Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Teeth have many functions apart from chewing and biting. There are many reasons for replacing a missing tooth besides aesthetics. Our dentists are happy to discuss this with you and what are the most suitable options for replacing missing teeth.

Some of the reasons for replacing missing teeth are listed below:

• Improve appearance and speech
• Prevent excess force and damage to other teeth that now bear more load
• Prevent the teeth near the gap from shifting
• Maintain the natural bite and jaw position
• Prevent bone loss
• Improve chewing ability

Missing teeth, particularly at the front of the mouth can affect the appearance of your smile and your face. The mouth is the centrepoint of the face when communicating with others. Feeling self conscious about your smile due to missing teeth can greatly affect your self esteem, confidence and interactions with others. At Toorak Fine Dentistry, we understand the link between self-confidence and a smile.

Another important fact to consider when discussing missing teeth, is changes to the surrounding teeth and bite. When a tooth is missing, the teeth either side can shift and tip into the empty space, causing changes in the appearance of the mouth, difficulty cleaning and changes to your bite. When several teeth are missing, the remaining teeth now encounter all of the chewing and biting forces of day to day life. These teeth are therefore under a much greater load and are at risk of breakage or wear. Replacing missing teeth will prevent the tipping and shifting of teeth and will evenly distribute the load of chewing and biting.

Our teeth are firmly secured in the jaw bone. With natural chewing and grinding, our jaw bone is stimulated and stays in place, keeping the area active and healthy. When a tooth is missing, our body sends signals to the surrounding bone to say “there is no longer a tooth here, resorb the unnecessary bone”. The gum tissue will recede and the jaw bone will begin to resorb, impacting on the fullness of the face shape. This can give the appearance of a sunken jaw and cheeks.

There are many options for replacing missing teeth. These include dental implants, bridges, and dentures. At Toorak Fine Dentistry we offer all replacement options for missing teeth and are happy to discuss the aesthetics, function and pros and cons of each treatment option.