There are numerous reasons you could acquire a chipped tooth, ranging from eating hard foods to trying to pry open packaging using your teeth. When this happens, some individuals may opt to overlook it, assuming it is simply an aesthetic defect. The truth of the matter, though, is that although a chipped tooth may not be painful, the structural integrity of your tooth could have become compromised, and the chip could lead to further dental problems down the road if not addressed. That is why it is best to have a dentist take a look at your chipped tooth and provide you with restorative treatment. So what are some of the treatment options you can consider for a chipped tooth?
Dental bonding for a chipped tooth
If the chip is small, your dentist will probably recommend dental bonding. This restorative treatment involves the application of a tooth-coloured composite material on the chipped area. The dentist will then mould the composite material to act as a filling on the chipped area, thus giving the impression of a whole tooth. Once the composite material has been reshaped appropriately as an extension of your tooth, it is set using a blue light that hardens the material. Once the procedure is done, your tooth will appear as good as new.
Dental veneers for a chipped tooth
If the chip in your tooth is quite significant and conspicuous, then you may have to consider having a dental veneer installed. Veneers are shell-like covers that are typically made from porcelain. The veneers covers the entire frontal surface of your tooth, thus changing your entire tooth's appearance. If you like, you could opt to have a set of veneers installed at once so as to maintain the uniformity of your teeth. Dental veneers are also a popular treatment option for people seeking teeth whitening. Therefore, if you were looking to kill two birds with one stone by fixing the chip and whitening your teeth, dental veneers would be right up your alley.
Dental crowns for a chipped tooth
A dental crown is similar to dental veneers in the sense that it provides a cover for your damaged tooth. However, the main difference between these two options is that while veneers only cover the front surface of your tooth, a crown will encapsulate the whole tooth. If the chip you acquired resulted in a large chunk of your tooth mass being lost, then a crown would be an ideal option to consider. This is because the crown will provide your tooth with additional support while preventing the risk of the tooth's nerves becoming exposed over time.
