Will missing tooth shift/change my smile over a period of over 10 yrs?

Doctor's Answer

It really depends on the location of the tooth that was extracted. Losing a tooth closer to the front teeth may result in drifting of the teeth and cause the midline to shift. This in turn may affect your smile.

If you only lost one tooth, it is unlikely to create any facial changes. At 15 years old, there is a little growth left. Your nose and chin may grow a little more forward, together with thinning of the facial tissues with age. If there was any weight loss during this period, the facial bones may become more prominent. This would cause changes to your face, lips and smile.

As with Dr Lam’s answer, the teeth next to the space can tilt inwards over time, creating areas that may prove difficult to maintain or keep clean, and making the space smaller.

There are many ways to improve your smile. It would be best for you to have a detailed consultation with your dentist or orthodontist to see what the treatment options are for your case. They can also advise you on whether the space from the missing tooth should be maintained and restored with an implant, or whether the space can be closed using braces. Everyone deserves a great smile. 🙂 All the best and I hope this helps.

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