Consequences of Having Missing Teeth

Did you know that the American Dental Association stated that the average adult has a minimum of three teeth missing or that are in bad enough shape to warrant a tooth pull or replacement? While missing teeth can greatly impact one's self-confidence, there are also other, more serious, consequences at play as well.

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Missing Teeth Problems

Whether from nutritional deficiencies, poor oral hygiene or just some freak accident, missing teeth are often the result of tooth decay or periodontitis (gum disease) from bad oral hygiene, poor nutrition or some sort of traumatic event. While missing teeth may just seem like a cosmetic inconvenience that some people learn to deal with, they can have more serious psychological and physical implications that include:

• Chewing Difficulties – missing teeth can cause a person challenges when chewing. These challenges can result in pain that can alter one's ability to eat and the types of foods being consumed which in turn can have a direct impact on their nutrition.
• Moving Teeth – as missing teeth create more room in the mouth, some teeth will decide to shift. Misaligned teeth may cause a gap or, just the opposite, crowd teeth together, leading to more long-term problems.
• Speech Problems – much like the gap in one's smile, speech problems can be detrimental to one’s self-confidence.
• Bone loss – Facial structure can change due to atrophy in the face from bone loss. In many cases this can cause a person’s face to shrink in and make them look older.
  

• Loss of confidence – the ADA conducted a 2015 study that found 23% of people reported avoidance of smiling and embarrassment and avoidance due to their missing teeth.

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Solutions for Missing Teeth Problems

It’s estimated that over 170 million Americans have a missing tooth, or teeth. As there are solutions for problems related to missing teeth, the first step is to visit your dentist to find out which direction is best for you to go. The following are some of the common solutions that will help:

Implants: Dental implants are designed to last for a long time and can be used to replace one tooth or as many teeth as needed. Dental implants are generally the best option for replacing teeth as they are strong and function like real teeth.

Dental Bridges: Bridges are an option when only a few teeth are missing. Supported by the surrounding teeth, a bridge is a good solution but will eventually need to be replaced.

Dentures: Dentures are more often than not a last resort when dental implants are not an option. They can be uncomfortable for the patient and will still lead to bone loss and atrophy and affects that go along with that.

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Come See Us!!

Your best smile is the one that not only makes you look great but makes you feel great as well. Getting that perfect smile that you want doesn’t have to be a burden.

At Swish Dental we are always here to promote you and your smile. From General Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, to Invisalign and Sleep Apnea Treatment, making you smile is what makes us smile. We’d love to walk with you on your dental journey today