If you’re missing one or more teeth, chances are you’ve discussed tooth replacement options with your general dentist in Windsor. You may have gathered information about dentures, crowns, implants, and bridges and weighed out the pros and cons of each, comparing things like installation process length, how invasive the treatment is, whether it’s permanent, how easy the solution is to maintain and care for, and how much each option costs.

But did you ever stop to think about why it’s so important to replace your missing teeth in the first place?

We’ve put together a list of the top five reasons why you need to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible.

1. To Function Normally

If you’ve had a full set of teeth your whole life, you’ve become accustomed to eating, chewing, and speaking using every one of those teeth. Missing teeth can disrupt each of these actions, making these formerly simple tasks more difficult and less comfortable.

2. Preventing Bone Loss

Chewing your food is about more than just eating. When you chew, the motion and pressure created by the movement of your teeth stimulates the bones in the jaw helping them stay strong and dense.

When teeth are missing, the body begins a process called reabsorption, when it absorbs the bone tissue from the jaw and uses it in other parts of the body. If allowed to continue without treatment, this bone loss can cause significant changes in the shape and bone structure of your face.

3. Maintaining Alignment

In order to have a healthy bite, both the upper and lower jaw must be full of teeth. When there are teeth missing, other teeth will shift to fill in the empty gaps, causing misalignment throughout the teeth which can cause problems eating, chewing and speaking.

4. Maintaining Natural Tooth Length

Similar to how missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift horizontally to fill the gaps, if there is a gap in the lower jaw, the adjacent tooth above it can begin to grow longer in order to fill that gap. The same can happen in reverse – a bottom tooth can grow longer in order to fill a gap in the upper jaw.

5. For Aesthetic Reasons

While there are important medical reasons for replacing missing teeth, the fact is that tooth replacement can significantly improve the appearance of your face and your smile. Your smile is often the first thing people see when they meet you, and a bright smile full of healthy teeth is a great way to make a positive first impression and help give you confidence that will carry through your day.

If you’re missing teeth and would like to speak to Dr. Dan Foresto about your options, call our office to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Dan Foresto is a family dentist in Windsor. Our office is growing and accepting new patients.