Do you have missing teeth? If you do they may be causing you problems eating or speaking or may be affecting your appearance and your confidence in the way you look. Although missing teeth won't cause you any real physical harm, the results of gaps in the mouth can be distress, loss of self-confidence and even alterations in face shape. This can happen because jaw bone can shrink away when it is not anchoring teeth in place, altering the shape of the jawline. This can in turn lead to problems if the jaw shrinks to the point that the stability of remaining natural teeth is threatened.

So what can be done about missing teeth? The first question to ask yourself is whether anything needs to be done. One missing tooth alone will not result in the sort of jaw shrinkage that will pose any problems and replacing teeth can be very expensive, particularly if your dental insurance doesn't cover the treatment. However, if the gap left behind from the missing tooth or teeth is affecting you whether psychologically or physically then these are reasons to take action to replace them. In cases where several teeth are missing, even if the individual feels that it isn't affecting them, it is strongly advised that the teeth are replaced in order to preserve the jaw.

Options for replacing missing teeth depend on budget, number of missing teeth and the individual needs of the patient. Dental implants can be used to replace any number of teeth using crowns, bridges or dentures. They involve some surgery, although it is only minor and is completed under local anaesthetic. The entire process can also take as long as six months. However, despite the cost and length of the treatment, it is by far the most effective tooth replacement and the only one which will prevent shrinkage of the jaw. Dental implants do also normally last a lifetime, providing they are properly cared for following the instructions of the dentist who fits them.

A cheaper solution is to replace missing teeth with removable dentures. These can replace either some or all of the teeth. The dentures can be removed for cleaning, which ensures their longevity and general oral health. However, they will not protect against the jawbone shrinking away. This could jeopardise the position of the remaining teeth. It also means that the jaw will gradually change size and shape, meaning that further dentures will be required to ensure a good fit.