Does the jaw widen with age? The surprising truth about facial bone remodeling

Recent research from institutions like UT Southwestern Medical Center shows that the human jaw continues to grow and widen over a lifetime, often at an accelerated rate compared to other facial bones. This continued bone remodeling is a primary factor in explaining the common observation, 'Does the jaw widen with age?'

Quick Summary

The mandible, or jawbone, does indeed undergo continuous bone remodeling, which can cause it to grow and widen throughout adulthood. These changes affect the overall facial shape, often creating a perception of a larger, more prominent lower face, a process influenced by factors like hormones, genetics, and dental health.

Key Points

• Jaw Remodeling is a Lifelong Process: The bones of the jaw are not static; they undergo continuous remodeling throughout adulthood, which is a major reason for age-related changes in jaw shape.

• Jaw Widens and Angle Increases: Studies using 3D imaging show the mandible tends to widen posteriorly while its angle increases with age, contributing to a broader and less defined jawline.

• Bone Resorption is Key: Site-specific bone resorption, accelerated by tooth loss and hormonal changes (especially in women), diminishes the bony scaffold that supports facial tissues.

• Facial Volume Loss Affects the Jawline: The combination of bone resorption and redistribution of facial fat leads to soft tissue sagging and the development of jowls, further altering the perception of the jawline.

• Proactive Care is Possible: While natural aging is inevitable, proper oral hygiene, addressing tooth loss promptly, and ensuring adequate nutrition can help mitigate negative changes to jawbone health.

• Men vs. Women: Mandibular aging patterns show sex-specific differences, with women often experiencing more rapid and pronounced bone loss after menopause.

The Science Behind Jaw Growth and Remodeling

For decades, it was believed that the facial skeleton stopped growing after adolescence. However, modern three-dimensional analysis of facial CT scans has revealed that the bones of the face are in a constant state of flux, remodeling throughout life. This process involves two key types of cells: osteoclasts, which break down old bone tissue, and osteoblasts, which build new bone. In the jaw, or mandible, this isn't a simple expansion but a complex, site-specific process of resorption and deposition that leads to changes in its overall dimensions.

How Bone Remodeling Affects the Jaw Shape

Several studies confirm that the mandible grows and widens with age, with some showing it does so at a faster rate than other facial bones. This remodeling doesn't occur uniformly; some areas resorb (shrink) while others experience new bone growth. These structural shifts in the bone framework influence the overlying soft tissues, contributing to changes in the overall facial aesthetic.

• Ramus Height Decreases: Studies indicate the height of the mandibular ramus (the vertical part of the jawbone) tends to decrease with age, especially in women.
• Posterior Widths Increase: Researchers found that both interrami (distance between the jaw angles) and intercondylar (distance between the temporomandibular joints) widths increase significantly as people get older.
• Gonial Angle Changes: The angle of the jaw at the corner (gonial angle) tends to increase, leading to a less defined jawline.
• Soft Tissue Sagging: As the bony scaffold of the jaw changes, the overlying skin and fat have less support. This can contribute to the appearance of jowls, a less sharp jawline, and deepening folds around the mouth and nose.

Factors that Accelerate Jaw Changes

While bone remodeling is a natural part of aging, several lifestyle and health factors can significantly influence the rate and extent of changes to the jaw and facial structure.

The Impact of Tooth Loss

One of the most significant factors affecting jawbone density and shape is tooth loss. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing. Without this stimulation, the body begins a process called bone resorption, where the bone tissue deteriorates. This can lead to a shrinking, sagging jawline and a sunken facial appearance. The sooner tooth loss is addressed with options like dental implants, the better the chances of preserving the facial structure.

Hormonal Influences

Hormonal changes, particularly in women after menopause, play a crucial role in bone health throughout the body, including the jaw. The sharp drop in estrogen levels can accelerate bone resorption. While both men and women experience age-related bone changes, research suggests that women often experience more pronounced mandibular bone loss and earlier onset of facial aging patterns. Maintaining good hormonal balance is therefore vital for long-term jaw health.

