Why Should I Replace a Missing Tooth?
Replacing a missing tooth might just seem like a way to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Actually, restoring missing teeth is vital to your oral and overall health. Here are two reasons why.
First, the adjacent teeth will shift to fill in the space when you’re missing a tooth. The shift creates bite misalignment that puts more pressure on certain teeth. Over time, the force of biting, chewing, or clenching can cause the tooth to break down, resulting in cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth.
Second, when your bite is out of alignment, it causes strained muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the head and neck. The strain can lead to pain, including headaches and migraines.
A dental bridge replaces the missing tooth and keeps the bite in proper alignment, reducing your risk of damage.