Missing teeth can impact the overall appearance of your smile. Even one missing tooth is a serious issue, and several missing teeth can put you at risk of experiencing severe dental health problems. There are two popular options to fix a gap in your smile, like a dental bridge or, if you’re missing more than just one tooth, dentures. Dental implants are the most effective way to replace a tooth because they are safe, natural-looking, convenient, and long-lasting. 

Keep reading to learn how missing teeth can impact your oral health and how dental implants can fix the problem.

1. Your face can start to shrink
Your missing tooth can eventually lead to changes in your facial structure. Your face can begin to look hollow and your skin may become saggy – both unwanted consequences of missing teeth. Your teeth play a huge role in supporting your jawbone development. Dental implants help prevent potential changes in facial structure by stimulating bone growth. Plus, with dental implants, you can start to look more youthful than before. 

2. You can have difficulties with food consumption
Missing teeth can create difficulties with chewing and biting. Dental implants are a perfect way to fix these issues. They are securely fixed into your jawbone, guaranteeing no future shifting issues. With dental implants, you can eat your favorite foods without any restrictions.

3. You may experience speech difficulties
Your teeth are crucial for proper speaking skills. They regulate the airflow when you speak, enabling you to form many of the words and sounds required for effective communication. By missing several of your teeth you can lose this ability and even develop speech impediments, such as a lisp. Talking may become difficult, and you may have to say the same thing several times because others could have trouble understanding you.

4. A missing tooth can damage the neighboring teeth
Even if you’re missing a second or third molar, its absence can lead to harmful consequences. You may think that a missing molar is a minor issue because it doesn’t affect the appearance of your smile. But, a missing tooth can strain the rest of your teeth. The load your teeth put on each other is meant to be regularly distributed. A missing tooth can affect the function of your mouth, And your jawbone can start to deteriorate leading to the risk of additional tooth loss.

5. You may experience shifting teeth
The neighboring teeth will start to shift for closing a new gap. It can eventually result in crooked teeth. A dental implant not only substitutes your tooth root, but also promotes the jawbone development, strengthens the neighboring teeth, and prevents further complications.

6. Missing teeth can impact your self-esteem
Having a gap in your smile can seriously impact your confidence and self-esteem. Your teeth play a very important role in your everyday life. By looking at your smile most people form their first impression of you. Your teeth also represent your commitment to proper dental habits. By fixing a gap in your teeth, you can start to feel better about yourself. It also reduces your anxiety when there’s a need to smile or eat in front of other people.

The bottom line
With modern technologies and quality materials, dental implants are the best way to restore your missing teeth. They are more comfortable than dentures and don’t require you to use messy adhesives to keep them fixed in your mouth. Dental implants also don’t require adjusting the neighboring teeth before installment. If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, consult a dental specialist immediately to start treatment and prevent the situation from complicating.