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Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

Facial Collapse

Missing teeth can detract from your smile and affect your oral health. But when many of your teeth are missing, your facial appearance is also affected. Facial muscles begin to sag and eventually collapse.

What Causes Facial Collapse?

Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone. When all of your teeth are missing, the bone is without stimulation and your body begins to resorb it, taking the minerals to use elsewhere in the body. Loss of this bone causes your jaw to shrink, resulting in a condition called facial collapse. The presence of removable dentures puts pressure on the jawbone and will tend to accelerate the loss of bone somewhat.

Two profile photos of a woman who experienced jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse, which can be prevented with implant overdentures, available from Philadelphia cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Jawbone shrinkage results in facial collapse

Prevention

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in your jawbone. Implants stimulate your bone, preventing shrinkage. While bone resorption will only be prevented around the implants, as few as two implants supporting a denture will at least preserve the vertical dimension in the jawbone, preventing the appearance of aging in the face.

Vertical photo of four jawbones stacked, one above the other, to show how jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse occurs over time.
Dental implants help prevent progressive bone shrinkage. Image courtesy of Dr. Carl Misch, Dental Implant Prosthetics

Treatment

While having dental implants placed soon after tooth extraction will prevent this condition, what if you have already lost bone? The figure on the right shows the progressive loss of bone after all the teeth are extracted. The condition depicted in the jawbone at the bottom shows a state of complete facial collapse in which it would be very difficult to even wear a denture. That condition will occur from ten to twenty years after the loss of all the teeth. Fortunately, bone grafting techniques can build up the jawbone, restoring the facial appearance and providing enough bone to allow for the placement of dental implants. The bone grafting will need a number of weeks to heal, and then some additional time may be required for the placed dental implants to osseointegrate. But the end result will be a restoration of tooth function and full facial height.

Schedule an exam or a 30-minute consultation with Dr. Weiss to discuss your concerns about facial collapse, prevention, and treatment options.

Meet Dr. Weiss

Learn more about Dr. Michael Weiss, his credentials and philosophy.

About Dr. Michael Weiss

Smile Gallery

See the smiles he has created and imagine yourself with a beautiful new smile just like one of these.

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Patient Reviews

I moved to Pennsylvania 2 years ago. I don’t know anyone who likes to go to the dentist. This is one dentist I like to go to. He is personable, professional and extremely skillful. If you become lucky to get into his care you are going to highly benefit. It isn’t just an office visit but specific care and information to extend the life of your dental health. Dr. Weiss and his staff do everything possible to put you into your best smile and health.
Jack
I am in my 50's and have seen a good number of top notch dentists. Of those, Dr. Weiss is in a league above. Besides being meticulous and thorough, he and his staff are gentle and concerned with every aspect of the patient's comfort. You will not find any dentist that is more skilled.
Wayne
Dr. Weiss gave me a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. The procedure was absolutely comfortable and my teeth look so natural. I love how they look!! People are always complimenting me on my beautiful smile. Dr. Weiss’s expert eye with color and attention to detail make him the finest cosmetic dentist I know.
Linda
Dr. Weiss and his team are outstanding. They are thorough yet gentle, and take great care to ensure you are comfortable. Everyone in the office is highly skilled, professional, and kind. I trust his work and advice completely. Lovely office that puts you at ease the moment you enter.
Mary
I'm a long-time patient of Dr. Weiss and was hesitant about doing crowns on my six upper front teeth. No more! I am so happy with my smile transformation! Dr. Weiss performed wonders. I have my confidence—and my smile—back.
Eileen
After having trouble with previous dental work, I researched 8 dentists to fix it and came to Dr. Weiss. He is in a league of his own. The work he did for me is nothing short of perfection. On top of that, he takes the time to explain everything. Furthermore, he is accredited by the AACD and if you do your research, you will realize that this is no small achievement.  
Charles
Dr. Weiss is very caring & thorough with his patients. The staff is highly trained & friendly. Dr. Weiss strives for excellence & delivers it with each visit. My husband & I are very happy to have found such a wonderful dentist!
Janet
Everybody in Dr.Weiss’ office is highly professional and extremely competent. Your wonderful work and results speaks for themselves. Also your warm and friendly manner is very much appreciated
Irene
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261 Old York Rd, Ste 517
Jenkintown, PA 19046
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Call Us: (267) 763-1500
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Friday: 8am – 12pm
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  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Michael Weiss
    • About Our Staff
    • Reviews
    • Financial Policies
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
    • What Can I Expect My First Visit?
    • Patient Forms
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Smile Makeovers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Zoom Whitening
    • Porcelain Crowns
  • Gallery
  • The website of Dr. Michael Weiss
  • Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • Dentures
    • Implant Overdentures
    • Facial Collapse
  • Other Services
    • Dental Crowns
    • Porcelain Crowns
    • e.max Crowns
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
    • TMJ Dentist
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Mercury-Free Dentist