What Is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Find the right remedy for your chipped tooth.
A chipped tooth is not only an embarrassing blemish on your smile, but it can also lead to oral health issues if it’s not properly cared for. That’s why you should contact a good dentist near Wasilla, AK, right away should you damage your tooth, even if you’re not bothered by its appearance.
But what exactly is the best way to fix a chipped tooth? That depends on a few different factors, but you’ll be happy to know there’s no need to panic should your tooth suffer some kind of damage. Multiple potential fixes are considered highly effective and can quickly get your tooth in working order once again.
Common Causes of a Broken Tooth
You might think that a facial injury or biting too hard are the only common causes of broken teeth, but it turns out that teeth can chip or break in many ways:
1. Sports Injuries
Contact sports often include running, jumping, sudden movements, flying elbows, and many other hazards that can result in a blow to the mouth and a chipped tooth. Fortunately, mouth guards can be effective at preventing these types of dental injuries.
2. Biting Hard Foods
You don’t necessarily need to take a big blow to the mouth for your teeth to become damaged. An awkward bite on a popcorn kernel, a piece of hard candy, an olive pit, or hard bread can easily leave you with a chipped tooth.
3. Getting Older
Just like every other part of the body, your teeth become weaker as you get older. Good oral hygiene habits can help stave this off for a while, but not forever. It’s unfortunately quite common for older people to fracture a tooth for any reason.
4. Teeth Grinding
Some people involuntarily grind their teeth in their sleep, and some even do it while they’re awake. This condition, also known as bruxism, can slowly weaken your teeth to the point where they may wind up fracturing quite easily. Fortunately, nightguards can help prevent chips and cracks caused by bruxism.
5. Chewing on Non-Food Items
If you can avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food and smiling, they will likely be better off for it. Chewing on things like pen caps or ice may not seem like they’re putting a ton of stress on your mouth, but they can easily result in a chipped tooth if you’re not careful.
Degrees of Tooth Damage
Not all tooth damage is equally serious, and the degree of severity will determine what type of treatment you require. For instance, if you have a slightly chipped front tooth, you can most likely fix it with dental bonding or a veneer. But if the chip is significant enough, a crown may be necessary.
Of course, small chips and cracks are more likely to be a cosmetic concern than an oral health one, but you should know that even small amounts of damage can make your tooth more susceptible to decay and other issues. You may feel more inclined to rush to a dentist if the damage is significant enough to cause you a lot of pain, but any damage at all is a good reason to seek treatment.
Potential Fixes for Your Cracked Tooth
Thankfully, there are a number of effective fixes for chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.
1. Bonding
Bonding is when your dentist uses a piece of composite resin to restore the form and function of a tooth that has suffered light to medium damage. The tooth is prepared, the material is then cemented to it, and the resin is then carefully shaped.
2. Veneers
A veneer is a thin shell, often made from porcelain or ceramic, that can be fitted over a damaged tooth to restore its appearance. Veneers can be used to provide a patient with an all-new, beautiful smile.
3. Crowns
A crown is a prosthetic cap, designed to look and feel like a natural tooth, that can be fitted over damaged teeth that still have a healthy root. This option is usually your best when damage is significant.
4. Bioclear
One of the newest and most cutting-edge methods of restoring damaged teeth is Bioclear. This method uses composite resin to improve the appearance of damaged teeth. Your dentist is able to precisely sculpt the Bioclear so your new tooth looks natural and beautiful. Take a look at these before-and-after photos for a great example of what Bioclear can do for your damaged teeth.
Need a good dentist near Anchorage, AK, or Wasilla, AK?
If you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, it’s always recommended that you visit your dentist as soon as possible, even if it isn’t causing you pain or discomfort. The dentists here at Valley Dental Clinic can restore your damaged teeth so you can smile with confidence again. Go online to book your appointment today.