Your dentist can help you fix a chipped or cracked tooth. There are a few different options on how to fix it based on the severity of the damage. Some chips and cracks may only affect the outer appearance, while some may be affecting the function. A chipped or cracked tooth can be susceptible to further damage or even to decay, so it is important for it to be protected. Repairing a damaged tooth protects it against damage or decay. Depending on your needs, your dentist may repair your tooth with a crown, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers.
Crown
A dental crown can be used to restore a tooth that is damaged past the point of aesthetics. A crown is strong enough to restore a tooth that does some heavy chewing, like a molar, in the back of your mouth. A crown acts like a protective cap or a helmet for a vulnerable, damaged tooth. A crown is designed to absorb the pressure that may occur from biting and chewing. Depending on your specific needs, a crown can be made of many lifelike materials, including porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM).
Bonding
Dental bonding is a composite resin that is used for both cosmetic reasons and to restore teeth after fillings. If a chip or a crack is fairly minor, bonding material may be used to restore the tooth back to its original form. The resin can be matched to the color of the tooth so that it blends in to the rest of your smile. The bonding material will be permanently applied to your tooth, dried, and polished to look like the rest of your tooth.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain ceramic that can be created to look like the front of your teeth. The veneers are permanently applied to the front enamel of your tooth to cover a chip or crack. Porcelain looks like a natural tooth with the nearly translucent appearance, while also being durable.
Do You Need to Fix a Chipped or Cracked Tooth?
Chips or cracks should be repaired to protect against further damage. To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.