Chipped Tooth: When you least expect it
Do you have a chipped tooth? Chipping a tooth is typically an unpleasant surprise that can happen when you least expect it. This is often due to the fact that chipping a tooth can happen countless different ways, and can vary depending on the circumstances and severity of the damage. Although a chipped tooth may sound like a minor problem, the reality is that a chipped or fractured tooth can be quite painful, and may even cause you emotional distress or embarrassment. Fortunately, at Overland Park Dentistry, we are more than happy to help you in such a predicament with several great treatment options.
Chipped Tooth: Four easy options!
The primary options for fixing a damaged or chipped tooth are bonding, crowns, dental veneers, or even Lumineers. All of which are available depending on the severity of damage to the tooth itself. Upon scheduling your appointment, Dr. Kimes will likely select one of the following treatments to fix your damaged tooth.
Option 1: Bonding
Also known as a filling, a dental bond has been a commonly sought after solution by dental patients for many years, and continues to be provided by dental specialists nationwide. This tried and true procedure is achieved by the fusing of composite resin to the damaged tooth; ultimately using the resin to fill in the broken-off section of the tooth. (This is why it’s often called a filling!) Although a bonding or filling may provide an aesthetically pleasing solution that may last for many years, this procedure is limited to cavities or minor chips and abrasions in your teeth. If the damage to your tooth is more severe, a crown may be required to repair the chip.
Option 2: Crown
Differing somewhat from bonding, a dental crown is a more in depth procedure that may be used to repair a tooth that has sustained a substantial amount of breakage in which a larger portion of the tooth has been broken off. A basic dental crown is essentially a cap made from ceramic material, for the purpose of being fitted to your tooth. When applied, the cap will encase much of the tooth and create a protective covering.
The conventional dental crown has proven itself to be an effective solution for dentists and patients alike. However, due to recent advancements within dental technology, the process of receiving a crown is now quicker and easier than ever… thanks to the Cerec crown.
The aptly named Cerec crown, (which stands for “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics”) is a cutting-edge crown that requires only one appointment to receive. The Cerec crown is custom made to fit the exact dimensions of your tooth! This exciting new technology has taken dentistry by storm, and has made the prospect of receiving a crown much more appealing.
Related Article: The Benefits of receiving a “One Day” Cerec Crown
Option 3: Veneers
A third and perhaps more unfamiliar option to those outside the field of dentistry are dental veneers. Originally introduced in the 1980s, dental veneers appear as a thin shell-like device that is designed to fit directly over your tooth. Concealing any chips, cracks or blemishes, the veneer also acts as a protective covering or shell over your tooth. Despite their overall popularity for their ability to create a seeming flawless looking smile, veneers are not for everyone. Receiving one of these custom-made ceramic devices require certain alterations to be made to your teeth. These alterations may include the shaving and reshaping of your teeth, which in the case of young healthy sets of teeth, may cause more harm than good.
Option 4: Lumineers
Much like the above mentioned veneers, Lumineers are ceramic shells that encase the entirety of your tooth. Ultimately this conceals the chip or damage, while effectively protecting your tooth from any additional damage that may occur. Despite these similarities, two major differences do exist between veneers and Lumineers that lead many patients to consider dental Lumineers to be something of an upgraded version of the veneers.
One significant difference is that unlike veneers, Lumineers do not require any shaving or alterations to be made to your existing smile. This makes the process of receiving a set of Lumineers not only safer, but considerably less invasive.
Related Article: Difference between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Lumineers
Another more cosmetically-based difference is the fact that Lumineers are much thinner and entirely transparent, which gives the Lumineers a far less noticeable and consequently more natural appearance.
Related Article: Lumineers: The Noninvasive Veneer for Teeth
Be Prepared
As mentioned earlier, while a chipped tooth is certainly something that no one can plan on, you can however plan on what to do in the occurrence of a chipped tooth, and your friends here at Overland Park Dentistry are here to help! Remember there is no need to suffer the effects of a broken or chipped tooth when there are so many great treatments available for you; come see us right away so we can keep your smile beautiful and chip free!
