Traditional dentures replace missing teeth and restore basic function, but they often fail to fully restore the natural aesthetic appearance lost due to the teeth and underlying bone structure changes. Tooth loss causes the jawbone to resorb, leading to progressive changes in facial shape. Modern dental technology now incorporates a deeper understanding of the entire oral-facial system to address these complex aesthetic and functional deficits. This newer generation of prosthetics, called facelift dentures, aims to restore the youthful contour of the face by precisely balancing the jaw, muscles, and soft tissues.
Defining Facelift Dentures
Facelift dentures are specialized dental appliances created using the principles of neuromuscular dentistry. The term “facelift” refers to the non-surgical enhancement of the lower third of the face, not a surgical procedure. These dentures prioritize finding the most relaxed and functional position for the jaw, providing optimal support for the surrounding facial muscles. By achieving this ideal balance, the appliance can reduce the appearance of facial folds, wrinkles, and jowling associated with tooth and bone loss.
The focus on muscle function and a physiologically correct jaw alignment differentiates them from standard appliances. Dentists trained in this technique ensure the bite is built where the muscles operate most efficiently. The result is a denture that replaces teeth and helps prevent the sagging facial appearance associated with traditional methods.
The Role of Vertical Dimension in Facial Support
The appearance of the lower face is intrinsically linked to a measurement known as the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO), which is the specific distance between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are in maximum contact. When a patient loses teeth, the supporting alveolar bone begins to resorb, which causes a decrease in this vertical measurement. This loss of VDO causes the lower third of the face to compress inward, a phenomenon sometimes called the “accordion effect”.
A collapsed VDO leads to a shortened facial height, thinning of the lips, and the development of deep wrinkles or marionette lines around the mouth and chin. The specialized design of facelift dentures centers on precisely measuring and restoring the optimal VDO to its correct physiological height. Restoring this dimension effectively pushes the jaw and facial muscles back to their resting length, providing the underlying structure that smooths out the soft tissues. This corrected mandibular position reduces the “sunken in” appearance and restores more youthful facial proportions.
The determination of this optimal vertical position is based on the relationship between the VDO and the Vertical Dimension at Rest, which is the jaw’s position when the muscles are fully relaxed. By using sophisticated diagnostic tools, the neuromuscular dentist can locate the precise point where the jaw muscles are at their lowest level of electrical activity. This position ensures that the dentures are fabricated to support the jaw at its most comfortable and functional muscular length.
Comparison to Standard Denture Design
Traditional dentures are typically fabricated using a simple impression of the gums and focus primarily on the replacement of the missing teeth. Their primary fitting technique relies on suction, adhesives, or simple clasps, and the process for establishing the bite position is often arbitrary or based on simple aesthetic estimates. While they restore basic function, traditional designs do not systematically account for the delicate relationship between the jaw, muscles, and nerves. This often results in a denture that may fit the gums but fails to restore the correct VDO, sometimes leading to discomfort.
Facelift dentures, conversely, incorporate a design philosophy rooted in maximum physiological comfort and function. The fabrication process is built around establishing the jaw’s most relaxed position, not simply replacing the teeth. They utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to achieve a level of precision that is not possible with conventional methods. This focus on the entire system, instead of just the immediate oral area, is the core difference between the two types of prosthetics.
The Custom Creation and Fitting Process
The creation of a specialized facelift denture begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of jaw and muscle function. This process often involves the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS). TENS uses electrodes placed over specific facial nerves to deliver a mild electrical pulse, which gently stimulates and relaxes the jaw muscles. This rhythmic pulsing helps the jaw overcome any habitual positioning and settle into its true physiological rest position.
Once the muscles are relaxed, specialized equipment like the K7x Evaluation System is used to track the jaw’s movement in three dimensions. This computer-based system records the precise location where the jaw is in maximum harmony with the surrounding muscles and joints. Electromyography (EMG) may also be used to measure the electrical activity of the jaw muscles, confirming the point of optimal relaxation. The data gathered from these sophisticated measurements allows the dental professional to determine the exact VDO for the new appliance.
The patient is often fitted with a temporary prototype or trial splint to wear for a period, allowing the jaw muscles to adapt to the new, corrected VDO. This allows the dentist to confirm the comfort, function, and aesthetic results before the final denture is fabricated. The final appliance is then made to the exact specifications derived from the neuromuscular data, typically requiring only minimal adjustments during the final delivery appointment.