Why Are Some Mouths with Missing Teeth Not a Good Candidate for Lumineers?

Are lumineers not a good option for someone who has two side-by-side teeth missing?

Tags:

Comment on this

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (0)

Lumineers

Lumineers are too weak and should not be used as a method to replace missing teeth in the form of bridges.

Lumineers and Missing Teeth

Lumineers or porcelain veneers are used for enhancing or changing ones smile. They cannot be used for replacing missing teeth. Missing teeth are best replaced with dental implants or fixed bridges. You can use a partial denture but most people do not like them as they are removable. Depending on your individual situation and desires, you do have options. In todays world, dental implants are usually very predictable and long lasting. They do require correct... more

Missing teeth can cause bite problems that veneers cannot support.

One or two missing teeth may not be a big deal but if several back teeth are missing, this can cause too much pressure and stress on the front teeth. If Lumineers (or any type of veneer for that matter) are placed on these front teeth, they may not be able to handle this extra pressure and can come off or break off. Evaluation by an experienced dentist knowledgeable in bite issues would be key here.

Lumineers need teeth to attach to

A veneer attaches to a tooth, so if a tooth is missing, a veneer is useless. Implants or dental bridges are the next choice in this situation, and the implant is the longest lasting option. Lumineers or other veneers can be used on the adjacent teeth, but not the missing ones.