How To Fix A Chipped Front Tooth?

A chipped front tooth is not just an aesthetic problem, it can also cause difficulty in eating and speech. People with chipped or stained front teeth often avoid speaking or smiling in public as they feel shy and under-confident. If your chipped front teeth prevent you from smiling publically, here’s your chance to enjoy your dream smile. This article discusses all the treatment options for fixing chipped teeth. So, don’t forget to read till the end. 

I Chipped My Front Tooth, Do I Need To Fix It?

The most important issue with a front chipped tooth is the compromised facial aesthetics. Not only this but one’s speech and chewing efficiency may also be compromised. So, it is best to get one’s chipped tooth fixed without delay. Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage and prepare a treatment plan based on it. 

Is A Cracked Tooth A Dental Emergency?

A cracked or chipped may turn into a dental emergency when the crack extends into the pulp tissue of the tooth. The pulp is rich in nerves and blood vessels and if it gets exposed due to crack, it can result in severe pain creating a medical emergency. Moreover, the exposed pulp tissue may get inflamed over time resulting in severe infection requiring root canal treatment. 

What Are My Options For Repairing A Badly Chipped Front Tooth?

There are several options available to repair a badly chipped front tooth. The simplest option is to repair the damaged tooth portion with composite bonding. Alternatively, a porcelain or composite veneer can be placed over the tooth to mask the aesthetic defect. Finally, if the damage is extensive, your dentist may consider placing a crown over the tooth. The crown will not only restore the aesthetics but also reinforce the tooth. 

Is It Possible To Regrow A Broken Permanent Front Tooth?

It is not possible to grow back a permanent front tooth once it gets damaged. So, the only option to restore the aesthetics and structure of a broken tooth is to place a filling over it or restore it using a veneer or crown. 

Can Fractured Teeth Be Saved?

It is possible to save fractured teeth. However, it depends on the extent of the fracture. Even if the crack results in the exposure of the underlying pulp, the tooth can still be saved with a root canal procedure. However, according to the American Association of Endodontists, a tooth cannot be saved if the crack extends below the gumline. Your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination and look at the X-ray images of the affected tooth to assess the extent of the damage. 

Is It Possible To Fix A Chipped Tooth Without Getting A Crown?

It is not necessary to restore all cracked teeth using dental crowns. Instead, your dentist will consider a crown when the damage is extensive and the restored tooth needs reinforcement. Dental crowns are typically required in the back teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure following a fracture. Teeth tend to become brittle after root canal treatment and are more prone to fracture. Your dentist will place a crown over such teeth to prevent 

Does A Root Canal Fix A Fractured Tooth?

A root canal procedure is not a treatment for a fracture. Instead, a root canal is performed when a tooth fracture exposes the underlying pulp tissue. According to the Oral Health Foundation, a root canal procedure involves removing the inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth and replacing it with an inert material. So, a root canal does not fix a fractured tooth. Instead, it is performed to treat pulp inflammation caused by the fracture. 

Can I Get A Chipped Tooth Fixed While Having Braces?

It is possible to repair a chipped tooth even if it has an orthodontic bracket on it. If the fracture is below the surface where the bracket is bonded, the process is straightforward. Your dentist will simply repair the damaged tooth structure with composite bonding.

On the other hand, if the damage extends into the region where the bracket is bonded to the tooth, your dentist may have to remove the bracket first. Afterwards, they will restore the damaged tooth portion, followed by bonding the bracket to the tooth. 

Is Getting Your Teeth Fixed Worth It?

Regardless of the type of damage, getting one’s teeth fixed is always beneficial. First, tooth restoration results in optimal facial aesthetics and improvement in one’s self-confidence. Secondly, restored teeth have superior chewing efficiency than chipped or fractured ones. Finally, damaged teeth may make optimal cleaning difficult, leading to complications such as tooth decay and gum disease. Restoring damaged teeth also helps prevent these complications. 

How Do Dentists Fill A Tooth Chip?

Dentists have various treatment options available to fix chipped teeth. The simplest and most commonly used treatment option is composite bonding. If superior aesthetics are required, your dentist may consider restoring the damaged tooth using porcelain or composite veneers. Similarly, if there is extensive damage due to chipping, your dentist will reinforce the tooth with a crown after restoring it with composite bonding. 

Are you looking for the best dentist in Essex for restoring chipped or grossly damaged teeth? Look no further. Harrow Dental Practice and Dental Implant Centre is the best place to go for all your general dentistry and cosmetic dental needs. No matter how complex your cosmetic dental issue is, our dental team will have a solution for it. So, click here to make an inquiry and let us take it from there. 

