Today’s world has revolutionized, and you no longer need to feel embarrassed over your crooked smile. Veneers are thin porcelain or composite films placed on the surface of crooked, chipped, or tilted teeth. But can you get veneers with missing teeth? The answer is simple and straight: No, because veneers need a surface on which they can be bonded.
In this article, we will address all your queries regarding teeth replacement and specifically shed light on other treatment options for missing teeth.
Replacement of missing teeth is essential to maintain the normal oral functions of speech, mastication, and esthetics. No is the answer to, ‘Can you get veneers with missing teeth?’ Considering veneers for missing teeth is like painting on a non-existent wall. If not veneers, what options do we have to replace the missing teeth?
Teeth have a significant function in the human body. Our mouth receives the nutrition and molds it into the form our body can utilize. Within our oral cavity, each tooth has its responsibility. Anterior teeth are required for biting and canines for gripping, while posterior teeth are destined for chewing. The natural function is disturbed if any of these teeth are missing.
Therefore, missing teeth must be replaced to maintain the integrity and smooth functioning of our body. Can you get veneers with missing teeth? No, but there are other viable options like implants, fixed prostheses, removal dentures, bridges, etc. The applicability of each varies from patient to patient.
We will discuss each of these options in detail in the next section.
Dental implants are the most suitable option to replace missing teeth. What are dental implants? A dental implant is a structure of alloplastic materials implanted into the oral tissues beneath the gums and bone and within or through the bone to provide retention and support for a fixed or removable dental prosthesis. It primarily consists of a crown(the visible part of the implant in the mouth similar to the crown of natural teeth), an abutment, and a post commonly made from titanium.
The process of implantation can be completed in one appointment or two appointments. If the entire process, including the complete placement of the dental implant, is completed in one appointment, it is known as a one-stage procedure.
However, if the process is completed in two separate appointments, it is known as a two-stage implant. First, the titanium post or screw is inserted and then covered with gums for 3-4 weeks. After the completion of that period, the remaining procedure is completed.
Osseointegration is the essential factor ensuring the success of dental implants. Osseointegration refers to a direct structural and functional connection between ordered, living bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant.
The success of dental implants varies directly with osseointegration. If this doesn’t occur effectively, the entire procedure fails or, worse, results in peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis refers to an infection in the tissues surrounding the implant.
Implants are an optimal option for missing teeth. However, in various situations, for example, implants are not a suitable option for patients with osteoporosis undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. This is because the bone may undergo necrosis. Moreover, in smokers and patients experiencing head and neck radiotherapy, implants are not very successful.
Then, what is the proper treatment or replacement for such patients? Dentures. Removable Partial dentures replace the missing teeth.
Patients can easily remove and place the dentures in their mouths. It takes some time to accept and adjust to a removable prosthesis; dentures facilitate a patient’s normal functions. All the tasks of aesthetics, eating, and speaking resume as usual. However, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure the denture’s success.
The answer to the question, ‘Can you get veneers with missing teeth?’ is no. But that does not end the alternative options for replacement of missing teeth. Like conventional bridges, dental bridges also take support from two sides.
Two sound teeth are required on both sides of the missing tooth, upon which a bridge can be placed. The bridge can be porcelain, metallic, or PFM(Porcelain Fused to Metal), depending upon the condition of the teeth and another prosthesis present in the mouth.
Veneers are an optimal solution for smile restoration and mask various teeth flaws. However, sometimes teeth are damaged in such a way that other treatments get priority. Some of these treatments are explained next:
Porcelain inlays and onlays are another option for damaged teeth. This is a permanent vital method. Firstly, the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed.
Next up, an impression is taken, and a prosthesis is made. Depending upon the extent of damage, either an inlay, onlay, or overlay is placed. We do have an option of metallic inlays and onlays. However, porcelain inlays and onlays give the most natural appearance.
Clear aligners or Invisalign are very budget-friendly and comfortable treatment options. Metallic braces have multiple pros and cons. Moreover, they are much more suitable for major orthodontic issues. Invisalign can be used when the teeth are minutely crooked, crowded, or titled. Invisalign uses retainers to restore the natural and correct orientation of teeth.
Cosmetic or aesthetic bonding is a widespread yet easy and budget-friendly treatment when the tooth is cracked or chipped with a minor cavity. In this treatment, the tooth surface is first roughened up, followed by applying a bonding agent, and then the composite resin is placed. The composite is given the ideal shape and is adapted according to the lost tooth structure.
After that, it is cured by exposure to UV light. Usually, at this stage, the surface of the cavity could be smoother. It is smoothened and finished to prevent any various attacks. This is also an excellent alternative to veneers.
Hesed Dental is a hub of not just veneers experts in NJ, but we specialize in implant dentistry. Therefore, even if the answer to “Can you get veneers with missing teeth? is “No,” you still have multiple other options.
Book your consultation today in NJ for a customized dental plan for you.
Hesed Dental 543 Gorge Road Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201 941 8877