A chipped tooth doesn't mean the end of your beautiful smile. There are several options when it comes to repairing the tooth. The best one depends on the location of the chip, the health of the remaining tooth, and your personal preference. Understand your options before approaching your dentist about a repair, so that you are sure to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Dental Bonding

This is the simplest and quickest way to repair a chipped tooth. A filling is made from porcelain to match the color of the remaining tooth. Your dentist then roughens the surface of your tooth around the chip, which helps the porcelain filling bond in place. It is then filed and shaped to match your tooth. This fix is best in areas that aren't highly visible, such as molars, since the bond may not be a perfect match to your natural tooth.

Crowns

Crowns take longer than a simple filling, but they will give the appearance of a new tooth. Crowns are typically used for major chips, such as those that damage part of the interior of the tooth. Your dentist will take a cast of your tooth, which will be formed into a permanent crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is fitted to protect your tooth until the permanent one is ready. Finally, you will return to the dentist to have your permanent crown fitted. Crowns are a good option for major damage on any tooth in your mouth. When made correctly, they look just like a natural tooth. If the chip is bad enough, your cosmetic dentist may recommend pulling the tooth, and then installing an implant with a crown attached.

Veneers

Veneers are an excellent option for your front teeth. They can camouflage most small chips. Veneers are a thin shell made from porcelain or resin composites. They are made to match the natural color of the tooth. These thin shells are then slipped over the tooth and bonded into place. Veneers are a permanent option. Your enamel will be filed down before the veneer is fitted, so removing them in the future isn't an option. Veneers are the best choice when you want a no maintenance, natural looking fix for a chipped front tooth. You can have veneers fitted to just the damaged tooth, or you can get a full set so your front teeth have a more uniform and even appearance.

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