It can be difficult to know how long a fixed chipped tooth will last, but the answer is usually between one and fifteen years. However, a better long-term solution is to use a custom-made piece of porcelain instead of acrylic bonding. In general, patients can expect their union to last between five and ten years. If you have a chipped tooth or even a broken tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
The longevity of the repair will depend largely on maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding damage to adjacent teeth. Bonding materials typically last between three and ten years, according to the Cleveland Clinic. After this period, your dental professional will need to take steps to replace or maintain the affected areas. Repairing a chipped tooth or a slightly chipped tooth with veneers involves placing porcelain covers over the front teeth, resulting in a smooth, natural appearance that is identical to or even better than the original teeth.
A cosmetic dentist can install a veneer over just the broken tooth or several at once to create a cohesive look, making veneers an excellent choice if you want to repair a chipped tooth while improving the overall appearance of your smile. If the chip is slight or visible when you smile, the dentist may use dental bonding for restoration. In general, dental crowns are considered the best method for repairing a broken tooth when the break or crack has caused significant loss of the original tooth. If you have fallen on your face, received a blow to your face, used your teeth to open something (which dentists advise against), or bitten something particularly hard, you may have broken or chipped a tooth. In general, it is easy to tell if you have a broken or chipped tooth: part of your tooth is missing and the broken point will be irregular or sharp, and you may feel some pain. Your dentist will take impressions of your chipped tooth in order to create a mold for an external dental laboratory to mill the veneer.
Acidic foods and stomach acids can break down enamel and leave the tooth surface exposed and more likely to chip or break. Getting dental crowns involves two appointments, including an initial exam and x-rays to check the roots and bone around the chipped tooth. If the dentist is not immediately available, they can care for your chipped tooth until you can get care. Dental fillings are a common way to repair a broken tooth or decay, especially if it's a chipped molar or posterior tooth that isn't very visible. Cracked tooth repair for broken molars usually involves fillings and the second lower molar is considered most prone to chipping as it requires the most pressure when chewing. For a chipped front or incisor tooth, or other visible teeth highlighted, your dentist may recommend bonding, veneers, or even dental crowns if the breakage is severe. If only a small part of the tooth splinters off and creates an irregular edge, dental wax can protect the inside of your mouth from damage and bacterial infections.
You can contact an emergency dentist to examine your chipped tooth and receive dental repair with dental crowns or dental joints.
