Have you ever chipped a tooth? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, chips and breaks among the teeth are some of the most common dental conditions we see here at our practice. Chips can often result from an injury, a fall, or trying to pry open a package or a bottle with the teeth, and even the smallest chip can noticeably affect smile aesthetics. Fortunately, there are effective and natural-looking ways to fix a chipped tooth and restore the appearance of your smile. Our experienced dentist, Jimmy Wu, DDS, offers a variety of options here at Sutra Dental Spa.
Some of the most popular treatments for chipped teeth include:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers often provide the most ideal solution for a chipped tooth, particularly if the affected tooth is in a more visible area of the mouth. This option involves a custom-designed restoration being placed over the front part of the tooth, effectively masking the chip and making it appear as though it had never been damaged. Porcelain veneers are crafted to look and feel like natural teeth. As long as you take good care of your teeth over time, porcelain veneers can last for decades.
Cosmetic Bonding
With cosmetic dental bonding, a chipped tooth can be restored utilizing a durable, tooth-colored resin. This option can often serve as an effective alternative to porcelain veneers. The dental bonding material is applied to the affected tooth and carefully sculpted and hardened to fill the gap created by the chip. The results from cosmetic bonding often look very natural and can last for years; however, they will likely not last quite as long as porcelain veneers.
CEREC® Same-Day Dental Crowns
A dental crown may be recommended for more severely chipped teeth. If the chip has extensively compromised the structure and health of the tooth, a dental crown can help reinforce and protect it from further damage. These custom restorations are placed over the entire tooth, allowing for the best possible functional and aesthetic improvement. Sutra Dental Spa utilizes the CEREC® milling system for dental crowns whenever possible, which can provide our patients custom-designed restorations in just one appointment. This conveniently eliminates the waiting period required by having them manufactured at an outside dental laboratory.
If you would like more information on how to fix a chipped tooth, please contact us today!