For most people, a chipped tooth is something they will probably be lucky enough to never encounter. Unfortunately, some of us experience the frustrating and annoying situation of chipping our teeth. Depending on the severity and location of the chipped tooth, different treatment options can be administered to restore the appearance of the tooth to close to its original form. At Floss Dental Group, we specialize in offering a personalized solution to fit your specific scenario, ensuring your smile is back to normal in no time.
If you’ve only experienced a minor chip and the deeper layers of your tooth are unaffected, polishing is likely your best treatment option. Using a specialized polishing or smoothing tool, the dentist will gently reshape the tooth to reduce and jagged or sharp edges. After this quick procedure is done, the dentist will likely polish and blend the tooth to restore a close-to original appearance. If you have a medium to large chip, this option will likely not be able to restore your smile appearance as a more comprehensive solution.
If your chip is a large enough, we may recommend dental bonding, A process that requires matching and bonding resin to fill in the gaps. We typically apply the resin solution to your chipped area and then work to shape and mold the composite material so that it looks like your original tooth and fits into your bite architecture. Once applied we use a special UV tool to harden the bonding material, then we go in with our precision tools and ensure the bonding is trimmed and polished to give you a natural smile. This solution is a good middle ground between getting a veneer and polishing (smoothing). It is both affordable and minimally invasive. This is probably the most popular option in chipped tooth repair.
In the event that your chipped area is fairly large or on your front tooth, Veneers might be the ideal solution for you. Veneers tend to be the most aesthetically pleasing solution , made from porcelain or similar composite materials. The Veneer process begins with us removing a bit of enamel from the front surface of your tooth to ensure that the veneer sits flush and natural. Once crafted and matched to your tooth color/shape, we bond the veneer securely to your tooth surface. This treatment not only restores the look of your tooth but also is built-to-last. Veneers are much more durable than the other chipped tooth repair options, typically lasting 15+ years with proper care.
Once your smile is back to normal, it’s important to take proper care of the bonded material and practice good oral hygiene. Make sure you use a soft-bristled brush and floss gently, daily.
The most important thing to avoid is hard foods like ice, hard candy, or biting directly into apples. These can put unnecessary tension on the bonded material, so be sure to stick to softer foods.
Make sure to schedule regular checkups to monitor the condition of the tooth. Your dentist can check for any signs of wear or damage and make adjustments if necessary.
No matter the size or location of your chipped tooth, Floss Dental Group has a solution that will restore your smile and boost your confidence. Whether it's a minor chip that can be smoothed out with polishing, a more moderate chip that requires dental bonding, or a larger repair that benefits from the durability and aesthetics of veneers, our team will work with you to find the best option. Proper aftercare, including regular checkups, maintaining good oral hygiene, and avoiding hard foods, will ensure that your repair lasts for years to come.
If you’re ready to restore your smile, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Floss Dental Group today (No Insurance Required and Financing Available) to discuss the best treatment option for you!