Having a missing tooth in the front of your mouth will always be noticeable when you smile and, for some people, an altered appearance is their biggest concern. What many people don’t realize, though, is just how big of a problem it is to not have all your teeth, regardless of their location. The complications that arise from missing teeth just keep getting worse the longer you go without replacing them.
Expect Compromised Speech
Anyone missing multiple teeth in their mouth will give their predicament away as soon as they speak. A noticeable lisp and difficulty forming words is common, especially the more teeth you’re missing. Trouble annunciating certain words will occur and you might make a whistling noise when you speak. Think no one will notice these little things? You might also spit when you talk.
Eating Will Be Difficult
Eating comfortably is an important part of daily life. You want to be able to bite, chew, and enjoy all your favorite foods without pain, wiggly teeth, or worry that another tooth is going to fall out. While a missing tooth might just seem like a hole in your smile, it’s a big gap in the functionality of all your teeth
Teeth Could Shift
When you have a missing molar in the back of your mouth, you may not think twice about it since it isn’t all that obvious. The truth is, your oral health is negatively affected no matter where your missing tooth is located. One absent tooth can lead to other loose and missing teeth, and this side effect can develop into tissue damage as your remaining nearby teeth move around to fill in the gaps left behind.
Solutions for Missing Teeth
There are several ways to replace missing teeth, and your Arlington dentist is prepared to help you settle on the best solution for the condition of your oral health, your budget, and your smile goals. Here are some of the most common ways to fill the holes in your smile:
- Dental implants: Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can replace the lost parts of your smile. An entire arch of teeth can be fixed with four to six implants and custom-made porcelain crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Dental bridge: Reestablish a connection between two teeth that have a hole in between them from a missing tooth with a dental bridge, customized and anchored in placed with dental crowns.
- Snap-on dentures: The placement of two dental implants and a snap-on denture are an affordable solution that offers stability, confidence, and natural-looking teeth.
It’s Necessary to Replace Missing Teeth
If you’re missing teeth, it’s a problem, but it’s a problem that is easily fixed. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Macalik at her Arlington, TX, family dentist practice to find out how to prevent tooth loss, improve your oral health, and fill in the spaces left by missing teeth.