Can You Get Veneers with Missing Teeth?
Veneers cannot replace missing teeth. To have a dental veneer placed, there must be a natural tooth to attach it to. Veneers are primarily a cosmetic treatment which involves a thin veneer of porcelain being bonded to the front of a damaged tooth; a tooth that is stained, chipped, or cracked. Veneers are usually applied to the front visible teeth. You need to have a natural tooth structure for the shell to bond to; it must be large enough to support the veneer and not broken or decayed.
Reasons for You to Consider a Veneer
If you have a missing tooth, you are wondering what options are available. You might have considered porcelain veneers as a solution.
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that is adhered to the front of a natural tooth to improve its appearance. As an aesthetic treatment, it can restore a healthy smile in a matter of weeks by covering cosmetic concerns such as:
* A chipped tooth
* A crack in a tooth
* A discolored or stained tooth
* Crooked teeth
* A large gap between two teeth
Because it needs a tooth to bond to, you cannot get a veneer with a missing tooth.
Should You Replace the Missing Tooth
It is easy to do nothing with a missing tooth, especially if you cannot see the gap when you smile. There are several ways a missing tooth can affect your oral health. A missing tooth immediately allows the neighboring teeth to drift into the space, causing them to become crooked, changing your bite alignment and even your speech. Missing teeth will cause jaw atrophy, a condition when your jawbone loses density because there is no root to stimulate growth. It is best to visit your dentist sooner rather than later to address a missing tooth.
What is the Best Treatment for a Missing Tooth?
A dental implant is the new gold standard for a missing tooth. A dental implant is a titanium post that will function as an artificial root for a replacement tooth. Receiving a dental implant takes several steps. First, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone at the site of your missing tooth. With some healing time, your jawbone will naturally bond or fuse to the implant. Once this fusion or osseointegration has occurred, an extension or abutment is attached to the implant, and an impression is made to create the implant crown. The last step of the process is the placing of the crown to the abutment.
Why are Dental Implants the Best Restoration for Missing Teeth?
Dental implants are today the best option for replacing a missing tooth for several reasons. The implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution, there is truly minor risk of any movement or dislodgment once an implant is stable. The implant stimulates the bone abating any bone loss. A dental implant looks and feel like a natural tooth and will not affect your chewing or speaking. They require simple, consistent, good oral health care with flossing once and brushing twice daily. If maintained correctly, dental implants can last a lifetime.