When a Smile Affects the Whole Face: Full Mouth Rehabilitation for Bruxism and Facial Collapse

At ArtSmiles, we often meet patients who believe their biggest issue is cosmetic — chipped teeth, uneven spacing, or discoloration. But upon closer look, we often uncover something deeper: a functional problem affecting not just the smile, but the entire face.

This was the case for one of our recent patients — a woman whose smile told a story of years of severe bruxism, tooth sensitivity, and a tired, sunken appearance that made her feel older than she was.

Through a carefully designed full mouth rehabilitation, we were able to give her back more than just a smile — we gave her back her confidence, comfort, and facial vitality.

The Problem: Grinding, Sensitivity, and a Collapsed Appearance

When she first came to ArtSmiles, this patient was living with:

• Constant tooth sensitivity that made everyday eating painful
• Visible gaps between teeth, likely from uneven wear and movement due to grinding
• A sunken facial appearance, especially around the mouth and jaw
• Emotional fatigue from feeling like her appearance didn’t reflect who she truly was

At just over 50 years old, she felt she looked older — not because of wrinkles or sagging skin, but because her smile had collapsed, pulling down the lower third of her face and giving her a tired expression.

Most importantly, she had stopped smiling. Not just because of discomfort, but because she no longer recognized the person in the mirror.

Bruxism: The Hidden Culprit

Bruxism — also known as chronic grinding or clenching — is one of the most common yet underestimated conditions in dentistry. Over time, it can:

• Flatten and shorten the teeth
• Lead to a loss of vertical dimension (the space between your upper and lower jaws)
• Cause muscle pain, jaw tension, and joint discomfort
• Make teeth extremely sensitive due to enamel loss
• Affect facial proportions, creating a sunken or collapsed appearance

For our patient, years of undiagnosed or untreated bruxism had led to all of the above. Her facial structure had physically changed, and her teeth no longer provided the support her lips and cheeks needed.

This wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about restoring function and identity.

The Solution: Full Mouth Rehabilitation with Veneers, Crowns & Bridges

At ArtSmiles, we view every case holistically. Our goal wasn’t simply to fix her smile — it was to rebuild her bite, relieve sensitivity, and restore the integrity of her entire face.

We developed a custom full mouth rehabilitation plan that included:

• Bite correction to restore proper vertical dimension
• Ceramic veneers for aesthetic enhancement and strength
• Zirconia crowns on teeth with extensive wear or compromised structure
• Dental bridges to replace missing teeth and close functional gaps

This comprehensive approach allowed us to address every concern at once: form, function, and facial rejuvenation.

Step 1: Evaluating and Planning the New Bite

The first step was evaluating how much vertical dimension had been lost. Through digital scans, facial photos, and functional analysis, we determined:

• How much we could safely increase the bite to restore facial balance
• The ideal length, width, and angulation of her new teeth
• The smile arc and incisal display that would best rejuvenate her facial features

With digital mock-ups and a try-in phase, the patient could preview her new smile — a critical part of our smile design protocol at ArtSmiles.

Step 2: Rebuilding with Advanced Materials

Once the new vertical dimension was established, we began restoring the teeth using a blend of:

• Ceramic veneers for visible front teeth, offering beauty and translucency
• Zirconia crowns for molars and structurally compromised teeth, ensuring durability
• Dental bridges to close gaps and restore chewing function

Every piece was handcrafted to match her unique features — right down to shade, shape, and facial proportion.

The Results: Function Restored, Beauty Rediscovered

The change was remarkable.

Before:

• A collapsed bite and shortened face
• Deep nasolabial folds and unsupported lips
• Teeth so sensitive that cold air triggered pain
• Gaps and worn-down edges that made her hesitant to speak or smile

After:

• A lifted, balanced lower face thanks to proper vertical dimension
• Bright, full teeth that supported the lips and cheeks naturally
• Relief from sensitivity and improved chewing comfort
• A stunning, age-appropriate smile that made her look and feel 10 years younger

She couldn’t stop smiling — not just because of how she looked, but because of how she felt: strong, confident, and finally herself again.