Chipped teeth are one of the most common complaints seen at Smile Care Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fargo ND. Patients chip teeth for many reasons, including biting something hard, facial injury, or decay. In many instances, a chipped tooth is merely a cosmetic flaw and doesn’t affect the overall health of the tooth.
Chips that are located on back teeth are often unnoticed, but those affecting front teeth may become an eyesore. Many patients want to reduce the appearance of a front chipped tooth. If the chip is determined to be superficial, there are several ways to correct the problem.
Reshaping the Tooth
For very minor chips, the dentist may simply suggest reshaping the tooth. This is also known as dental contouring. A sanding tool is used to gently buff away the rough edges of the chip. Small amounts of enamel are removed, but not enough to compromise the tooth.
Bonding the Tooth
If the chip is larger, the dentist may suggest dental bonding to fill in the chipped area. After performing contouring to smooth the area, the dentist will apply a composite resin to the tooth. The resin is hardened with a special light, which causes it to permanently bond to the tooth.
Bonding may need to be replaced after an extended period. It’s not uncommon for bonding material to wear down from normal use. However, it is one of the most cost-efficient ways to treat minimally chipped teeth.
Applying Veneers
There are instances when a significant amount of the tooth may be missing. In these cases, Smile Care Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fargo ND recommends dental veneers. A veneer is thin sheet of porcelain that is cemented to the front side of a tooth.
The tooth must be prepared in advance for the veneer. A small amount of enamel will be shaved away, making room for the veneer. The dentist will then permanently adhere a tooth-colored veneer to the specified tooth. Veneers look very realistic and last for many years.
Patients who are bothered by the appearance of a chipped tooth should visit their dentist for evaluation. Reshaping, bonding, and veneers are all common cosmetic treatments for small to medium sized chips. Browse the Website to learn about other cosmetic treatments that may improve your smile.
