Traditional veneers are one of the most in-demand cosmetic dental treatments, hiding numerous irregularities and making patients feel more confident. Although veneers can do a lot, they have some very notable limitations. So, can they hide missing teeth?
We’d love to say that, yes, veneers can hide missing teeth, but that isn’t the case. Let’s get into what veneers are, why they can’t help hide missing teeth, and what alternatives might work well for you.
Table of Contents
What Are Veneers?
Traditional veneers are wafer-thin shells custom-made for individual teeth. Dentists place them on the front surface of each tooth to hide imperfections, mimicking the look of your enamel and making them nearly impossible to detect. Veneers take 2–3 office visits to plan, prep, and place, and most types require shaving down the enamel to get a good fit.
Traditional veneers are typically made from one of three materials: porcelain, ceramic, or composite. Porcelain veneers are the strongest and can last up to two decades before you need to replace them, but they cost up to $2,500 per tooth.
Ceramic veneers are nearly as strong but typically several hundred dollars cheaper. Your dentist also doesn’t need to remove as much enamel to place them. Composite veneers are the most budget-friendly, but they’re more prone to breakage, and you need to replace them about every seven years.
Can Veneers Hide Missing Teeth?
Veneers are often used to close tooth gaps, so it’s natural to assume they can hide missing teeth. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Veneers can only hide gaps that are 4mm or less with veneers on two different teeth. The spaces left by missing teeth are significantly larger since even the narrowest teeth are about 6.5mm wide.
Because veneers go on individual teeth and they’re quite thin, they can’t bridge the gap from a missing tooth. They only go on top of your teeth and cannot function as a tooth on their own. If your goal is to hide missing teeth, you’ll need to consider other options.
Best Alternatives to Veneers for Missing Teeth
Assuming that your only goal is to hide your missing teeth, traditional veneers aren’t the best option. The good news is that some alternatives can hide your spaces or even fully replace the appearance and function of your missing teeth. Below are four we consider the best.
Snap-On Veneers
Snap-on veneers are an excellent option if you are looking to hide multiple missing teeth, replace some degree of function, and hide other aesthetic concerns. Snap-on veneers are covers that go over most or all the teeth on an arch, clipping onto the molars to hold them in place. They present the facade of a perfect smile to the world.
Dentures
Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them, dentures can mask those gummy spots. They’re slightly stronger than snap-on veneers, so they replace more function. However, they don’t cover the teeth that remain, which might be a problem if those teeth are discolored, chipped, etc. They also usually cover the gums, which can make them look fake.
Dental Implants
These are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They feature a titanium root embedded in the jawbone, an abutment at the top of the root, and a prosthetic tooth that attaches to the abutment. They look just like natural teeth and can surpass them in strength, depending on how well your jawbone grows around the root.
Bridges
Bridges “bridge” the gap left behind by a missing tooth or teeth. Usually, two abutment teeth support the bridge and a pontic that covers the gap, though some people only need one abutment tooth. If you have many missing teeth, you can get a few implants and then use them to support multiple bridges.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, this is a very personal decision. While veneers aren’t an option, there are plenty of other great choices that are. The right choice depends on your budget, how many teeth you are missing, and your smile goals.
Choose Snap-on Veneers If…
- You have multiple missing teeth and want to cover them and replace some function.
- You want to make other aesthetic changes.
- Affordability is your top priority.
Choose Dental Implants If…
- You want maximum function and aesthetics.
- You have time in your schedule for surgery and recovery.
- You aren’t worried about the cost.
Choose Dentures If…
- You have multiple missing teeth and want more functionality than you get from snap-on veneers.
- Your remaining teeth don’t have aesthetic concerns like chips, cracks, or discoloration.
- You don’t mind that they cover your gums and can look slightly less realistic.
Choose Bridges If…
- You want similar security to implants but for a lower price.
- You want an option that provides the functionality of dentures, but looks more realistic.
- Your missing teeth have at least one healthy tooth next to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do snap-on veneers require enamel prep?
No. You just need to snap them into place over the molars and you can remove them whenever you need to or want to. As long as you get them from a reputable provider, they shouldn’t change your teeth at all.
What are the risks of getting snap-on veneers?
The biggest risk is getting DIY, one-size-fits-all veneers. These are boil-and-bite false teeth and can cause many problems since they aren’t custom-made. If you are interested in snap-on veneers, get them from reputable companies that personalize them for each client.
How often do you need to replace snap-on veneers?
It depends on how well you take care of them, the company that makes them, and which model you buy. Some can last up to ten years, while you only need to replace others once per year.
Do you need to replace dental implants?
The root should last for life, assuming you take care of your oral health. The crown might need to be replaced every 15–20 years.
What’s the best way to hide missing teeth?
Dental implants are the gold standard because they fully replace the looks and function of natural teeth, but dentures come in second. Snap-on veneers are still pretty new, so dentists don’t consider them a go-to just yet.
What’s the most budget-friendly option for hiding missing teeth?
In most cases, it’s snap-on veneers. You can get them for just a few hundred dollars from certain providers. If you only need to replace one or two teeth, partial dentures could be cheaper, so investigate the possibilities.
When are bridges a good choice?
Bridges are a solid solution when you have a missing tooth with at least one healthy tooth next to it, want something that is fixed in place, and don’t have the budget for implants.
What is the most common solution for missing teeth?
Dentures and bridges are the two most commonly used solutions for missing teeth. Most dental professionals offer both, or they will refer you to a specialist for them.
How long does the entire implant process take?
It takes 5–8 months for the root to firm up in the jawbone, at which point the final crown is placed. Then you can use it just like you would a natural tooth.
Join The Discussion: