Fillings, Bonding and Veneers: A Guide to Solutions for a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth is a common phenomenon. Although the tooth enamel is strong, it is still vulnerable to damages. You may experience a chipped tooth after biting on a hard substance or taking a fall. When this happens, you need to be aware of potential solutions that the dentist might recommend to restore the damaged tooth.

Solutions for a chipped tooth

An evaluation by the dentist is the first step in the repair procedure. This is mainly to determine if the damage is cosmetic or if it is serious and the tooth roots are affected. The dentist will need to know how it happened and the extent of the pain. If there are no damages to the root of the tooth, the dentist will evaluate the best option for the patient. Sometimes, an X-ray may be required to get a better view of any underlying damage to the root or nerve.

If it is only a small chip, the dentist can simply contour the tooth edges to make it smoother. Alternatively, common treatments for a chipped tooth include the following.

Dental bonding or filling

If a part of the tooth enamel is chipped, the dentist can repair the damage with a dental filling. If a front tooth is involved, a tooth-colored composite resin can be used. Also called bonding, this procedure is relatively simple and requires no numbing agent.

The dentist will start the procedure by etching the tooth’s surface with a gel. Afterward, they will apply an adhesive material and then the resin. After shaping the resin to the desired shape, the dentist will harden the composite resin with ultraviolet light.

The severity of damage and the conspicuousness of the chipped tooth will determine the treatment choice. If only a small portion of the tooth is lost or if a front tooth is involved, dental bonding can be effective. The treatment can be completed in one dental appointment.

Porcelain veneers

Veneers are an excellent choice for restoring the front teeth. They are thin shells usually made from porcelain material. They are used to cover the front surface of the affected tooth. Patients can opt for one veneer to repair a chip on one tooth or have the entire front teeth covered with veneers for a complete restoration.

Two dental visits are necessary to get veneers. In the first appointment, the dentist will remove the part of the tooth’s surface layer, take the color shade and make molds to fabricate the veneers. Temporary veneers are placed over the tooth. At the second visit, the temporary veneers are removed, and the new veneers are bonded permanently to the tooth with dental cement hardened with UV light.

Final note

If you have a chipped tooth that is making you feel self-conscious, you can visit the dentist for treatment to restore its appearance. You need to remember that restoring the appearance of the tooth is only part of the process. The appropriate option would be one that protects the tooth and prevents additional damage in the long term.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Questions To Ask Your Dentist When Considering Invisalign For Teeth Straightening

You probably have heard of Invisalign® but might not know how it differs from traditional braces when it comes to teeth straightening. Braces have been the go-to teeth-straightening device for many years. More recently, Invisalign has gained popularity in patients with crowding or spacing issues. Because it looks so different from traditional braces, you may…

How Often Are Invisalign Retainers Changed During Teeth Straightening?

For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is often shorter, and patients can maintain better oral hygiene during the process. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. The patient wears the trays for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for…

When Denture Repair Is Recommended

Wear and tear make denture repair inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to…

Tips To Optimize Teeth Straightening Results During Invisalign

There are numerous ways to straighten teeth, and Invisalign® is an increasingly popular method. Unlike traditional braces that use metal or ceramic attachments hooked to a wire to pull the teeth straight over time, this treatment uses clear aligners that can be taken out when eating or brushing. For the desired results, it helps to…

Smiles by Design, PC

Share
Published by
Smiles by Design, PC

Recent Posts

Questions to Ask Your Dentist When Considering Invisalign for Teeth Straightening

You probably have heard of Invisalign® but might not know how it differs from traditional…

20 hours ago

How Often Are Invisalign Retainers Changed During Teeth Straightening?

For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is…

1 week ago

When Denture Repair Is Recommended

Wear and tear make denture repair inevitable in the long run. T

2 weeks ago

Tips to Optimize Teeth Straightening Results During Invisalign

There are numerous ways to straighten teeth, and Invisalign® is an increasingly popular method. Unlike…

2 weeks ago

3 Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures

One option for someone who is missing teeth is implant supported dentures.

3 weeks ago

Invisalign Is Effective for Less Complex Orthodontic Cases

Invisalign® is one of several options you might be considering for straightening teeth. It is…

4 weeks ago