You might be wondering if veneers are still a possibility if you want to improve your smile with missing teeth. These thin, specially designed shells may do wonders, fixing everything from small gaps and alignment problems to chipping and discoloration. However, veneers cannot be used to replace a lost tooth. Despite being an effective tool in cosmetic dentistry, veneers serve a totally different function.
Why Can’t You Get Veneers with Missing Teeth?
You must first grasp what veneers are and how they function in order to comprehend why they cannot be used to repair a lost tooth. A dental veneer is an extremely thin layer of composite resin or porcelain that is made to fit over the front of an existing, natural tooth.
The bonding of a veneer to a healthy tooth structure is the foundation of its whole concept. It requires a strong nail below to adhere to, much like a gorgeous fingernail overlay. A veneer cannot be “glued” to the two teeth on each side of a gap to fill it, nor can it be affixed to the gum. Without a basis, it is not structurally sound enough to endure the tremendous stresses of biting and chewing.
Treatment Options for Missing Teeth
Your dentist will suggest a restoration treatment for a lost tooth that takes into account both the bite’s functionality and appearance. The two most popular and successful choices are:
Dental Implants
The best way to replace a lost tooth is with a dental implant. It is a sturdy, long-lasting substitute that closely resembles a real tooth from root to crown. The jawbone where the tooth is missing is surgically filled with a tiny titanium peg. A fresh tooth root is represented by this post.
Through a process known as osseointegration, the jawbone and implant merge over several months, forming a strong foundation. The visible portion of the tooth, a custom-made crown, is affixed to the implant when it has healed.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a permanent prosthesis that essentially “bridges” the space created by a lost tooth. A bridge is made up of two natural teeth on either side of the gap, with crowns holding the artificial tooth (also called a pontic) in place. The bridge, together with its crowns, is firmly bonded over the two neighboring teeth after your dentist prepares them by removing a tiny bit of enamel.
Can You Get Veneers with a Restorative Treatment?
Yes, but your dentist will prioritize the restorative phase if you want a full smile makeover. The cosmetic stage can start when the lost tooth has been effectively restored and healed. Your dentist can use veneers on the adjacent teeth to guarantee a perfect match if you have a dental implant with a porcelain crown. Your other teeth’s color, shape, and alignment can be corrected with veneers to provide a symmetrical, beautiful, and consistent smile that feels and looks entirely natural.
Summing Up!
Veneers are not a solution for missing teeth. Your dentist will suggest either dental implants or a bridge to replace your missing teeth, and once the restorative treatment has healed, they can use veneers to further enhance your smile. Even while getting a flawless smile with missing teeth could take more work, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Consult our experts at Precision Smile Dentistry about your missing tooth and let them help you. Call us to book your appointment.