Facial Atrophy and Rejuvenation with Fixed Implant-Supported Teeth
Robert, a charismatic and successful professional, had grown deeply self-conscious about the appearance of his teeth, to the point where it was affecting both his work and his business. What Robert didn’t fully appreciate until afterwards was just how much a new smile with fixed teeth would change his life, not only his appearance, but his confidence and quality of life.
Understanding Facial Atrophy
Loss of teeth means loss of bone, and with it, the lower facial scaffolding that supports the lips, facial musculature and skin. Without that scaffolding, the face collapses: the chin and nose move closer together, facial folding increases, and the nose tips downward. This is facial atrophy, and it produces a visibly accelerated ageing effect compared to a face where that support has been maintained.
Initial Presentation
Treatment Approach
It is not the implant itself that restores the face. It is the final superstructure, designed by Dr Sarkis Nalbandian, that fits the face. Fixed implant-supported teeth were placed to halt the facial atrophy and restore the lower facial scaffolding that had been lost
Treatment Outcome:
Six months post-op, Robert’s confidence, comfort and quality of life had transformed. Fifteen years on, the result has held: he can smile, chew an apple, and taste his food properly again. As Robert puts it himself, “the only thing I take out at night is the dog.”
15 Years Post-Op
Prosthodontist & Implant Surgeon
B.D.S. (Hons), Dip. Clin. Dent. (Oral Implants) Uni Syd, M. Clin. Dent (Prosth) King’s College, Uni London
D. Clin. Dent (Prosth) Uni Syd, FRACDS, MRACD (Prosth)