Why Do You Lose Your Top Lip With Dentures?
A question I often hear from patients is, “Why do you lose your top lip with dentures?” Many people notice that after wearing dentures for a while, their lips and face can look thinner or sunken. This change isn’t really caused by the denture itself—it happens because of changes in the jawbone underneath.
When natural teeth are lost, the roots that once stimulated the jawbone are gone. Without this stimulation, the bone in the upper jaw begins to shrink, a process called bone resorption. Over time, as the bone gets thinner and smaller, the upper lip no longer has the same support it once did. This can make the lips look collapsed, giving the face an older or more tired appearance.
Traditional dentures rest on top of the gums but do not stop bone loss. In fact, they can sometimes speed it up because of the pressure they put on the bone when chewing. As the bone shrinks, dentures may also become loose, making it harder to eat or speak comfortably.
The good news is that there are solutions. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actively helps preserve bone. By acting like natural roots, implants stimulate the jawbone and keep it strong. For patients missing all their teeth, options like implant-supported dentures or hybrid dentures provide stability and help maintain the natural shape of the lips and face.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I use advanced techniques like zero bone loss principles, immediate implant placement, and custom healing abutments to protect bone and gum tissue for long-term success. With oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia with an MD anesthesiologist, your treatment can also be completely comfortable.
And remember, my office is a no judgment zone. Many patients come to me after years of wearing dentures and feeling unhappy with how their smile looks. My role is not to lecture—it’s to help you restore your health and confidence.
So, why do you lose your top lip with dentures? It happens because of bone loss in the upper jaw, which removes the support your lips need. If you’re ready for a more stable solution that protects your bone and keeps your smile looking natural, schedule a consultation with me at Summerbrook Dental & Implants in Fort Worth.