Missing Teeth
Regain Your Smile
Request An Appointment:
(03) 9853 2044
Missing teeth can significantly affect not only your smile but also your overall dental health.
What are the Impacts of Missing Teeth?
When teeth are lost, it can lead to a range of issues:
- Shifting Teeth: Adjacent teeth may move into the gap the missing tooth leaves, leading to misalignment.
- Jawbone Deterioration: The jawbone requires stimulation from teeth to maintain its density. Missing teeth can result in bone loss, which can affect facial structure and appearance.
- Increased Wear: Remaining teeth may experience increased wear and tear as they compensate for the missing ones, potentially leading to further dental issues.
- Speech Difficulties: Missing teeth can affect your ability to articulate sounds properly, leading to speech challenges.
What are the Solutions for Missing Teeth?
There are several treatment options to address missing teeth:
- Dental Implants: A long-term solution that involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone to support a crown, providing a natural look and feel.
- Dental Bridges: A dental bridge uses adjacent teeth as anchors to fill the gap left by missing teeth, restoring function and aesthetics.
- Dentures: For those with multiple missing teeth, dentures can provide a removable option that enhances appearance and functionality.
What are the Consequences of Not Treating Tooth Loss?
Ignoring missing teeth can lead to complications that extend beyond aesthetics. If left untreated, the consequences may include:
- Further Tooth Loss: The gap created by a missing tooth can lead to instability in surrounding teeth, increasing the risk of additional tooth loss over time.
- Gum Disease: The absence of teeth can create pockets that trap food and bacteria, leading to gum disease and potential infections.
- Altered Bite: Missing teeth can disrupt your bite alignment, resulting in uneven wear on the remaining teeth. This increases the likelihood of TMJ disorders.
- Changes in Facial Structure: Bone loss in the jaw can cause the face to appear sunken or aged, impacting your overall appearance and self-esteem.
- Dietary Restrictions: Difficulty chewing may force you to avoid certain foods, leading to nutritional deficiencies and impacting your overall health.
