A chipped or a cracked tooth, especially in the front of your mouth, can crack your confidence. Depending on the severity, there are different options to fix a chipped tooth. Chips and cracks that only affect the outer appearance may be dealt with differently than one that also affects a tooth’s function. A tooth can be left vulnerable to further damage or even to decay because of a chip or crack. Repairing a damaged tooth protects it. Depending on your tooth’s needs, your dentist may repair your tooth with a dental bonding, a crown, or porcelain veneers.
DENTAL BONDING
Dental bonding is a composite resin that is to restore teeth after fillings; it can also be used for cosmetic dentistry. A fairly minor chip or crack can be restored with bonding material. The composite resin can be color-matched to the tooth, so that it blends in seamlessly to the tooth and the rest of your smile. The bonding material will act like putty does on a hole in the wall. It will be applied permanently to the tooth, hardened, and polished for a natural appearance.
CROWN
A tooth that is heavily damaged beyond just the external layer may need more restoration. A crown can be strong enough to restore a tooth in the back of your mouth, like a molar, that may do some heavy lifting. A dental crown is crafted to absorb the pressure that may occur from biting and chewing. Depending on your tooth’s specific needs, a crown can be made of many lifelike materials, including porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Same-day crowns are an option to provide you with protection in a hurry.
PORCELAIN VENEERS
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain ceramic that are applied directly to the front of your teeth. Porcelain looks like a natural tooth with the nearly translucent appearance and it is also quite durable. Depending on the size of your chip or crack, porcelain veneers may provide more coverage to restore your damaged tooth.
Do you have a tooth that is chipped or cracked?
Dr. Carmona can help you repair a chipped tooth. To schedule a consultation at Austin Prosthodontics, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
