Will Dentures Change How I Look?

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

man sitting on park bench contemplating if dentures will make him look olderThe short answer is yes. Dentures do change most peoples’ appearance, and for many, this is part of the goal – changing their appearance for the better.

The goal when designing and fitting dentures is a natural look.

However, this is dependent on working with a skilled denture dentist, ideally with a proven track record of success in cases similar to yours. The structure and harmony of your face is a delicate balanced; poorly designed or ill fitting dentures can make a patient look older by distorting their natural proportions or failing to support the lips and cheeks.

Will Dentures Change the Shape of My Face?

Almost always yes, to some extent, and usually for the better. If you have lived with missing teeth, your facial muscles have likely sagged as a result. Well designed and properly fitted dentures act as a support for your facial features.

  • Properly angled teeth support the lips, smoothing out fine lines
  • Dentures restore the width of your smile, preventing any “hollowed out” appearance

Can Dentures Make Me Look Older?

Not if designed correctly. But it’s important to note that dentures can contribute to an aged appearance over time. They don’t stimulate the jawbone like real teeth, which can lead to bone shrinking, shifting your facial structure.

Some common ways include:

  • Nose and chin moving together
  • Skin around your mouth sagging and folding
  • Chin protrusion

Many patients choose implant-supported dentures to counter this. The implants act like natural roots, keeping the bone active and preventing some of the issues that makes you look older.

Are Dentures Noticeable to Others?

Well fitted dentures are generally not noticeable. Poorly fitted dentures can be very noticeable, illustrating why it’s important to choose the right dentist for your needs.

Once fitted, dentures should not be noticeable to others unless they slip, click, or shift while you’re wearing them.

At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we always get you a custom-fitted denture that’s virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Can Dentures Fix My Overbite?

Sometimes. In some – but not all – cases, a skilled dentist with a track record in restorative care can use dentures to significantly improve your profile and bite.

 

 
Type of Overbite
Can Dentures Fix It?
Dental overbite – misaligned or missing teeth.
In some cases. A dentist can custom-angle the denture teeth to “reset” your bite into a natural position.
Skeletal overbite – the shape or position of the jawbone.
Dentures can mask the appearance, but they cannot physically move the bone.

What Are the Keys to Achieving a Natural Look with Dentures?

A great smile isn’t about perfection – it’s about looking natural. Our goal is to help you look like you again. Here’s how we do that:

  • Matching your natural features: These aren’t your grandparents’ dentures. We carefully select tooth shapes and shades that complement you. The goal is a bright, healthy smile that looks authentic.
  • Restoring your facial shape: Tooth loss can lead to appearances that are described as “hollow,” “sunken,” or “collapsed.” We fit dentures to provide the right amount of support to restore what was lost.
  • We listen to you: Every smile is unique. If you have a memory or photo that might be helpful, bring it up during our consultation. After all, we’re here for you.

Can Dentures Make Me Look Good?

Yes – absolutely. When you work with an experienced denture dentist, the results are overwhelmingly positive from a perspective of restoring your appearance – and your confidence. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we work with denture patients frequently and witness it firsthand, and we’re proud of the positive impact it makes on our patients’ lives.

For more information, we offer denture consultations in Vancouver WA. Call or email us today to schedule yours and see how dentures can change your life!

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