Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

While the layer of enamel covering your teeth is very hard and durable, there are limits to the protection it can provide. Biting down on hard substances, sustaining a strong blow to the face, or falling and landing hard on your face can cause a tooth to chip. Fortunately there are many ways to repair your chipped tooth.

If the chipped piece of your tooth is very small, your cosmetic dentist can repair the damage using dental bonding. Dental bonding is a conservative treatment that can be completed in just one office visit. First, your cosmetic dentist will prepare the tooth to accommodate the bonding material, which is made out of composite resin. Next, he will apply the bonding material to your tooth and shape it to match the dimensions of your neighboring teeth. Finally, a special light is used to harden the bonding material. The color of your dental bonding restoration can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, restoring a beautiful smile.

For larger chips, a dental crown may be necessary to cover the tooth and protect it from additional damage. Your dental crown procedure can be completed in two office visits. On your first visit, your cosmetic dentist will prepare the tooth to accommodate your new crown. An impression of your tooth will be made and sent to the lab for use in creating your new dental crown. A temporary crown will be placed on your tooth to protect it from further damage while your permanent one is constructed. Once your dental crown has been made, you will return to your cosmetic dentist’s office to have it placed.

When a front tooth is chipped, porcelain veneers are an excellent way to cover up the damage and restore a beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain which get bonded to the front surface of your teeth. This procedure can also be completed in two office visits. On your first visit, your cosmetic dentist will prepare your tooth and take an impression which will be sent to the lab. Once your porcelain veneer has been constructed, you will return to your dentist’s office to have it bonded to the surface of your tooth.

Please contact a cosmetic dentist near you to learn more about solutions to repair your chipped tooth.