Cosmetic Dentistry – Two Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth

Chipped teeth are one of the more typical dental issues that people can develop. And if you play sports, your likelihood of chipping a tooth becomes considerably higher. But some minor chips do not expose the dentin and thus are typically cosmetic. Some people may not think that it is crucial to have the problem fixed. In truth, while you may feel fine at the beginning, progressive wear on the tooth will eventually cause the chip to become a threat to your oral health. Therefore, it is essential to seek remedial measures. The following are just two options that cosmetic dentistry accords you when you elect to restore your chipped tooth.

Bonding

Before you can choose a restorative method, you need to note that the options available to you will largely depend on how substantial the chip is. If just a small amount of damage occurred, then you could opt to have dental bonding. This type of restorative treatment is highly popular since it only requires a single in-office visit. The cosmetic dentist will utilise a malleable material to fill the gap left by the chip.

Before the composite resin is installed, the dentist will file down uneven edges on the tooth then apply an adhesive that will secure the compound in place. The resin is then shaped around the chipped area and smoothened in place. The process is concluded by utilising UV light to harden the compound.

Crowns

If the damage is significant enough to compromise the integrity of the tooth, you will need to contemplate restorative treatments that will also increase the robustness of the tooth. A viable option for this is dental crowns. Crowns are available in an assortment of materials including ceramic, metallic and even a resin variety. Your dentist will advise you in making the right decision of material based on a few factors such as the durability, appearance and overall cost of the crowns. Tooth restoration via crowns typically requires a couple of in-office visits.

The first visit entails the cleaning of the damaged tooth as well as the taking of impressions. These impressions will be crucial to forming the permanent crown as it needs to seamless fit in with your existing teeth. You will then be sent home with a temporary crown, which will be removed when you go for your last in-office treatment. Crowns are usually cemented onto the tooth, so they provide a long-lasting solution to your chipped tooth.