If you've had one or more missing teeth for a long time, chances are you've noticed a change in the way you look. It's not your imagination - losing one or more teeth changes how your jaw and chin appear. This isn't because there's no longer a tooth holding your mouth open, but because of changes that have occurred under the surface of your gums. If you want to know how to reverse this problem, read on.

Dental Implant

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option that a dentist has to offer. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are permanently installed and function similarly to real teeth. Most people don't have problems with speech or chewing after getting dental implants like dentures sometimes cause.

The reason dental implants are a necessary part of making your jaw stronger again is because dental implants work almost the exact same way that real teeth do. Under the dental implant is a peg that goes deep into the bone of your jaw, where the root of your tooth used to be.

From here, dental implants can transfer pressure from your bites into your jaw. This same mechanism once kept your jaw bone strong and healthy when you had all your teeth, but was reduced after you no longer had a tooth to send pressure through. Over time, this caused your jaw bone to thin and become noticeably weaker when looking at yourself in the mirror or photos. 

Exercise

Once you have a dental implant, exercising your jaw is a good idea. Simply tension exercises and jaw stretches can help to strengthen the muscles and bone in your jaw back to where they once were. However, you should make sure to wait until your dental implants are completely healed before attempting to perform any exercises.

Dentist Supplements

In addition to installing your dental implants, your dentist may be able to offer advice on your nutritional intake. Making sure that you're getting the right vitamins and minerals will help your jaw to have the necessary nutrients to grow strong again. It may also be helpful in encouraging your gums to heal around the dental implant and generally speed up the recovery process.

If you have a weak jaw because you've lost one or more teeth, it doesn't have to stay that way Talk to your dentist to find out more about dental implants and to see if they're the right choice for you.

To learn more about tooth replacement options, talk with businesses like A Q Denture Services.