At 77 years old, Rodrigo had never been particularly concerned about his oral health. As long as he could eat without trouble, he saw no reason to visit the dentist. But time takes its toll, and little by little, he began to notice changes that went beyond missing teeth—his face looked more tired, and his overall expression had subtly changed.
When he arrived at Sonrisa Italiana, he wasn’t just looking for a functional solution; he wanted to regain the balance and harmony that had faded over the years. His case was highly complex and required an integrated approach. It wasn’t just about replacing missing teeth—it was about restoring structure, function, and balance.
To achieve this, Dr. Daniel Zabaleta and Dr. Paola Zabaleta led a multidisciplinary treatment, bringing together specialists from different fields to ensure a comprehensive and lasting result. At Sonrisa Italiana, we believe dentistry should be approached holistically, which is why every case is evaluated by a team of experts working together to deliver both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Tooth Loss and Its Impact on Facial Appearance
We often associate the signs of aging with the skin or loss of facial volume, but we rarely consider how oral health affects facial structure. Missing teeth don’t just impact the smile—they can change the entire facial anatomy.
When teeth wear down or are lost, the vertical distance between the upper and lower jaw decreases, affecting the overall facial proportions. This process happens gradually, so many patients don’t notice until the changes become pronounced. What Rodrigo saw in the mirror wasn’t just the passage of time but the result of years of dental wear and bone loss without proper rehabilitation.
Restoring Vertical Dimension: The Key to a Fresher Look
Modern restorative dentistry has advanced significantly, and we now understand that restoring vertical dimension is essential not only for chewing function but also for improving facial structure and harmony.
But what exactly is vertical dimension?
It refers to the natural space between the upper and lower jaw when the mouth is at rest. When this space decreases due to worn or missing teeth, the face loses its structure, making aging signs more evident. Properly restoring vertical dimension helps regain natural facial proportions, achieving a rejuvenating effect without the need for invasive cosmetic procedures.
In Rodrigo’s case, the rehabilitation process was far more than just placing new teeth. To recover the lost height and restore occlusal stability, a multidisciplinary approach was essential, combining several dental specialties:
– Endodontics, to treat compromised teeth and make their restoration possible
– Periodontics, to ensure gum health and maintain bone support
– Dental implants and porcelain crowns in the posterior areas to restore bite balance and function
– Lithium disilicate veneers, on the upper teeth to bring back luminosity and harmony to his smile
The success of this treatment lay in the meticulous integrated planning of every detail. This was not just about replacing teeth, but about rebuilding function and preserving bone structure to prevent further resorption over time.
More Than Aesthetics: A Smile That Enhances Quality of Life
Rodrigo wasn’t looking for a drastic transformation, but by the end of his treatment, he had not only regained his smile but also his confidence. Being able to eat comfortably, speak naturally, and feel good about his reflection made all the difference.
Thanks to the expertise of our doctors and along with the coordinated work of multiple specialists, this case was not just a dental rehabilitation—it was a comprehensive transformation, blending aesthetics and function to restore the patient’s well-being.
At Sonrisa Italiana, every treatment is designed with a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring that oral health and aesthetics go hand in hand. When we rehabilitate a smile, we also restore function, structure, and balance. A well-designed smile doesn’t just brighten the face—it redefines how we see ourselves and how we feel.
Sometimes, real change begins with a smile.
Case review written by Dr. Laura Bula, expert in dental and facial aesthetics