The Impact of Missing Teeth

Most people think missing teeth only affect their smile or chewing. In reality, missing teeth—especially back teeth—can also impact breathing and overall health by changing how the jaw is supported.

What Is Vertical Dimension?

Vertical dimension is the natural height between your upper and lower jaws when your teeth come together. Your back teeth act like supports, keeping your jaw at the correct height and your muscles and joints balanced.

What Happens When Teeth Are Missing?

When teeth are missing and not replaced:

• The jaw can close too far

• The lower face may appear shorter or collapsed

• Remaining teeth wear faster

• Jaw muscles work harder to compensate

This is called collapse of vertical dimension.

How This Affects the Airway

Your lower jaw helps position your tongue. When the jaw collapses backward:

• The tongue shifts backward

• The space behind it—the airway—can narrow

• Breathing may become more restricted, especially during sleep

This reduced airway space may contribute to:

• Snoring

• Mouth breathing

• Poor sleep quality

Why This Matters

Over time, a collapsed bite can affect more than your mouth:

• Increased jaw, head, or neck tension

• Accelerated tooth wear or fractures

• Changes in facial support and aging

• Ongoing stress on the body from disrupted sleep

Your oral structure plays a key role in overall wellness.

The Good News

Replacing missing teeth and restoring proper bite height can:

• Support a healthier jaw position

• Improve tongue posture and airway space

• Restore comfort, function, and facial balance

The Takeaway

Replacing missing teeth isn’t just cosmetic. It helps support your bite, your airway, and your long-term health. If you’ve noticed changes in your bite, breathing, or facial support, a comprehensive dental evaluation may help uncover the root cause—and the solution.

At VanSmileDesign, Dr. Van takes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that looks beyond missing teeth to restore proper bite height, balance, and long-term function. By evaluating how the teeth, jaw, and airway work together, treatment is tailored to support overall wellness. If you’ve noticed changes in your bite or have missing teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Van to learn how restoring proper function can support your long-term health.