Anti-Aging
How Your Teeth Affect Facial Aging (and What Helps)
By Dr. Darrell J. Morton, DMD, MBA, FAGD · · 6 min read
When people think about looking younger, they usually think about skin. But the structure underneath, your teeth and jaw, plays a surprisingly large role in how your face ages.
The dental side of aging
Over decades, teeth naturally wear down and shorten. Missing teeth allow the jawbone to shrink. Both reduce the distance between your nose and chin and remove support from the lips and cheeks. The result can include:
- Deeper smile lines and marionette lines
- Thinner-looking lips
- Corners of the mouth that turn down
- A smile that shows fewer upper teeth
Restoring support from the inside out
Rebuilding tooth length and shape with crowns, veneers or implants can visibly restore support to the lower face. It’s sometimes described as a “non-surgical facelift,” and while it isn’t a substitute for surgery, patients are often surprised how much fresher they look once their bite and teeth are restored.
Where Botox and fillers fit in
Once the foundation is right, Botox and dermal fillers can soften remaining lines and add subtle volume. Dr. Morton is certified in facial esthetics by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Because dentists work with the muscles and nerves of the face every day, he can plan injectables alongside your smile so everything looks balanced.
Botox is also used therapeutically to ease jaw clenching and certain types of TMJ discomfort, a common concern for adults over 45.
Natural, not “done”
Our goal is always a result that looks like you on a great day, not like you had work done. That starts with listening to what bothers you and building a plan around it.
Curious what might help? Book a free consultation and we’ll talk through your goals, your options and what to realistically expect.
