Beyond Aesthetics: Why You Need to Replace Missing Teeth

When you lose a tooth (or teeth), you naturally focus on the effect the missing teeth have on your smile. Though your aesthetic appearance is important, it shouldn’t be the only consideration when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They can also have serious consequences for your oral health, your overall well-being, and your quality of life.

Our team at Portrait Dental has seen many of these effects play out over time. Based on our experiences, here are a few key reasons to replace missing teeth.

Protect your jawbone

You may not realize this, but your jawbone relies on stimulation from the roots of your teeth to maintain its structural integrity, including its strength and density. When you lose a tooth, that area of your jawbone loses that stimulation, causing the bone to shrink and deteriorate over time. This, in turn, can alter your facial structure, giving your face a sunken, aged look.

Keep teeth from shifting

Your teeth need each other for stability. If one tooth is missing, the teeth next to it naturally lean into that space, causing misalignment, bite and chewing issues, and uneven wear on your teeth. If the misalignment becomes too severe, orthodontic treatment could become necessary.

Reduce risk of gum disease

When you have a gap in your teeth, food particles and plaque tend to accumulate in this area that’s difficult to clean. The accumulation attracts more and more bacteria, putting you at higher risk for gum disease, decay, and cavities. 

Improve your chewing

Missing teeth also make ordinary activities, like chewing, more difficult. Depending on where your gap is located, it may be harder to chew certain foods properly, which may alter and/or limit your diet and nutrition. 

Enhance your speaking

If you’re missing a tooth, especially if it’s in the front, your speech patterns may be altered as well. Teeth are essential for creating proper airflow and tongue placement as you speak, and if one is missing, you could develop a lisp or a whistle, leading to decreased confidence as you speak.

At Portrait Dental, our best option (and the gold standard) for replacing missing teeth is a dental implant. We install a titanium screw in your jawbone and attach a crown on top. If you have missing teeth, we’d be happy to give you our best treatment advice based on your individual situation. To schedule an appointment, call our Katy office anytime.