Chewing and Oral Habits

Chewing is a vital function that helps maintain jawbone density and muscle strength. Excessive chewing of hard, fibrous foods or habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) can strain the jaw muscles. However, a balanced chewing pattern and regular use of the jaw muscles help to stimulate bone, much like weight-bearing exercise for other parts of the skeleton. Conversely, individuals with poor masticatory function or low-quality diets may contribute to weaker jawbones over time.

Age-Related Facial Changes: Men vs. Women

While both sexes experience facial aging, studies using advanced 3D analysis show there are sex-specific patterns.

Feature	Younger Appearance (General)	Older Appearance (General)
Jawline	Tightly defined and sharp	Softer, with more prominent jowls
Facial Fat	Fuller, more even distribution	Redistributed and lost, leading to hollowness
Skeletal Support	Strong underlying bone structure	Bone resorption leads to diminished support
Chin	Defined, prominent chin	Can appear broader due to bone loss
Jaw Angle (Gonion)	More acute, defined angle	Broadens and flattens over time
Skin	Tighter, more elastic	Looser, with wrinkles and less definition

For more detailed information on craniofacial aging research, the National Institutes of Health provides numerous resources, including studies published in their databases like PubMed Central. Craniofacial skeletal changes with age - PMC

Can You Prevent or Mitigate Jaw Widening?

While you cannot stop the natural process of bone remodeling, certain actions can help mitigate or manage its effects on your facial appearance and oral health.

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial for preventing gum disease and tooth loss, which are major contributors to jawbone deterioration.
2. Ensure Adequate Nutrition: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for supporting bone density throughout the body. Your jaw is no exception.
3. Address Tooth Loss Promptly: If a tooth is lost, a dental implant can provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone to help prevent resorption.
4. Practice Good Posture: Maintaining good head and neck posture helps reduce unnecessary stress on the jaw joints and muscles.
5. Consider Orthodontic Treatment: For bite and alignment issues that worsen with age, an orthodontist can provide treatment to improve jaw function and alignment.

Conclusion

Understanding that facial aging involves more than just changes to the skin is key to appreciating why the lower face and jawline shift over time. The widening of the jaw is a scientifically documented phenomenon resulting from a lifelong process of bone remodeling. While this process is natural, its effects can be influenced by dental health, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices. By focusing on preventative measures and addressing issues like tooth loss proactively, you can help support your jaw's health and maintain a more youthful appearance for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my jawline to change as I get older?

Yes, it is completely normal. The facial skeleton, including the jaw, undergoes continuous remodeling throughout life. This process changes the bone structure and, combined with shifts in fat pads and skin elasticity, leads to predictable changes in the jawline's appearance.

What specifically causes the jaw to widen with age?

The widening is due to a process of bone remodeling, where old bone is resorbed and new bone is deposited. Research has shown that in many adults, the posterior width of the mandible (the area near the jaw angles) increases over time, even as other parts may lose bone density.

Does tooth loss affect jaw shape?

Absolutely. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area loses the stimulation it receives from chewing, which causes the bone to deteriorate in a process called resorption. Over time, this can lead to a shrunken jawbone and a significantly altered facial appearance.

Do men and women's jaws age differently?

Yes, studies confirm sex-specific differences. While both men and women experience remodeling, women often show more rapid bone loss in the jaw after menopause due to hormonal shifts. Men, however, may show more concentrated resorption in the gonion (jaw angle) area.

Can jaw exercises help prevent my jaw from changing shape?

Jaw exercises can help tone facial muscles, which may give the appearance of a firmer jawline. However, they cannot change the underlying skeletal structure of the jawbone. Excessive or incorrect exercises, like some viral 'mewing' techniques, can even be harmful and cause bite issues.

Is it true that the jawbone shrinks with age?

Yes, specifically in the alveolar ridges (the part that holds the teeth). This vertical resorption is common and can be exacerbated by tooth loss. Some studies also show decreases in mandibular ramus height. However, other areas, like the width of the jaw at the angles, tend to increase.

What can I do to maintain a healthy jawline as I age?

Focus on a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining excellent oral hygiene to prevent gum disease, ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health, and promptly addressing any tooth loss. Good posture and managing stress can also help protect your jaw joints.