{"id":179,"date":"2019-03-23T00:12:32","date_gmt":"2019-03-23T00:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tomballdentist.com\/blog\/?p=179"},"modified":"2019-04-23T00:28:39","modified_gmt":"2019-04-23T00:28:39","slug":"3-important-reasons-you-should-replace-missing-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tomballdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/23\/3-important-reasons-you-should-replace-missing-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Important Reasons You Should Replace Missing Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When you smile in the mirror, do you see two beautiful rows of teeth reflecting back at you? If you are one of the 178 million Americans that the American College of Prosthodontists estimates is missing at least one tooth, then you likely have a noticeable gap in your smile. A missing tooth can be a major source of embarrassment \u2013 but even more, it can affect your physical and mental health as well. Do you have gaps in your smile but are unsure whether it is worth it to fill them? Here are 3 compelling reason why it is important to replace missing teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#1: Your Facial Appearance May Change <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Improving one\u2019s appearance is one of the primary reasons people seek to replace a missing tooth. In addition to a dark gap interrupting your smile, a missing tooth can also impact the shape of your face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone beneath it begins to slowly shrink away, much like a muscle atrophies if you do not use it regularly. Without the tooth to help stimulate the jawbone and support the structure of your face, your mouth can begin to look sunken and aged.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2: Your Teeth May Shift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although their positioning in our mouth seems very\nsolidified, teeth can in fact slowly move and shift over time.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a gap in your smile, adjacent teeth can gradually drift in the empty space. This can have a serious negative impact on your dental and overall health, as it can alter your bite and make it more difficult to properly clean your teeth.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3: Your Mental Health May Suffer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Replacing a missing tooth is not just important for your physical wellbeing, but for your mental health as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research conducted by psychologist Robert Zajonc and others\nindicates that there is a close relationship between smiling and feeling happy.\nHowever, if you are missing a tooth you may not feel confident enough to smile in\npublic or even around close friends and family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do not feel comfortable projecting happiness outwardly\nthrough smiling, you may end up having a less positive attitude overall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Replace My Missing Teeth? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there is a range of restorative dentistry options that can help rejuvenate any smile, whether you are missing one or two teeth or an entire row. Popular and reliable treatment options include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n