In a healthy mouth with a complete set of teeth, the roots of the teeth are usually supported by the jawbone. However, when you have missing teeth, the jawbone starts to shrink, resulting in decreased facial support. Therefore, with every tooth you lose, you also lose the bone and facial muscle that support it. This will affect the way you look, older than normal. Furthermore, facial muscles collapse when there are no teeth to support them, leading to a sagged face.

Consequences Of Missing Teeth

Apart from playing an important role in maintaining your facial structure, the teeth also help with chewing, speaking, and digestion. Besides, your teeth boost self-esteem, giving you the confidence to interact with others. Several studies have confirmed that loss of teeth can negatively affect a person's self-esteem.

Now that teeth help keep your bones and facial muscles intact, there is a direct connection between missing teeth and early aging. Without the support provided by your teeth, the cheeks and mouth can shrink, sink, and sag. This process is commonly referred to as facial collapse. Missing teeth can also make you look older by forming gaps. Even though a few gaps may seem inconsequential, they allow the existing teeth to shift. This affects the overall facial support. By losing only a few teeth, the remaining teeth shift and cause a domino effect. Consequently, your front teeth' position can be changed, forming gaps; you will look older with gaps in your front teeth.

Apart from making you look older, missing teeth can also affect your lifestyle. If you don't get help, you will find it hard to chew, smile, or speak. This underlines the importance of having the missing teeth replaced. We can replace it with dentures, dental bridges, and implants, among other alternatives. Visit our offices for more information on the effects of missing teeth.