Treat Chipped Teeth to Restore the Beauty of Your Smile
Structural damage can have a dramatic effect on the strength, function, and beauty of the teeth. While many cases of damage are gradual and can be treated by the dentist before damage is severe, an injury takes just seconds to occur. This is most likely to be the case in the instance of a chipped tooth. Chipped teeth not only compromise the appearance of a patient’s smile, but they can leave the patient vulnerable to serious decay or infection. When a patient chips a tooth, they should undergo restorative dentistry treatment to rebuild tooth structure as soon as possible. At Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we offer treatment for chipped teeth to our Bloomington patients to restore the strength and beauty of their smile.
Treatment Options
As is most often the case when it comes to dental complications, there are several options to consider if you chip a tooth. The most appropriate option for each patient will be determined after examining the chipped tooth (or teeth), taking into consideration the extent of damage and the location of the chipped tooth. Below are some chipped tooth treatment options that are likely to be considered:
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding is considered a cosmetic dental treatment, but it can effectively restore a tooth that has lost only a small amount of tooth enamel. When only a small chip is present, the inner layer of the tooth should not be at too great a risk for infection. In these cases, simple dental bonding treatment can restore the structure and aesthetics of the tooth while providing some strength and protection. This is a non-invasive procedure that involves shaping and bonding a composite material to the natural tooth.
- Dental crown: A dental crown is likely to be the most effective treatment for a severe chip or fracture. If the inner layer of the tooth is exposed, it is important to protect it from infection. A dental crown completely surrounds the natural tooth to provide strength and protection, but also greatly improve the appearance of the tooth. This treatment will require the reshaping of the tooth and typically takes at least two dental appointments. However, this is the best way to restore a tooth with severe structural damage.
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain crowns are another cosmetic dentistry treatment option that can be effective in treating chipped teeth. This is more costly than dental bonding and is also a permanent treatment that slightly alters the natural teeth, so it should only be considered in certain cases. However, if a patient has more than one tooth that is chipped, and/or there are other cosmetic flaws present, porcelain veneers may be the best way to completely restore the appearance of the teeth with just a single dental treatment.
Our dentists are happy to discuss all of these treatments options in further detail, as well as offer our advice on which treatment may be most appropriate for each of our patient’s unique needs.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have a chipped tooth and you’d like to restore the strength and beauty of your smile, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists at Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry to learn more about your treatment options.