Given advances in dental technology, there are now many ways to replace a missing tooth - or even a whole set! From conventional dentures to dental implants and everything in between, there is truly no shortage of solutions. However, veneers are not one of these options and cannot replace a missing tooth. If you’re wondering why, keep reading!
Why Veneers Cannot Replace Missing Teeth
Dental veneers are much like the delicate wood overlays that cover some fine furnishings, from dining room tables to meticulously constructed boxes. Like these thin expanses of wood that are used to cover a sturdier but less attractive kind of wood used in construction, dental veneers are a thin slip of porcelain or other material used to cover an unsightly or damaged tooth. Veneers can be an excellent solution for stains that cannot be remedied, chips that cannot be repaired, or other dental problems that have no other solution. While veneers cannot fix the root issue, they can provide an attractive and durable overlay that creates the appearance of a new tooth.
In placing a dental veneer, a dentist must cement it to the tooth that is being covered; this usually requires scuffing the surface of the tooth to make for good adhesion. Because veneers are designed to function as tooth covers rather than teeth, they can only mask an existing tooth in this way, not replace one.
Why Missing Teeth Should Be Replaced
While veneers are not the answer for the problem of a missing tooth, there are many important reasons to replace missing teeth. While a missing tooth in a space that isn’t visible may not seem like a problem that needs to be solved, there are in fact several problems that can arise when a missing tooth is not replaced. First, teeth can start to move to fill in the gap created by a missing tooth; this can lead to crooked teeth that can change the very bite pattern of one’s jaw. Changes in bite structure can lead to improper or problematic bite patterns that can damage teeth during the simple act of chewing and eating. In some cases, it can also lead to increased clenching and grinding of one’s teeth, which can cause all kinds of damage in both the short and long term. Finally, missing teeth can also compromise bone health in the jaw, which depends on the stimulation provided by teeth to support healthy bone mass. So while a single missing tooth may not seem like a big deal, over time it can cause significant problems!
Best Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
The best solution to a missing tooth is to replace it with a dental technology that is built to last. Today, the best option available is the dental implant. Capable of replacing one, several, or all of one’s teeth, dental implants are the only full dental prosthetic available on the market. Anchored into the jawbone with prosthetic roots that stimulate bone health and provide a strong, durable base for the crown, dental implants are not only more natural looking and feeling, but also provide the widest array of benefits. For more information on how dental implants can improve your smile and oral health, make an appointment today for an individualized consultation.