- Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes they don’t! Missing teeth can limit a person chewing ability and can cause gum disease and bone loss in the remaining teeth due to tipping and shifting because they are now working harder than they were designed to. A person who does not replace missing teeth may permanently alter the shape and contour of their face by over closure of the jaw and changes in muscle tone, giving the face a much “older” look. Replacing missing teeth is important to your general health and to the health of your other teeth.