Although your teeth are strong, they could become damaged one day. Sadly, a chipped tooth is classified as permanent damage. So, whether you have slight or extensive damage, it’s wise to meet with a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further injury and fix the chip. Here, Atlanta cosmetic dentist Dr. Abbey Lee lists and explains four treatments that address chipped teeth:

1.     Cosmetic Contouring

Treatment for a chipped tooth is dependent on how extensive the damage is and where the chip is located. If the damage is barely noticeable, you might be able to get away with some conservative cosmetic contouring. With dental contouring, your dentist might gently polish the enamel, transforming a broken or jagged edge into a smooth surface. If needed, she might use dental bonding to fill in the gaps.

2.     Dental Bonding

Dental bonding could be a great option if a small amount of enamel is missing or if your chipped tooth is in your smile line. Sometimes called a “tooth-colored filling,” the purpose of dental bonding is the fill in missing enamel with a natural-looking composite resin. Typically, your dentist can accomplish dental bonding in just one quick office visit.

During dental bonding, your dentist will:

·        Step 1: Gently etch the damaged area.

·        Step 2: Dab a conditioning liquid.

·        Step 3: Mold the composite resin to blend in with the tooth

·        Step 4: Bond a tooth-colored composite resin with ultraviolet light.

·        Step 5: Once the material hardens, the procedure is finished.

3.     Porcelain Veneers

Another proven option for repairing chips on the front teeth is porcelain veneers. A veneer is a thin shell of ceramic attached to the front of the tooth to disguise minor dental imperfections, such as chips. With this versatile treatment option, you could get a single dental veneer to fix one tooth or a set of veneers to perfect your smile.

Generally, it takes two visits to successfully install dental veneers:

At the first visit, your dentist will:

·        Step 1: Color match your veneers

·        Step 2: Remove an ultra-thin amount of enamel (similar to the thickness of a fingernail)

·        Step 3: Place temporaries veneers while your permanent veneers are created in an off-site dental laboratory

During the second visit, your dentist will:

·        Step 1: Remove the temporaries

·        Step 2: Fit and cement the permanent veneers

4.     Dental Crown

A dental crown is a long-lasting, tooth-shaped cap covering the entire tooth, from root to crown. You can choose from various materials, including metal, porcelain, or both (porcelain-fused-to-metal or “PFM”).

Generally, your dentist might suggest a dental crown if:

·        You have a larger chip in your tooth that can’t be addressed with cosmetic contouring, dental bonding, or veneers

·        The chip is on a molar (a tooth in the back of your mouth)

·        Your tooth is severely decayed

Usually, it takes your dentist two in-person visits to properly install a dental crown.

During the first visit, your dentist will:

·        Step 1: Snap x-rays of your teeth to closely inspect your damage

·        Step 2: Prep the chipped tooth by removing excess tissue (or even performing a root canal)

·        Step 3: Take impressions of your prepped tooth and the opposing tooth (o ensure proper fit

·        Step 4: Place a temporary crown while your permanent crown is prepared

At the second visit, your dentist will:

·        Step 1: Remove the temporary crown

·        Step 2: Fit and place the new crown

Do you have chipped teeth? Contact our trusted Atlanta Dentist today.

Whether you’ve just chipped your tooth or it has been an ongoing issue, take the time to schedule the soonest available dental appointment. Dr. Lee can help you decide which cosmetic treatment best addresses your needs while keeping your budget, goals, and appearance in mind. Find out more information about your options by calling 404-328-7177 or messaging us online.