Getting Dental Veneers When You Have Missing Teeth
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that adhere to the front surface of teeth. They are primarily used cosmetically to cover stained, chipped, crooked or worn down teeth by creating a natural-looking, beautiful smile.
But what if you have multiple missing teeth or gaps in your smile - can veneers still work in those cases? As it turns out, modern dentistry offers innovative solutions to get dental veneers, even with a fully missing row of teeth.
Benefits of Dental Veneers with Missing Teeth
Some of the major advantages of getting veneers when you have partial tooth loss or gaps include:
- Mask visually unappealing gaps from missing teeth
- Resolve problem of collapsed, shifting teeth
- Restore proper bite alignment issues
- Get an complete, uniform smile
- Protect fragile teeth near gaps from further damage
With customized treatment planning, veneers can effectively deal with esthetic and functional concerns arising from multiple lost teeth in many situations.
Veneer Options for Missing Teeth Cases
Today's advanced dental techniques offer several options for veneer solutions when someone is missing one or more teeth. The main solutions include:
Dental Implant Supported Veneers
Dental implants are titanium screw-like posts surgically embedded into the jawbone, which permanently replace tooth roots. They provide a highly stable foundation for building replacement teeth.
When gaps exist, dental implants can first be placed to fill in the spaces. Custom veneers contoured to your natural teeth are then adhered to the implant crowns for a seamless, complete smile.
Bridge Veneers
If multiple consecutive teeth are missing, a full dental bridge supported by implants on the ends can be constructed to fill the gap. Realistic looking veneers are attached to the bridge to create the illusion of natural teeth.
While bridges and bridgework used to rely on adjacent teeth for support, using implants avoids grinding down healthy teeth for anchors.
Removable Denture Veneers
For people missing all or most of their teeth, full removable dentures can be created and then covered with denture veneers that mimic gum tissue and teeth. These attach securely to the base dentures but can be removed when needed.
Denture veneers offer a non-permanent solution for total tooth loss patients to gain an esthetic and functional smile that can aid speech, eating, and self-confidence.
The Veneer Process With Missing Teeth
The general treatment workflow for getting veneers with partial or complete tooth loss involves:
- Comprehensive dental examination and diagnosis - Needed to analyze structural issues from missing teeth and design optimal restorative solutions.
- Initial treatment phase - Includes extracting unsalvageable teeth, bone grafting to strengthen jaw as needed, placing dental implants to provide foundation for veneers and bridges.
- Customizing restorations - Impressions taken to fabricate well-fitting implant crowns, bridges and dentures. Esthetic try-in checks shape, fit and color.
- Bonding veneers - Once underlying implants, bridges, dentures are ready, realistic veneers are adhered to structures to complete the smile.
- Follow-up visits - To assess comfort, function, esthetics. Adjustments made to further perfect the restorations over first few weeks.
With meticulous multi-step procedures tailored to each patient's unique needs, beautiful veneered smiles can be crafted even for complex missing teeth situations.
Key Factors in Veneer Success
Good long term outcomes when getting veneers with partial or complete tooth loss rely on:
- Properly placing dental implants where needed to provide solid supports
- Using high quality, durable materials for bridges, dentures and veneers
- Skilled, cosmetic-focused dentistry to customize esthetic results
- Good oral hygiene once delivered to keep veneers intact for many years
Discuss all these considerations thoroughly with your dentist when planning veneers with missing teeth to ensure satisfactory results.
Recovery After Getting Veneers
Healing From Implants and Extractions
If surgical steps like extractions for non-restorable teeth and dental implants to replace missing tooth roots are involved, important healing periods must be respected before veneers are placed.
Typically it takes 3-6 months for the jawbone to fuse securely with implants through the osseointegration process. Grafted bone also needs at least a few months to regenerate where deficiencies existed. This ensures implants and new teeth are sturdy and stable when in function.
Adjusting to Veneers
While attaching the final custom veneer shells doesn't require recovery per se, adjusting to how the veneers feel and look does take time.
Your tongue needs to adapt to smooth veneers versus natural teeth ridges. Jaw muscles also must adjust to altered bite alignment. Proper oral hygiene routine will be demonstrated to keep veneers clean and sound.
During the acclimation period, veneers may feel awkward but this usually resolves within 2-4 weeks. Avoid chewing excessively hard foods at first. See your dentist quickly if anything feels loose or damaged.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
Veneers, implants, bridges and removable denture solutions can become expensive with all the materials, customized lab work and clinical treatment time involved. However costs vary widely based on:
- Type and number of veneers needed
- Whether basic or premium materials are used
- Fees of restorative dentist in your area
Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of necessary procedures like extractions and bridges. Get an itemized cost estimate from your dentist upfront and discuss insurance coverage details to understand your potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Maintaining Your New Smile
Once dental veneers are successfully placed, either directly or attached to implant crowns, bridges or removable dentures, maintaining proper care of your restorations is essential for best smile outcomes over time.
This includes diligent oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, regular dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months. Promptly addressing any damage or looseness issues that arise is also critical for long term success.
With excellent home care and quick response to problems if they appear, you can enjoy durable, functional dental veneers for many years ahead despite complex tooth loss situations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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