Missing Teeth
Missing a tooth — or several teeth — is more common than many people realise. While it is possible to leave a gap, doing so can have consequences for your oral health, bite, and confidence over time.
Replacing missing teeth isn’t just about appearance; it’s about protecting the long-term health and function of your mouth.
How to Replace a Missing Tooth: Implants, Bridges & Dentures Explained
Why is it important to replace a missing tooth?
1. To prevent teeth moving out of position
When a tooth is lost, the tooth that it used to bite against in the opposite jaw can grow outwards into a new position, and the teeth either side of the gap can tilt or drift into a new position. These new positions of teeth can cause new undesirable collisions between teeth when chewing and grinding that can lead to problems.
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2. To protect the remaining teeth
When a gap is left, the other teeth close by then have to share the extra load, making it more likely for the remaining teeth to chip or fracture.
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3. To improve chewing and digestion
Teeth play an important role in breaking food down properly. Missing teeth can make chewing less effective, and efficient chewing is the important first step of digestion and extracting the nutrients from food.
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4. To restore confidence in your smile
For many people, the most immediate concern is appearance. A visible gap can affect how comfortable you feel smiling, laughing, or speaking.
Treatments for missing teeth
Below are the three methods available to replace missing teeth. Your dentist will advise you which of these options is more appropriate for you.