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Missing Teeth Can Be Serious

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Effects Of Missing Teeth

If you have missing teeth and hate the way you look in the mirror, Dr. Jack Ringer, the OC’s, most popular and experienced Cosmetic Dentist, can help. Dr. Jack Ringer can change the way that you feel about your grin.

Dr. Ringer is the past president and an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and understands how a less than perfect smile can undermine your confidence.

Missing teeth can do more than damage your self-esteem. Missing teeth can also cause other problems including that shrunken in look that will make you look 10 years younger than you are.

Dr. Ringer recommends that missing teeth be replaced as quickly as possible to avoid jawbone deterioration. Jawbone deterioration occurs because the bone has nothing to keep it exercised. Your teeth keep your jawbone healthy.

Although some may not think that a missing tooth is a critical issue, especially if it’s in a place that doesn’t show, a missing tooth can be serious as your teeth are meant to be a team and work together. With the exception of Wisdom teeth, or teeth that have been removed because of orthodontic treatment, a missing tooth can have far reaching consequences for the rest of your teeth.

Although the cosmetic affects, a missing tooth can make you appear gaunt thanks to no cheek support, there are other more serious issues to consider.

Other problems with a missing tooth or teeth include:

  • Periodontal problems
  • Speech defects
  • Lost fillings
  • Tooth fractures
  • TMJ disorders
  • Hypereruption
  • Malocclusion

Dr. Ringer explains that when you lose a tooth, the rest of your teeth will drift or move into the space that was left by your missing tooth. The movement can include rotating and tipping that will affect your bite. Known as malocclusion, it can also cause strain and pain in your jaw joints, also known as temporomandibular joint.

People who have a missing tooth will also tend to chew on the opposite side because there are more teeth to do the chewing. This means more force is exerted on your teeth more often making you more susceptible to lost fillings and broken teeth.

A missing tooth can also cause hypereruption. A missing tooth coming in more when you bite can cause this condition. The problem can be so serious that your roots could begin to show. This will cause gum problems, sensitive teeth and root decay.

Your speech can also be affected as your teeth play a major role in the way you talk and sound. Your teeth interact with your cheeks, lips and tongue much like an orchestra. If the violin player is missing, your orchestra will not sound as good as it could.

If you have a missing tooth and are concerned about the consequences, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ringer and his team from Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills today. Dr. Ringer can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Call or click now.

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