16
Jun
Boise Dental Treatment Options for Treating a Chipped Tooth
First impressions are everything. Especially when it comes to your smile as it’s often the first thing people notice about you. However, a chipped tooth might have you hiding your smile while damaging your self confidence in the process. Fortunately, your Boise dentist can easily repair a broken or chipped tooth. In fact, Summit Dental has several treatment options depending on the nature of the damage:
Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the quickest and low cost options when it comes to repairing a chipped tooth. This treatment involves the application of a composite filling material that your Boise dentist will shape and color, matching your original tooth. There is little to no need to remove any tooth enamel. The best part? If you were able to preserve the chipped off portion (and it isn’t damaged), your Boise dentist may be able to reattach it!
Veneers
A Boise dental veneer (like the one pictured above) can be used to hide small, damaged areas of a tooth. Veneers are thin, custom made shells placed on the front of a tooth in order to hide any flaws. However, with this option, some removal of the existing tooth enamel is often necessary in order to fit the veneer so that it’s flush and blends in with the surrounding teeth.
Crowns
A crown is often the best choice when a relatively large portion of a tooth is missing. A crown will fully incase the visible portion of what remains of the original tooth above the gum line. It is shaped and sized to match the original tooth perfectly. Ceramic material and porcelain fused to metal crowns are often used for this treatment. In either case, the material will match the color of your other teeth. Keep in mind however, that some of the existing tooth enamel will be removed in order to allow the crown to fit over it.
Prevention
While we all know that accidents are bound to happen every now and again, there are however a few steps you can take in order to reduce your risk for experiencing a chipped or broken tooth:
- Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Refrain from grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Don’t chew on ice, inedible things or hard candies.
- And last but not least, NEVER use your teeth as a tool for opening things!