Facial aging is more than skin deep

Typical signs of facial aging include loss of volume and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, droopy eyelids, dryness and an uneven complexion. However, facial aging is much more than just skin deep; the shape of the skull and jawbone also contributes to how youthful the facial profile appears.

How the jaw affects the appearance

The jaw is the foundation on which the entire face is built. With increasing age, jawbone volume decreases, reducing support to the soft tissue of the lower face, resulting in a loss of jaw definition. Combined with the loss of elasticity in the skin, this produces the appearance of sagging.

When the jaw is optimally aligned, the upper and lower rows of teeth sit neatly, creating a youthful profile. If the jaw is sub-optimally aligned, this can prematurely age the face.

What determines the position of the jaw?

The position of the jaw is generally a combination of genetics and environmental factors (e.g., sucking on a dummy as a young child). If the jaw isn’t in the correct position, it can result in an abnormal ‘bite’ (how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed). A healthy bite means that the upper row of teeth fits just over the lower row of teeth and the jawline looks natural and youthful.

Different kinds of jaw misalignment

All misaligned bites have an aging effect on the appearance – overbites (when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth) create a round face with a weak chin, underbites (where the lower jaw and teeth overlap the upper teeth) cause a prominent chin and open bites (where there is a gap between the top and bottom rows of teeth at the front) create a long face. Some of these, for instance, an overbite, will only worsen with age as the teeth become worn down. People with misaligned bites tend not to be overly happy with their smile and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence issues.

Non-surgical treatment to align the jaw

Surgical face lifts and cosmetic dentistry are popular anti-aging treatment options. However, these are associated with significant treatment time and long recovery periods. Some cosmetic dentistry procedures can even damage the teeth, for instance, porcelain veneers.

Most people don’t realise the jaw can actually be realigned without jaw surgery. This non-surgical treatment is carried out by the highly experienced team at Face Lift Dentistry in exclusive private treatment rooms with the latest equipment and in a sterilised and safe environment. Without the need for a long-term commitment to braces or any damage to existing healthy teeth, this non-surgical treatment creates the best face shape for maximum health and facial aesthetic benefits.

A more youthful appearance can be achieved in as little as two weeks with a non-invasive jaw alignment treatment. Using patented technology, JawTrac® can move the jaw into its best position, ensuring an attractive jawline, a corrected bite and a beautiful natural-looking smile.

JawTrac® Jaw Alignment

Computer simulation allows people to see what they will look like with their realigned jaw before the treatment even begins. The jaw is then aligned using a non-invasive procedure with results often seen within a couple of weeks.

VENLAY® Bite Restoration

This tailor-made porcelain bite restoration treatment restores a natural bite while protecting existing teeth from getting filed down. VENLAY® Bite Restoration can correct all types of a misaligned bite.

Health benefits of an aligned jaw

As well as improving facial aesthetics, a realigned jaw can also improve dental health prospects and other general health conditions. Misaligned bites can affect dental health as they result in an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. There is also a greater chance of tooth damage from habits such as teeth grinding (often at night, during sleep).

An uneven jaw also adds stress to the joint where the upper and lower jaws meet (the temporomandibular joint – ‘TMJ’), which can cause TMJ disorder, which causes jaw pain that can radiate through the neck, shoulders and back. TMJ disorder can also cause bad headaches and migraines.

Other health problems that can be improved by an aligned jaw include better sleep quality, improved digestion due to more effective chewing and lower risk of cardiovascular problems linked with gum disease.

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