Facelift dentures are a specialized form of dental prosthetic designed to replace missing teeth and restore the structural support of the lower third of the face. Unlike conventional appliances that focus primarily on chewing function, these custom dentures incorporate advanced dental principles to enhance facial aesthetics and jaw alignment. The goal is to address the common “sunken-in” appearance that can result from tooth loss and bone resorption over time. This process aims to give the wearer a more youthful facial contour without requiring surgical intervention.
Defining Facelift Dentures
The efficacy of facelift dentures is rooted in the principles of Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD), a discipline that focuses on the complex relationship between the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints. When teeth are lost, the surrounding jawbone begins to shrink, leading to a collapse in the lower facial height, which is known as a loss of the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO). This VDO represents the distance between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are in contact.
Restoring the VDO is the precise mechanism by which these dentures achieve their cosmetic effect. By rebuilding this lost height, the dentures push the jawbones slightly apart to a position where the jaw muscles are fully relaxed and functioning optimally. This strategic repositioning provides improved support for the overlaying facial muscles, which in turn reduces the appearance of sagging skin, minimizes wrinkles around the mouth and chin, and plumps the lips. The result is a non-surgical lift to the facial profile that directly counteracts the effects of aging and bone loss.
How They Differ From Standard Dentures
The difference between standard and facelift dentures lies primarily in their design philosophy, measurement techniques, and ultimate treatment goals. Conventional dentures are fabricated mainly for basic chewing and speech, using relatively simple molds to capture the gum ridge shape. They are designed to sit passively on the gums, often leading to a gradual continuation of the sunken facial appearance as the jawbone continues to resorb.
Facelift dentures, conversely, treat the entire stomatognathic system, which includes the muscles and joints, not just the gums. The goal is to establish the optimal physiological position of the jaw, which significantly improves both function and appearance. This approach requires precise instrumentation and multiple appointments, resulting in a greater investment of time and cost compared to traditional methods.
The Process of Measurement and Creation
The creation of facelift dentures begins with a comprehensive initial evaluation that often includes a detailed assessment of the jaw joint and surrounding musculature. Specialized equipment is used to precisely locate the jaw’s most relaxed and functional position, which is a departure from the simple bite registrations used for conventional dentures.
One such tool is the Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulator (TENS) unit, which delivers mild electrical impulses to the jaw muscles. This gentle stimulation helps relax the masticatory muscles, allowing the dental professional to accurately record the ideal, unstrained position of the lower jaw. This physiologically derived position then guides the determination of the correct VDO, ensuring the maximum benefit for both function and facial aesthetics.
A temporary prototype or wax-up is created next, allowing the patient to test the fit, feel, and appearance before the final prosthetic is fabricated. The process concludes with the final fitting, where minor adjustments are made to ensure the new VDO and bite relationship are comfortable and stable for long-term wear.
Clinical Acceptance and Who is an Ideal Candidate
While the underlying principles of VDO restoration and neuromuscular alignment are recognized components of advanced prosthodontics, the term “facelift dentures” is often a proprietary or marketing label used by specific practitioners. It does not represent a formal, universally accepted classification within the broader dental community. However, the techniques employed are based on established methods for treating complex cases of jaw collapse and bite disorders.
The ideal candidate for this type of advanced prosthetic is typically a long-term denture wearer who exhibits significant loss of VDO, resulting in a noticeably aged or collapsed lower face. Patients who have experienced severe bone loss or whose existing dentures offer insufficient lip and cheek support stand to gain the most from this treatment. Conversely, individuals who only require minor aesthetic improvements or still have a well-preserved facial structure may not need the full scope of this specialized procedure.