When we think about aging, good skincare and a balanced diet often come to mind. But what if the secret to a youthful appearance lies deeper, in the very structure of our face?
Dr. Sheryl Smithies, a top aesthetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic practitioner based in Cape Town, is leading the conversation on the role of the maxilla – the upper jawbone- in facial aesthetics. She explores how it can be leveraged to counteract signs of aging through a concept she calls ‘retro-aging.’
Meet the maxilla: Your face’s unsung hero
The maxilla is more than just a bone, it’s the foundation of your mid-face, supporting key features like the cheeks, lips, and even the nose. As we age, the maxilla naturally shrinks and changes position, leading to sunken cheeks, less visible teeth when smiling, and the dreaded black triangles around the molars. These subtle but significant shifts contribute to an older, sagging appearance.
Think of the maxilla as the scaffolding of your face. Just as a well-structured building maintains its integrity, a well-supported maxilla keeps your facial features lifted and harmonious. By optimising maxillary support, we can tap into the power of retro-aging.
Retro-aging is the process of not just restoring but enhancing the maxilla’s structure to achieve a more youthful look. Unlike traditional anti-aging treatments that focus on surface-level changes, retro-aging works by improving the positioning of the teeth and underlying bone to better support facial soft tissues.
By carefully planning dental alignments and widening the jaw, we can create an even better aesthetic outcome than what existed in youth. It’s about going beyond restoration and instead achieving better enhancement.
Non-surgical and surgical solutions
For those looking to enhance their mid-face without surgery, non-invasive options like dental aligners can reposition teeth to better improve lip and cheekbone support. When paired with dermal fillers, the results can be even more striking, subtly sculpting the facial structure for a naturally rejuvenated look.
For those seeking more dramatic changes, surgical options exist to physically reposition the maxilla, ensuring optimal facial balance. With the use of advanced digital technology and AI-driven planning, these treatments are more precise than ever before, delivering predictable and long-lasting results.
Beyond aesthetics, maxilla-focused treatments can have profound health benefits. A properly aligned maxilla can improve breathing, alleviate jaw joint issues, and contribute to overall muscle harmony in the face. Good facial proportions don’t just make you look better—they help you feel better, too.
Future innovations in maxilla enhancement
The world of dentistry is evolving rapidly, with new technologies emerging to make maxilla-focused treatments even more effective. Advances like 3D imaging, AI-assisted treatment planning, and minimally invasive orthodontic techniques are setting the stage for a future where facial aging can be slowed or even reversed.
Aging is inevitable, but looking aged doesn’t have to be. Whether through orthodontics, digital planning, or non-invasive enhancements, the maxilla holds the key to a fresher, more youthful appearance. This is an exciting time to be in dentistry. With the right approach, you can redefine what it means to age gracefully, starting from the inside out.
To read more about Dr. Sheryl Smithies’ retro-ageing solutions visit www.drsherylsmithies.co.