A good bond made by a qualified, experienced cosmetic dentist could last 5 to 10 years or longer. In general, patients can expect their union to last between 5 and 10 years. If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see your dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, your tooth could become more damaged or infected, which could cause you to end up losing your tooth.
A veneer is a thin layer that adheres to the front of a chipped tooth. It is often the treatment of choice for a damaged front tooth. Usually made of porcelain, a veneer can last more than 10 years. Restores the tooth to its natural and preferred shape and size.
To place it, it is necessary for the dentist to remove some enamel and etch the tooth so that it adheres effectively. A small chip today could cause a serious rupture and infection sooner rather than later. Therefore, visit your dentist as soon as possible to avoid serious dental problems caused by chipped teeth. There can be several reasons for a chipped tooth, ranging from biting something hard, being hit by someone or something and falling out to having large, old cavities or fillings that no longer support tooth enamel.
If a large part of the tooth enamel breaks, the dentin is likely to be exposed and the tooth will feel tender. If only a small portion of the tooth enamel has come off, the dentist can repair the damage with a filling. Dental adhesion treatment options include the use of adhesive resin to repair tooth imperfections, such as chips and gaps. And if it breaks, it will require more extensive treatments to restore the tooth than simply fixing a chipped tooth.
If you have a damaged tooth that needs repair or are looking to improve your overall smile, the bonding process may be the right option for you. The sharp edges of a chipped tooth can cut through the cheek, tongue, or gums, causing painful wounds in the mouth that could make talking and eating uncomfortable. If a small part of the tooth splinters and produces an irregular edge, dental wax can protect the inside of the mouth from damage and bacterial infections. Falling, getting hit in the face, or biting something hard, especially if a tooth already has a tooth decay, can cause a tooth to chip or break.
If the dentist isn't immediately available, they can care for your chipped tooth until you can get care. If a large piece of tooth breaks or the tooth has a lot of cavities, the dentist can grind or file part of the remaining tooth and cover it with a crown, or a tooth-shaped cap, made to protect the tooth and improve its appearance. Receiving dental crowns involves two appointments, including an initial exam and x-rays to check the roots and bone around the chipped tooth. If the repair is on a front tooth or can be seen when smiling, the dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a composite resin the color of the tooth.
With larger chips reaching the inside of the tooth, the pulp -the living part of the tooth made of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves- can be damaged, infected quickly, and begin to die. When it comes to chipped teeth, it's important to take action as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage or infection. A qualified cosmetic dentist can help you determine which treatment option is best for you depending on your individual needs and preferences. Bonding is often used for minor chips while veneers are used for larger chips or fractures that require more extensive repair work.
Crowns are used when there is significant damage to both enamel and dentin layers of your teeth. No matter what type of treatment you choose for your chipped teeth, it's important to take good care of them in order to ensure they last as long as possible. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for keeping your teeth healthy and strong so they don't chip again in future.