Missing teeth can negatively influence a person’s oral function and emotional wellbeing. Large spaces between teeth impact the smile’s aesthetics and the ability to speak clearly. Even teeth that can’t be seen when smiling affect dental function and can make it difficult to chew foods comfortably and thoroughly. Without stimulation of the tooth root, the jaw bone will resorb and in instances of severe tooth loss, this resorption process can drastically change facial appearance. Missing teeth can also affect the positioning of remaining teeth, leading to changes in occlusion, or how your bite fits together. But above all, missing teeth has psychological effects, leading to a significant loss of self-confidence and sense of personal wellbeing.
Tooth loss can be a result of many factors, some of which are from conditions out of a person’s control. The most common factors include gum disease, extraction, and dental trauma. If you have one or more missing teeth, many options exist, but dental implants are the only solution that can permanently replace the function and beauty of natural teeth.