Losing a Tooth is a Big Deal

A person is smiling with a missing tooth, highlighting the importance of dental replacements.

Why Losing a Tooth is More Than a Cosmetic Issue

Not just because of the gap it leaves behind, but also because of the way your mouth, teeth, jaw and face will move to accommodate and rectify the loss. When you lose a tooth, a few things will start happening. The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic – the way you look affects the way you feel, and the psychological and social consequences of tooth loss can also be profound. The less obvious, but probably the most impactful effect of missing teeth is not so much about teeth as it is about bone, which needs stimulation to maintain its form and density. Alveolar bone surrounds and supports teeth, and requires stimulation from the teeth in order to hold its density. When you lose a tooth, you lose the stimulation to this bone and without stimulation, this bone will lose height, width and eventually volume which will cause problems with chewing, speaking and your overall appearance. Bone loss will change the shape and form of your face, changing your entire appearance. Spots where teeth are missing will droop and could even collapse over time. So getting proper support when you lose a tooth is vital to your overall health, wellness and appearance. The dental technologies we use in our practice are chosen and used with the specific aim of offering patients the best solutions available. So when you come to OptiSmile for implants, bridges or veneers, you can be assured that we’ll work with you to design the best possible smile for you.
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Dr Clifford Yudelman BDS (Wits)

Founder and Principal Dentist, OptiSmile, Sea Point, Cape Town

Dr Clifford Yudelman founded OptiSmile in Sea Point, Cape Town, in 2015 and is its principal dentist. He qualified at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1983 and has 43 years of clinical experience in London, San Diego, Perth and Cape Town. His work focuses on restorative and cosmetic dentistry that keeps as much natural tooth as possible. He hosts the Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth podcast.

HPCSA registration DP0042919 · Member of SADA and SAAAD

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