3 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for Fixing a Chipped Tooth

Dentist looking at teeth x-rays

Chipping a tooth can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for anyone unfortunate enough to experience it, but it’s not the end of the world when that happens. In fact, there is an entire range of cosmetic dentistry techniques to help you fix your chipped tooth! Although treatment options depend on the extent of the damage, it’s actually relatively easy to fix. All you have to do is schedule a visit to your dentist, and they can perform any of these procedures:

Dental Bonding

Also known as “fillings,” dental bonding involves filling the missing enamel with a tooth-like composite resin. This is typically a quick and painless procedure that doesn’t even require anesthesia or any numbing medication to undergo. 

The composite is shaped to replace the chip on the tooth. In order for the resin to stick to your tooth, an adhesive material is applied. Then, the composite resin is shaped on top of it to blend with the natural tooth. Finally, the dentist will use ultraviolet light as a way to harden the resin and adhesive. 

Typically, dental fillings can last up to ten years with proper care.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a treatment procedure where the dentist applies a material to totally cover your tooth. These are often used for larger chips or teeth that have significant decay. 

Crowns are made to be long-lasting and are composed of metal, porcelain fused to metal, resin, or ceramic. These are an effective solution for repairing your tooth’s original shape while preventing further damage from tooth decay or exposed nerves.

This option is best suited when a considerable portion of the original tooth is missing or if there’s significant damage to it, causing pain and discomfort to the patient.

Dental Veneers

If there has been damage or decay on the front of the tooth, then dental veneers are another great option for you. These are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of the teeth, giving it a natural look while offering a durable form of protection.

Veneers are applied by removing a small amount of existing tooth structure. This is done to make room around the affected area. Then, your cosmetic dentist will take an impression of the tooth that will then be used to create a permanent veneer. While it is being made, you’ll need to wear a temporary veneer in the meantime. 

Once the permanent porcelain veneer is done, the temporary one is removed, and the area around the tooth is cleaned. The permanent veneer is then attached using a strong adhesive. The final step involves light-curing the veneers for it to set and give you a perfect-looking smile.

You can have a single veneer for the chipped tooth, or you can get an entire set of veneers on all your front teeth for total smile restoration.

Conclusion

These three procedures are all effective ways of fixing chipped teeth, depending on the amount of damage your tooth has sustained. While they all have the benefit of cosmetic restoration, these procedures are also perfect for giving some additional protection to your teeth, whether they are already damaged or not.

If you need teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry services, leave it to the experts at Guttry Dental. We are a family and cosmetic dental office in Longview, TX. We believe that every patient is unique and requires an exceptional, effective treatment for their dental issues. Schedule your visit to our dental office today!

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