How does your jaw change as you get older?

Research shows that facial bone density and structure change significantly over time, with studies indicating a decline in jaw volume as people age. This natural process influences a person's facial shape and raises important questions about how does your jaw change as you get older.

Quick Summary

With age, the jawbone undergoes resorption, causing a decrease in volume and changes to the facial structure. This can lead to teeth shifting, loss of definition along the jawline, and a sunken facial appearance, affecting both aesthetics and oral function.

Key Points

• Jawbone Remodeling: With age, the jawbone undergoes a process called resorption, leading to a decrease in its overall volume and density.

• Visible Facial Changes: The shrinking jaw provides less support to soft facial tissues, contributing to jowl formation, sagging skin, and a less defined jawline.

• Dental Health Impact: Decreased jaw size can cause teeth to shift and become crowded, impacting bite alignment and affecting the fit of dental appliances like dentures.

• Influencing Factors: Tooth loss, genetics, and overall health significantly influence the extent and speed of age-related jaw changes.

• Management is Possible: Good oral hygiene, addressing tooth loss with implants, and considering orthodontic or cosmetic procedures can help manage and mitigate the effects of an aging jaw.

The Science Behind Jawbone Remodeling

For many, it's a common misconception that our bones, especially those in the face, stop changing after we reach adulthood. The reality is that the facial skeleton is in a constant state of remodeling throughout life. A process called bone resorption, where bone tissue is broken down and absorbed by the body, increases with age, particularly in the mandible (lower jaw). Studies have measured a significant decline in jaw volume as people get older, with the lower jaw experiencing greater shrinkage than the upper jaw. This process is accelerated by calcium reabsorption from the jawbone to be used in other parts of the body.

The Concertina Effect

This shrinkage of the jaw is a key driver of the "concertina effect," a term plastic surgeons use to describe how aging affects the face. Much like the folding instrument, when the underlying bone structure of the face loses its support and collapses, the overlying skin and soft tissues are forced to fold and crease. This is what leads to deeper wrinkles, particularly around the mouth, and contributes to the sagging appearance associated with older age.

How Jaw Changes Affect Your Facial Appearance

The transformation of your jaw and other facial bones can significantly alter your appearance. While these changes happen gradually, they contribute to the classic signs of aging that we often notice in seniors.

Common Visible Changes to Facial Structure

1. Loss of Jawline Definition: As the mandible recedes and loses volume, the sharp, defined line of youth becomes softer and less pronounced.
2. Jowl Formation: The sagging of skin and fat below the jawline is a direct result of the loss of underlying bone support.
3. Chin Recession: With age, the chin can begin to protrude less, contributing to the appearance of a softer, less defined profile.
4. Sunken Look: The overall loss of facial bone volume can cause a hollow or gaunt appearance in the lower face.

The Impact on Oral and Dental Health

Age-related jaw changes have profound consequences for oral health, affecting everything from teeth positioning to the stability of dental prosthetics.

Consequences for Your Smile

• Teeth Crowding and Shifting: The shrinking of the jawbone reduces the space available for teeth, causing them to become crowded and shift out of alignment. This is particularly common in the lower front teeth.
• Changes in Bite Alignment: The shifting of teeth can alter a person's bite, leading to discomfort, uneven wear on teeth, and potential temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
• Poor Denture Fit: For those with dentures, the continued resorption of the jawbone over time means that dentures that once fit perfectly will become loose, requiring adjustments or replacement.

Factors That Influence Jaw Aging

While some jaw changes are an inevitable part of the aging process, several factors can influence their severity and speed.

Comparison of Jaw Characteristics: Youth vs. Later Life

Feature	Youth	Later Life
Jaw Volume	Dense and robust	Declines due to bone resorption
Jaw Angle	More acute (sharper)	Becomes more obtuse (flatter) and projects forward
Teeth Spacing	Sufficient room for all teeth	Can lead to crowding as jaw shrinks
Skin Support	Firm, taut skin supported by strong bone structure	Decreased support leads to folds, wrinkles, and jowls

How to Mitigate and Manage Age-Related Jaw Changes

While you can't stop the clock on aging, proactive dental and medical care can help manage its effects on your jaw and overall facial structure.

• Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial for preventing gum disease, a key factor in tooth loss and accelerated bone loss.
• Address Tooth Loss Promptly: Losing teeth is a significant driver of jawbone resorption. Dental implants or other tooth replacement options can help maintain jawbone density and facial structure.
• Consider Proper Nutrition: Ensuring adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake supports bone health throughout the body, including the jaw.
• Explore Orthodontic Treatment: For some, orthodontic care in adulthood can correct shifting teeth and bite issues that arise from jaw changes.
• Discuss Cosmetic and Surgical Options: In some cases, cosmetic procedures or surgery may be considered to address concerns about facial contours and jawline definition. The National Institutes of Health provides comprehensive research on the topic of facial aging and its underlying anatomical changes for those seeking deeper scientific insights.

Conclusion

The aging of your jaw is a complex process involving bone resorption, shifts in facial structure, and resulting changes to your appearance and oral health. Recognizing that these changes are a natural part of getting older is the first step. By taking proactive steps in dental care, considering tooth replacement options, and consulting with healthcare professionals, you can effectively manage the effects and maintain a healthy, functional smile for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do our jaws really shrink with age?

Yes, research confirms that the jawbone undergoes a natural process of bone resorption as we age. This causes a decrease in bone volume and density, which in turn leads to the jaw becoming smaller over time.

What causes jowls to form as you get older?

Jowls form primarily due to a combination of factors, including the loss of underlying jawbone support and the thinning of fat pads in the face. With less structure to hold them in place, the skin and soft tissues sag, forming jowls along the jawline.

Why do my teeth seem more crowded now than when I was younger?

Teeth crowding often increases with age because the jawbone naturally shrinks over time, particularly in the lower jaw. This reduction in space puts pressure on the teeth, causing them to shift and overlap.

Can dental procedures reverse age-related jaw changes?

While procedures cannot fully reverse natural aging, they can effectively manage its consequences. Dental implants can help preserve bone density after tooth loss, and orthodontics can correct teeth shifting. Some cosmetic dentistry and surgery also address aesthetic changes.

Does losing teeth affect the jawbone?

Yes, losing teeth significantly accelerates bone resorption in the jaw. When a tooth root is no longer present to stimulate the bone, the body reabsorbs the bone tissue, leading to further jaw shrinkage.

What is mandibular resorption?

Mandibular resorption is the process where the lower jawbone, or mandible, gradually loses bone density and volume. It is a natural part of aging, but can be accelerated by factors such as tooth loss.

Can exercise help prevent jaw aging?

While jaw exercises won't stop the natural process of bone resorption, maintaining good overall health and considering dental interventions can help. Regular exercise benefits bone density throughout the body, but genetics and dental care play a larger role in how your jaw changes.