Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Stereophotometric facial changes in edentulous older adults after rehabilitation with complete dentures
Zala Skomina1,2, Milan Kuhar3,4, Miha Verdenik2
1Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Objectives:
To evaluate the facial characteristics of edentulous older adults who underwent rehabilitation using complete dentures, and to compare them with dentate individuals.
Background:
Edentulism rehabilitation with complete dentures aims to restore occlusion and facial aesthetics.
Materials And Methods:
The study included 102 edentulous participants needing prosthodontic rehabilitation with complete dentures and 30 with a natural dentition (aged >65). The 3D facial scans were performed using an Artec optical scanner. Superficial facial landmarks were identified, and 16 parameters were calculated. Regional analysis with the superimposition of two scans was used to calculate the average distances and percentage of non-matching surfaces in the 11 regions. Paired and independent t-tests (α = .05) were used to test for group differences, as appropriate.
Results:
After rehabilitation with complete dentures, facial changes were most noticeable in the perioral region: wider rima oris, longer upper lip, wider upper vermilion, and more protruded profile. The comparison of facial regions without and with dentures showed fuller and curvier cheeks, with no direct influence of dentures. The edentulous faces with dentures appeared shorter and more retruded than those of dentate individuals. A narrower lower vermilion, retruded upper lip, and more flattened facial profile were observed in females with dentures than in their dentate peers.
Conclusion:
Besides the expected positive influence of rehabilitation with complete dentures on facial appearance in the perioral region, there are some unexpected changes, such as fuller cheeks, but there is still deficiency in vertical facial dimensions and a more flattened facial profile.
Related Concept Videos
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Prosopagnosia
Cognitive Development During Adulthood

