided not only improve the appearance of your denture but also make you feel a lot more confident about being a denture wearer. It is important to keep in mind that wearing a denture does not indicate the onset of old age and general physical deterioration, it is simply a lifestyle change that with time you will become accustomed too. Good Luck!
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