As we get older, the visible signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, and changes in skin texture are often the most noticeable. However, the effects of aging extend deeper than just our skin. Hard tissue loss, specifically the changes in our bones, plays a crucial role in the aging process that many may not fully understand.
Cape Town-based Dr. Sheryl Smithies, a top aesthetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic practitioner, sheds light on this often-overlooked aspect of aging and how cutting-edge innovations in dental care are offering transformative solutions.
Understanding Hard Tissue Loss
From around the age of 35, our bodies begin to lose collagen at a rapid pace. Collagen is a vital protein that helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, diminishing any visible signs of aging. However, the impact of aging doesn’t stop at the skin. Beneath the surface, the shape of our skulls and facial bones also changes.
Over time, the bones in our face, including the eye sockets, cheekbones, and jawbones, start to shrink and shift. “The skull’s shape becomes smaller, causing the skin to lose its tight fit and creating areas of loose skin. This change in bone structure can make us appear older than we are,” explains Dr Sheryl.
She goes onto explain that traditionally, treatments for facial aging have focused on injections of hyaluronic acid, fat, or other substances to enhance and reshape the skin’s appearance. “Whilst these methods can be effective, they don’t address the underlying issue of hard tissue loss, particularly the narrowing of dental arches, which is a key factor in facial aging,” she adds.
Using Technology to Turn Back the Clock
Recent advancements in technology have revolutionised dental and aesthetic treatments. Using advanced techniques to widen the dental arches, your dentist can not only rejuvenate the facial appearance but also improve overall dental health. This approach can help reverse some signs of aging by re-establishing a youthful facial structure.
In addition, clear aligner therapy is a less invasive alternative to traditional braces. The cost depends on the number of aligners required, typically ranging from R60,000 to R120,000, but these aligners, guided by sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology, offer precise adjustments and effective results in realigning teeth and improving dental arches.
Other advanced techniques include biostimulators and fillers for facial rejuvenation, with the cost varying based on the specific products needed, starting at R2,500. “A combination of both approaches helps build collagen, enhance facial contours, and address issues such as breathing and sinus problems. The result is a more youthful appearance and improved overall wellness,” she explains.
Dr. Smithies believes in a holistic approach to treating the effects of aging. By integrating dental treatments with advanced facial aesthetic procedures long-term, natural-looking results that offer significant benefits that go beyond mere cosmetic improvements.
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