Introduction
The aim of the study was to evaluate facial characteristics of older adults and compare them with
younger ones, separated by gender, and assess the impact of preserved teeth and complete dentures.
Methods
The study included 100 younger adults (aged 20–30) and 162 older adults (aged >65). 90 older adults
were divided into 3 subgroups: edentulous, partially edentulous, toothed. 102 edentulous older adults
were rehabilitated with complete dentures.
Facial scans were captured using a 3D optical camera (Artec MHT) and were cephalometrically analysed
(RapidForm®) to calculate facial parameters. Regional analysis was performed by superimposing the
face without and with inserted dentures.
Paired and unpaired t-tests, analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression were used to calculate
statistical differences (p < 0.05).
Results
Female faces are rounder, smaller, and more symmetrical than male faces. Males have wider mouths,
longer upper lips, and larger noses, which is more pronounced in older adults. Older adults have, in
comparison with younger ones, wider, longer and more asymmetrical faces, longer upper lips, larger
noses, smaller nasolabial angles, narrower upper and lower vermilions and flatter facial profiles. A
higher BMI is associated with wider faces and noses, as well as more concave facial profiles. Greater
body height is linked to increased facial height and wider mouths.
Age-related facial changes are most pronounced in edentulous individuals, who, compared to toothed
peers, have shorter facial heights, larger nasolabial angles, narrower mouths, shorter upper lips,
narrower vermilions and flatter facial profiles.
After rehabilitation with dentures, changes are visible in the perioral region: wider mouths, longer upper
lips, wider upper vermilions and more prominent profiles. The regional comparison shows fuller cheeks: denture does not have a direct influence on them. Faces with inserted dentures are shorter and more
convex compared to those with preserved teeth.
Conclusion
Facial proportions are modified in older adults, most expressed in the edentulous. Beside the positive
effect of rehabilitation with complete dentures in the perioral region, we also observed fuller cheeks,
reduced facial height, and a flatter facial profile.
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