If teeth are lost, it is generally recommended to close the resulting gaps to avoid functional as well as cosmetic problems.
If teeth are lost, it is generally recommended to close the resulting gaps to avoid functional as well as cosmetic problems. This becomes easily apparent in the case of upper front teeth. A gappy smile is generally regarded as less attractive, however, it applies to posterior teeth as well, avoiding or minimising the impact of missing teeth for chewing, but also reducing the risk of joint damage and other functional problems. Traditionally, lost teeth were replaced with brides or dentures. However, this meant that natural tooth substances had to be removed to facilitate bridges, often jeopardising the health of the adjacent teeth. More in the main article.