Can You Get Veneers with Missing Teeth?

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be wondering what your options are. There are numerous ways to replace missing teeth available, and many dental appliances out there. Some people wonder about veneers and whether they can work to replace missing teeth. Veneers are a common cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of teeth. They can change the color, shape, and size of an existing tooth. They cannot by themselves replace a tooth that is no longer there, but it is possible to connect one or two veneers to hold a beautiful replacement in place. If you have missing teeth and are considering veneers, read on to learn more.

Can veneers replace missing teeth?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite material that is placed over an existing tooth. Since the veneer must be bonded to a natural tooth, there must be enough tooth structure for it to bond to. Therefore, if a tooth is completely missing, we must be able to bond to the teeth around it to replace it with this approach. If we bond to one tooth it is called a single wing maryland bridge. Sometimes we bond to two. This is a traditional bridge. Both can be made from the same material veneers are made from, to match a desired cosmetic appearance.

What can replace a missing tooth?

There are several treatments that can replace a missing tooth. The best option for you will depend on the location of the gap, the health of the surrounding teeth, and the amount of bone in the jaw.

1. A maryland bridge is most commonly used to replace missing front teeth and is often not a great solution for a missing back teeth. In these cases we usually recommend one of the following options in combination with your veneers if you desire the most long lasting and esthetic outcome.
2. A dental implant is one of the most common options. The implant is placed into the jawbone and acts as a replacement root. After the area heals, a crown is attached to the implant to replace the visible portion of the tooth.
3. A dental bridge is another option. A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap for support. Crowns are placed over the supporting teeth, and a false tooth is attached between them.
4. A removable partial denture may be used when several teeth are missing in different areas of the mouth. This appliance can be removed for cleaning and is often a more affordable option.

Can veneers and tooth replacement be done together?

Veneers can be combined with implants, bridges, or partial dentures to fully restore a mouth. This is often done when someone wants to replace missing teeth and improve the appearance of the surrounding teeth at the same time. To do this, the dentist will need to plan the treatments together so that the colors, shapes, and sizes match. This is especially important when the missing tooth is in the front of the mouth. If the restorations are created at the same time, it is especially easy to make everything match. If we are leaving a few teeth unveneered, we can usually get a good match, and we often ask that the teeth be whitened first to the shade that you wish your veneers to be.

What are the next steps?

If you have missing teeth and are interested in veneers, the first step is to speak with your dentist. There are tons of great options for you. Modern dentistry is incredible. They will examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone to determine which treatments would be best for you and your desired results. Veneers cannot fill an empty space without another tooth to hold on to, but they certainly have a place as part of a cosmetic treatment including the replacement of one or more missing teeth. Your dentist can often simultaniously replace the missing tooth and use veneers to improve the overall appearance.

Related Article: What Happens If You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?