Top Treatment Options for Repairing Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth may initially seem like a minor inconvenience, but even the smallest chip can have a large impact on the overall appearance of the smile. A cosmetic blemish such as a small chip in the tooth is likely to draw attention and be one of the first things one notices when they look in the mirror. Unfortunately, chipped teeth are not uncommon. It doesn’t take a major injury or blow to the face to chip a tooth. A simple fall or even biting down on a hard or sticky food can be all that it takes to damage a tooth. Cosmetic dentist John P. Goodman offers solutions for aesthetic flaws such as chipped teeth. Below are some of the top treatment options available to our Kansas City patients who suffer from chipped teeth.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is one of the simplest and most affordable treatment options for chipped teeth. Dr. Goodman applies a composite bonding material directly to the damaged tooth in order to fill in and replace tooth enamel that has chipped off the tooth. This material is shaped to fit in with the natural size and shape of the tooth and is then hardened using a dental light so that it can withstand usual wear and tear. This material, which is custom-colored to match the color of the patient’s teeth, is durable enough to withstand 5 to 10 years of use with proper care.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are another popular treatment option for patients with chipped teeth. While porcelain veneers can be applied to a set of teeth in order to improve the appearance of the smile, Dr. Goodman can also place a single veneer to treat a chipped tooth. The porcelain veneers procedure involves a minimal filing down of the tooth and then the adherence of a porcelain veneer to the visible surface of the tooth. Although porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite bonding, they offer a level of customization that is not available with other cosmetic treatments. Porcelain veneers are planned and designed to complement a patient’s smile and facial features. Dr. Goodman will choose the shape, length, and color of the veneer to improve the appearance of the tooth by treating not only the chip in the tooth but also any additional cosmetic flaws that are present.
Dental Crowns
In most cases, chipped teeth have minor flaws that are more of a cosmetic problem than a structural problem. However, in the case of a major chip or if the structure of the tooth has also been damaged or compromised, a restorative dental crown may be necessary. After removing damaged or weakened tooth enamel, Dr. Goodman will place a dental crown over the entire remaining tooth. This crown, which fits like a cap over the tooth, restores strength and function to the tooth while protecting it against further damage.
Schedule an Appointment
When a tooth has been chipped or damaged in any way, determining the best treatment is important. If you have a chipped tooth and are interested in learning more about your treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Goodman at your earliest convenience. After examining the tooth and discussing your unique needs and desires, Dr. Goodman can recommend a treatment that is best suited to your specific case.
