If your tooth has been chipped for a while now, then it may not really seem like something that needs to be addressed immediately. The problem is that any tooth damage grows worse under the pressure of your bite, and with a chipped tooth, you might notice the gradual change as the chip grows larger. Fortunately, fixing a chipped tooth is often easier than patients realize with a custom cosmetic dental treatment, especially if it’s addressed early.
Bonding Resin to the Chip
Tooth bonding is the process of bonding tooth-colored composite resin (a biocompatible acrylic mixture) to the chipped part of your tooth. Your dentist can shape the resin to the fill out the chip in the tooth and restore its optimal size, shape, and contour. Then, your dentist will harden the resin and polish it for a durable, lifelike result.
Refurbishing the Tooth with Veneer
If the chip in your tooth has had time to grow larger, then bonding might not suffice to fix it. In that case, your dentist may recommend placing a porcelain veneer onto the tooth, which can be customized to closely mimic the healthy, whole front surface of your tooth. Once the veneer is placed, it will restore your tooth’s whole structure and its ability to function properly.
Capping a Severely Chipped Tooth
In cases of more extensive tooth damage, your dentist can suggest completely capping the top portion of your tooth with a lifelike dental crown. The crown can be bonded over the tooth to protect it from suffering further damage under your bite’s pressure. It can also be crafted from highly dental porcelain for optimal cosmetic results.
Fix Your Chipped Tooth with Cosmetic Dentistry
Depending on the size and location of the chip in your tooth, your dentist can recommend one of several customizable, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments to fix it. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.
