For 76% of people, a smile is the first thing they notice when meeting someone. If some of your pearly whites are missing, finding the right solution is both a confidence booster and an oral health concern. But what are the options? Do veneers replace missing teeth? Here’s everything you need to know to get your smile back on track.
Do Veneers Replace Missing Teeth?
No, dental veneers can’t replace missing teeth. This is considered a cosmetic dental treatment. It involves a porcelain or tooth-colored covering that fits over the front surface of the tooth. To have a veneer replace a missing tooth would be like placing a dental crown without a tooth structure. Without a stable foundation, the veneer has nothing to bond to.
What Are Dental Veneers Used For?
Veneers were invented by Dr. Charles Pincus almost a century ago to conceal cosmetic flaws in the smiles of Hollywood stars. Back then, they were simple clip-ons you could remove whenever you wanted. Today, they’re permanently bonded to the front surface of the teeth to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. As such, they can address numerous imperfections, including the following:
- Broken or chipped teeth,
- Gaps in the teeth,
- Stains that can’t be addressed with teeth whitening,
- Very small teeth,
- Misshapen teeth.
How Do Veneers Work?
If you have healthy teeth and your Charlotte, NC, dentist has deemed you a good candidate for this cosmetic treatment, here’s what the process looks like. First off, they’ll shape the tooth enamel so it’s perfect for veneer placement.
Then, they will take an impression of each tooth and create custom-made coverings in the lab. These will be bonded to your teeth using special dental cement, and with a bit of care on your part, they can last for years to come.
What Are the Different Types of Veneers?
The world of cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, and today, there are numerous types of veneers used to enhance one’s smile. Here are the most common solutions:
- Composite veneers – a tooth-colored composite resin, also used for dental bonding, is employed to achieve the wanted appearance,
- Porcelain veneers – crafted from durable ceramic, these custom-made coverings provide a long-lasting, natural appearance,
- Removable veneers – also known as snap-on veneers, these can be taken out anytime, just like retainers or nighttime aligners.
What Are the Better Options for Missing Teeth?
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), over 150 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Luckily, thanks to advances in technology, there are many reliable and effective treatments for this predicament.
In many cases, dental implants are the best solution for restoring your smile. As long as you’ve got adequate bone structure to support this prosthetic device and are keeping good oral hygiene overall, you’re a good candidate for this treatment. Implants consist of three parts – a post, an abutment, and a dental crown that’s custom-made to match the shape and color of the rest of your teeth.
On top of enhancing the looks and filling the gaps, implants also work to prevent bone loss and other oral health concerns, including uneven wear. Moreover, they are a durable solution – while the dental crown might need replacing at some point, implants often last a lifetime.
There Are Many Other Ways to Enhance Your Smile
If you’d like to conceal minor imperfections, such as discoloration or a chipped tooth, veneers can get you that Hollywood smile. However, there are many alternatives that can bring the best out of your pearly whites.
It’s best to consult with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark about the possible solutions – they will be able to find the perfect treatment option for you. For example, the Aspire Dental Wellness team offers completely personalized smile makeovers, making sure every aspect is tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and goals.
Brightening Up Your Smile Using Advanced Laser Dentistry
If your pearly whites are not so pearly anymore, advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, offers safe and effective teeth whitening treatments. This innovative technology can get rid of even the more stubborn stains, and best of all, you won’t have to deal with sensitive teeth afterward.
Dental Bonding Can Help With Minor Chips and Cracks
If you’ve got a minor chip or a crack in a tooth, dental bonding can be a great solution. Your cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, will first roughen up the enamel and then apply a special adhesive and a composite resin to restore the tooth.
So, if you need minor improvements, bonding is a more practical and faster solution than veneers. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to what your dentist thinks is the best solution to get you that smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Visit Aspire Dental Wellness for a Solution as Unique as Your Smile
Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is always on the pulse of what’s new for cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC. Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, a professional whose educational background spans both Europe and the US, our practice is committed to providing each and every patient with a completely personalized treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule your appointment – your smile deserves great care, and we’re here to deliver just that!
