A missing tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Depending on which tooth is missing and how long the space has been present, it may influence how your teeth come together and how you chew.
When a tooth is lost, neighbouring teeth can gradually tilt or move toward the empty space. The opposing tooth may also move into the space. These changes can alter the contact between upper and lower teeth and, in some situations, affect chewing efficiency.
When several teeth are missing, the impact on chewing and oral function can become more noticeable. Long-standing tooth loss may also be associated with changes in the supporting bone and soft tissues, which can contribute to changes in the appearance of the mouth and lower face.
However, one missing tooth does not automatically mean that facial appearance or bite will change significantly. The effect varies according to the tooth involved, its position, the number of missing teeth, bite, bone and surrounding oral health.
Understanding these factors is more useful than simply focusing on the visible gap.
Content Written & Clinically Reviewed by
Dr. Ashutosh Dighe
BDS | MDS – Oral Medicine & Maxillofacial Radiology | PhD Scholar | Fellowship in Contemporary Endodontics | Certified Endodontist
OralNest DENTAL CLINIC
A SAFE NEST FOR EVERY SMILE
When a tooth is lost, neighbouring teeth can gradually tilt or move toward the empty space. The opposing tooth may also move into the space. These changes can alter the contact between upper and lower teeth and, in some situations, affect chewing efficiency.
When several teeth are missing, the impact on chewing and oral function can become more noticeable. Long-standing tooth loss may also be associated with changes in the supporting bone and soft tissues, which can contribute to changes in the appearance of the mouth and lower face.
However, one missing tooth does not automatically mean that facial appearance or bite will change significantly. The effect varies according to the tooth involved, its position, the number of missing teeth, bite, bone and surrounding oral health.
Understanding these factors is more useful than simply focusing on the visible gap.
Content Written & Clinically Reviewed by
Dr. Ashutosh Dighe
BDS | MDS – Oral Medicine & Maxillofacial Radiology | PhD Scholar | Fellowship in Contemporary Endodontics | Certified Endodontist
OralNest DENTAL CLINIC
A SAFE NEST FOR EVERY SMILE
Keywords
