When it comes to missing teeth, delaying treatment can do more harm than you might think. Beyond affecting your confidence, untreated tooth loss can lead to bone damage, shifting teeth, and long-term oral health issues. With the help of restoration dentistry at Dental Care of Lombard, you can rebuild your smile, protect your health, and prevent future complications.
Replacing missing teeth quickly is one of the best things you can do for your smile and your overall well-being. Take action – call (630) 629-5700 to start repairing your smile with Dr. Julie Glud in Lombard, IL, today!
How Missing Teeth Affect Your Oral Health
Your teeth don’t just help you chew. They also play a key role in maintaining the structure of your mouth and jaw.
When you have missing teeth, the surrounding teeth lose support and may start to shift into the open space. This creates alignment problems that make it harder to chew effectively and speak naturally.
Over time, your bite can change, causing uneven dental wear or even jaw pain. Acting early helps your dentist restore harmony and stability before serious problems develop.
The Connection Between Missing Teeth and Bone Loss
Each tooth root stimulates the bone beneath it, keeping it strong and dense. However, when a tooth is lost, that stimulation stops, and the bone begins to shrink in a process called resorption. In fact, experts estimate that roughly 30% of the bone supporting a missing tooth can wither away in the first few months after tooth loss.
Over time, this can alter the structure and contours of your face, making your cheeks appear sunken and your jawline weaker. It also puts neighboring teeth at risk, as bone resorption can reduce the support that nearby teeth need to stay healthy and immobile.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is one of the most effective ways to stop bone loss. These artificial tooth roots help to restore optimal oral function and preserve bone health.
Missing Teeth Can Affect Your Speech and Diet
Missing teeth can make it harder to pronounce certain words clearly, especially if the gaps are near the front of your mouth. This can affect how you communicate and may even make you feel self-conscious when speaking.
Chewing is another challenge. You might avoid hard or crunchy foods because they’re uncomfortable to eat. Over time, this can lead to poor nutrition if you skip healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Restoring your teeth with Dr. Glud helps you enjoy your favorite meals again and boosts both confidence and nutrition.
How Restoration Dentistry Helps Replace Missing Teeth
Restoration dentistry offers several advanced solutions to replace missing teeth and restore your natural function. The most common options include dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
Implants are sturdy titanium rods that meld with the jawbone to provide permanent, stable support for artificial teeth.
Bridges use false teeth and the support of nearby teeth to fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
Modern dentures can address both partial and total tooth loss. Due to recent improvements, they are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever.
Each option is customized to your smile and lifestyle, helping you look and feel your best.
The Emotional Impact of Missing Teeth
The effects of missing teeth go beyond oral health. They can impact your emotional well-being, too.
Gaps in your smile may make you feel embarrassed or hesitant to laugh and smile freely. This can take a toll on your self-esteem and social life. Repairing your smile helps restore not only your appearance but also your confidence.
When you smile comfortably again, it can improve how you interact with others and even how you feel about yourself. A full, healthy smile is one of the most powerful confidence boosters.
Delaying Treatment Can Lead to More Complicated Problems
Postponing treatment for missing teeth often leads to more complex and costly dental work later. As teeth shift and bone loss progresses, it can become harder to place implants or properly fit restorations. Gum health can also decline, and your bite may become misaligned.
These issues can eventually cause discomfort and further tooth loss. Acting early prevents these complications, saving you both time and financial hardship in the long run. Most importantly, early treatment ensures your smile stays strong and healthy for years to come.
Why Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard
For many patients with missing teeth, dental implants are the ideal way to complete their smiles. Unlike other restorations, implants integrate directly with your jawbone, creating a secure and lasting foundation. They look, feel, and function like your own pearly whites, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
With daily care and regular dental visits, they can last a lifetime. If you have one or more missing teeth, ask Dr. Glud whether implants are right for you.
How to Protect Your New Restorations
Once you’ve replaced your missing teeth, it’s important to care for your new restorations properly. Here’s what your dentist in Lombard, IL, recommends:
- Brush and floss daily to keep your gums healthy and prevent plaque buildup.
- Attend regular dental checkups at Dental Care of Lombard to ensure everything fits well and functions correctly.
- If you grind your teeth at night, get a custom-made nightguard to protect your restorations.
With good hygiene and professional care, your replacement teeth can last for many years, helping you maintain a confident, healthy smile.
Reclaim Your Smile and Confidence – Call Dental Care of Lombard Today
Living with missing teeth doesn’t have to be permanent. Thanks to advancements in restoration dentistry, you have more options than ever to restore your smile and protect your health.
Whether you choose dental implants, bridges, or dentures, replacing missing teeth with Dr. Julie Glud is a powerful investment in your well-being. So, don’t wait until your bite shifts or your jawbone weakens.
Click here to schedule a consultation at Dental Care of Lombard, or call us at (630) 629-5700 to find the best solution to bring back your full, radiant smile and the confidence that comes with it.