Composite Vs Porcelain Veneers – Your Comprehensive Guide

If you crooked, chipped, or permanently stained teeth, veneers are one of the most aesthetically pleasing, durable, and time-tested options. However, while searching for veneers over the internet, you might have come across terms such as “porcelain veneers” and “composite veneers”, and you might be wondering what is the difference between these two types of veneers. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of dental veneers, and to explain their different types. So. continue reading to find out everything you need to know about veneers. 

What Are Dental Veneers? What Are Its Types And Benefits?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a veneer is an ultra-thin shell of porcelain or composite resins. Veneers are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth and are used for masking tooth defects or to restore structural damage in teeth. Generally, there are two main types of veneers; porcelain and composite veneers. Both types of veneers are fabricated in the dental laboratory, and each has its own merits and demerits. 

How Do Dental Veneers Work?

A veneer works as a mask or covering for the teeth, and helps in hiding various cosmetic and structural tooth defects. Your dentist will remove a thin layer of the outer enamel of the damaged tooth. This is done to create space for bonding the veneers. The prepared veneers are then bonded to the tooth using adhesive. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dental Veneers?

Veneers are an increasingly popular procedure for treating cosmetic dental issues. Some of the pros and cons of veneers include:

  • Pros of Dental Veneers
      1. Can be used for smile makeovers 
      2. Superior aesthetics than bonding 
      3. More durable than composite fillings – can last for up to 15 years
      4. Boost one’s self-confidence 
      5. Less expensive than crowns 
  • Cons of Veneers 
    1. Require sacrificing healthy tooth structure for their attachment 
    2. Stains on veneers cannot be removed through professional whitening 

Do Composite Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Composite veneers are made from the same material used for cosmetic bonding. After preparing the damaged teeth, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the laboratory. The technician will then use composite resin to prepare the veneers. Although composite veneers are less durable and stain-resistant than porcelain veneers, it is not correct to say that they can ruin one’s teeth. Composite resins are safe for use in the oral cavity, and can even be repaired if they get cracked or partially chipped. 

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers have the same design as composite veneers. However, the only difference is that they are prepared using high-quality, tooth-coloured dental porcelains. Compared with composite veneers, porcelain veneers are more durable and last longer. 

Do Composite Veneers Look Natural?

In short, yes. Both porcelain and composite veneers are prepared from tooth-coloured materials. Dental technicians can precisely match the shade and colour of the composite veneers to that of your natural teeth. As a result, composite veneers blend in perfectly with the natural teeth and become virtually indistinguishable, giving a natural look. Composite veneers appear even more realistic than direct composite fillings. 

How Long Do Veneers Last Before They Need To Be Replaced?

The service life of veneers depends on various factors, such as their type and oral hygiene status. While composite veneers may last around 5 years, porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable. With proper oral hygiene care, you can expect your porcelain veneers to last for up to 15 years, even longer. To extend the service life of your veneers, you should avoid eating hard and sticky foods, as they may crack or dislodge them. 

How Are Veneers Made And Applied To Teeth?

The fabrication and attachment of veneers are usually carried out in 2 sittings. In the first appointment, your dentist will remove a thin layer of the outer tooth enamel to create room for the attachment of the veneers. This is known as tooth preparation. Don’t worry; tooth preparation will not make your teeth sensitive, as an ultra-thin layer of the natural tooth structure will be removed. After preparing the teeth, your dentist will make their impression and send it to the dental laboratory for fabrication. Your dentist will first try your prepared veneers on your teeth at the next appointment without bonding them. If the fit and aesthetics are found acceptable, they will bond the veneers to your teeth using an adhesive. Congratulations! You are now the owner of a brand-new, charming smile.  

What Should You Know Before Getting Veneers?

Dental veneers are an excellent option for treating cosmetic dental problems. However, it is always better to prefer porcelain veneers over composite-based veneers, as they are aesthetically more pleasing, durable, and more stain-resistant. At the same time, porcelain veneers are not suitable for individuals having a deep bite or those who have a habit of grinding teeth excessively. This is because porcelain is very hard, and when it contacts the opposing tooth, it may cause it to wear quickly – leading to complications such as teeth sensitivity and tooth decay. Your dentist will recommend a suitable veneer material after a careful clinical examination. 

Dental veneers are an excellent option if looking for a complete smile makeover. If you have cosmetic defects that prevent you from smiling or speaking in public, Harrow Dental Practice is the solution to your problems. Our experienced and qualified dentists can help you get rid of your cosmetic tooth defects, and enjoy a beautiful smile that you have always dreamed of. So, request a free virtual appointment today and take your first step towards a confident and charming smile.