Collapsed Smile

Fix a Collapsed Smile and Reduce the Signs of Aging

When a patient suffers tooth loss, periodontal disease, or a collapse in the vertical dimension of occlusion, it can make their lower face appear smaller or “scrunched.” There will most likely be prominent wrinkles around the mouth. While a surgical facelift can tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, facelifts will not correct the root problem of a collapsed smile — loss of jawbone mass. 

As part of our comprehensive Moderna Smile Makeover, the team at Moderna Smile regularly consults patients on how to best reverse the signs of a collapsed smile. For a consultation, simply contact Moderna Smile today!

How to correct a Collapsed Smile?

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One of the best ways to reverse the appearance of a collapsed smile is through full arch restoration. This process restores missing teeth from an arch and may also include the implantation of jawbone tissue to support dental implants and restore some jawbone density. In most instances of collapsed smile, patients have lost some or most of their natural teeth in an arch. When tooth loss occurs, the jawbone tissue has a tendency to demineralize or "resorb,” resulting in a loss of mass.

This loss of jawbone tissue tends to amplify the appearance of a collapsed smile. With the loss of jawbone mass, the skin around the mouth begins to develop wrinkles known as nasolabial folds. Wrinkles around the mouth are common in individuals in their 60s and 70s since we all lose some jawbone mass over time, but nasolabial folds can also occur to patients much earlier in life, which can cause their outward appearance to be decades older than their actual age.

Who is at Risk of a Collapsed Smile?

Many patients are under the impression that a collapsed smile only occurs in patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. But the loss of one or two teeth can cause a chain reaction where the remaining teeth shift out of place, the jawbone demineralizes, resulting in a collapsed smile. Therefore, anyone who has lost a tooth or is at risk of periodontal disease can develop symptoms of a collapsed smile.

Even worn teeth can cause a shrunken smile. All that is needed for a smile to begin to appear collapsed or ”shrunken” is a loss of jawbone and/or tooth material. With the lost volume in the facial region, the surrounding skin develops wrinkles, which further contributes to the visible signs of aging.

If you have a history of tooth loss, gingivitis, or periodontal disease, you should make a point of attending regular checkups with your dentist. Even if you've lost one tooth, having a restoration such as a crown, bridge, or implant placed can greatly reduce your risk of developing a collapsed smile.

Request a Consultation for a Collapsed Smile

Tooth loss and periodontal disease don't just rob you of an attractive smile; a collapsed smile can also affect your entire facial appearance, adding years (or even decades) to your perceived age. The team at Moderna Smile is here to help.

If you are concerned about how a collapsing smile is affecting your looks, contact Moderna Smile in Miami for a consultation. We've helped many patients turn back the clock on their perceived age and we can help you, too!