If you’ve lost a front tooth, it’s easy to understand how your smile could look very different. Many people prefer to fill these gaps as soon as possible so they don’t have to worry about what others see. But what about a missing back tooth? Will a rarely seen missing molar affect how you look?
As it turns out, dental gaps will gradually change your facial aesthetics – whether you’re missing a front-facing pearly white or a backstage tooth. Keep reading to learn more!
Jawbone Loss
A tooth is more than the shiny mineral layers you see when you smile in the mirror. They’re connected to dental roots, which are buried below the gumline and anchored to your jawbone. These roots help keep the tooth in place, but also sends essential stimulation to your jawbone that promotes its density and volume.
When teeth go missing, these signals don’t get sent – and the jawbone starts to shrink.
Facial Structure
Your jaw and dental structure help support healthy, secure teeth, and also your face shape! As smile gaps start to result in bone shrinkage, you’ll likely notice changes in your cheeks and lips. They’ll appear sunken or hollow and may contribute to wrinkles or sagging skin. If you’d rather avoid these premature symptoms, it’s best to find a suitable tooth replacement that will maintain your jawbone and prevent deterioration.
Shifting Teeth
Before moving on to solutions, there’s one last consequence of missing teeth that’s worth mentioning. You’ve probably noticed that in general, teeth are packed pretty close together and create a seamless look. However, when gaps are present in your dental lineup, those picture-perfect positions could start to lean and become crooked.
Your pearly whites are trying to do you a favor in this instance by compensating for the empty space, but you might not appreciate the uneven aesthetic!
The Best Way to Combat Tooth Loss
The absolute best way to prevent these effects is with dental implants. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants feature a titanium post that your dentist will root down to your jawbone. Since titanium is highly biocompatible, your bone matter will be all too happy to grow around it and soak up some much-needed stimulation. Plus, the restoration will effectively fill in smile gaps. Thus, your facial structure will remain intact!
If you’d like to maintain your beautiful smile and youthful appearance through tooth loss, talk to your dentist about dental implants. They’ll be happy to discuss the treatment with you in more detail.
About the Practice
Dr. Tim Vacek and Dr. Paige Hull both earned their dental degrees from the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry. They’re skilled professionals who are passionate about their work and continue to pursue excellence so they can provide their patients with the best care possible. Dr. Vacek, for example, is a graduate of Implant Seminars in Miami, FL. If you’re curious about dental implants and their ability to maintain your smile, he’d be happy to schedule a consultation with you! To contact Dr. Vacek and Dr. Hull’s office, call 402-786-2007.