Missing Teeth

Proper chewing function and facial appearance are important reasons for replacing missing teeth. Front teeth support your lips, incise food, guide the bite during chewing to protect the TMJ’s, assist in making speech sounds and provide a beautiful smile. Back teeth provide stable chewing function, vertical support of the jaws and esthethic support of the cheeks to prevent the appearance of “aged, sunken cheeks”.

The combination of front and back teeth complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.

• Increased risk of gum disease
• Increased risk of cavities
• Super-eruption of teeth from the opposing arch into the new spaces
• Tipping and drifting of teeth affecting the bite
• TMJ problems
• Speech disorders
• Loss of proper chewing function.
• Collapse in the bite and facial collapse

Missing teeth can be replaced by one of three options:

1. Implant(s)
2. Fixed partial denture (bridge)
3. Removable partial denture or full denture