Can You Get Veneers With Missing Teeth?
Can You Get Veneers With Missing Teeth?
A dental veneer is a cosmetic procedure that is used by patients to improve their smile. Veneers are considered cosmetic by insurance companies and are often not covered. In order for a patient to have veneers placed, there has to be a tooth for the veneer to be fixed to, it cannot be used to replace a missing tooth. A veneer is made of thin porcelain material that is permanently cemented into place on top of an existing tooth. Veneers are able to fix other problems with the teeth including chips or cracks, discoloration or staining.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
It is very important to find a treatment that works for you to replace a missing tooth. When a space is left, surrounding healthy teeth begin to shift in an effort to close the space which can lead to loose teeth and even more tooth loss. Missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration in the jar which can contribute to changes in the facial structure and difficulties eating and speaking. The jaw bone benefits from tooth roots to help regenerate bone structure overtime and without the roots of the teeth, bone can be permanently lost.
Treatment Options for Missing Teeth
If a patient is missing teeth, they may be able to have a partial denture which is removable for easy cleaning and maintenance. They may also consider a dental bridge which is just like a partial but is permanently cemented in place. Patients missing a considerable number of teeth may require the treatment of a full denture in order to restore one or both arches.
A dental implant is one of the best options available for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post that has the ability to support an individual implant crown all the way up to a full implant-supported denture. Dental implants also help support bone health by acting as an artificial tooth root and stimulating bone regeneration.
A dental implant is placed by an Oral Surgeon or a Periodontist in a visit separate from your Dentist. The doctor will make a small incision in the gum tissue and drill a small hole into the bone and place the implant. It is then covered with a healing cap to prevent damage and infection while you heal. During your healing time, the implant will begin to integrate with the bone structure to create a stable foundation and support for the dental prosthesis, being either a crown or a denture.
There is an extensive healing time for dental implants, up to six months, and they are more expensive at the beginning but the incredible success rate and lifespan of dental implants makes the expense well worth it for a lot of patients. With proper care and maintenance, a dental implant can easily last a lifetime. You may need to have the prosthesis replaced every once in a while due to simple wear and tear but the implant itself is often a one time expense.
After you have fully healed from implant placement surgery, your dentist will take over treatment and place your dental prosthesis. They will remove the healing cap and place the permanent abutment on the implant. The abutment is a piece that acts as a bridge between the implant and the prosthesis. The dental prosthesis is fixed onto the abutment and any necessary adjustments are made.
If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, it is important to speak with your Dentist to find out what options are available to you. Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants but it is important to replace missing teeth so make sure you understand your options and together, you and your Dentist can decide what treatment will best suit you and your lifestyle!