Tooth enamel is one of the strongest materials in the body intended to protect the underlying layers of your teeth. It can also help you break down foods so you can digest more effectively. Although durable, it is not invincible and can be damaged just as your bones can break from an accident or serious injury. When a mouth injury occurs, it can result in a chipped tooth. In more severe cases, the tooth can completely break in multiple pieces. A chipped tooth can even occur as a result of using your teeth to open packages, biting your nails, or chewing on pen caps. Tooth enamel can also chip and crack due to weakening from tooth decay.
A chipped tooth can affect the aesthetics of your smile and make your tooth more susceptible to additional breakage. There are a variety of treatments that may be recommended, depending on the size of the tooth and whether the chip has impacted your underlying layers. Our dentists at Metropolitan Dental Care will examine your tooth and recommend the treatment best suited for your needs. Below are three common chipped tooth treatments. To learn more, continue reading, or contact our Denver or Lone Tree practice today online or by calling 303.534.2626.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is a combination of plastic and ceramic traditionally used to repair a tooth with a cavity. It can also be used to repair a chipped tooth. During the treatment, the dentist will clean and dry the tooth, choose the appropriate color of composite resin to blend with your tooth’s natural shade, and carefully mold the resin over your damaged tooth. This affordable treatment can be performed in just one office visit, revealing immediate results. When properly cared for, results can last many years.
Porcelain Veneers
For patients who have chipped teeth in the front of their smile – we offer porcelain veneers. These thin shells are designed to offer greater durability and longer-lasting results than composite resin. Because veneered teeth must undergo a small amount of enamel removal, this treatment is considered irreversible. People who struggle from dental sensitivity or do not want their natural teeth permanently altered may prefer to choose composite resin. Veneers are custom-made to fit seamlessly over the tooth’s front surface to conceal chips, in addition to stains, gaps, and a host of other cosmetic imperfections. Although veneers typically take two office visits before results are achieved, they can last several decades.
Dental Crowns
If one of your molars is chipped, these teeth require a more resilient solution since they are used more frequently for chewing and breaking down foods. In such cases, we offer dental crowns. This restorative solution provides stability, functionality, and realistic results. Just as with veneers, your dental crown will be customized to cover your damaged tooth. The dental crown procedure typically takes two office visits. During the first visit, the tooth will be prepared and impressions taken and sent to a dental lab. During your follow-up visit, the crown will be permanently secured.
Have a Chipped Tooth?
Don’t let a chipped tooth keep you from showing off your pearly whites. We can restore your smile with any one of the treatments listed above. To learn more, please contact us today online or give us a call at 303.534.2626. For your convenience, we offer two locations in either Denver or Lone Tree.
