
Jan
Most people throughout the Treasure Valley will chip a tooth at some point in their lives. Constant wear in a particular spot can also weaken the enamel until it breaks off. You can also bite down hard on food or accidentally chip your tooth during normal daily activities. Whatever the case may be, the Boise dentists at Summit Dental offer a variety of servicers to repair chipped teeth so you can show off your smile with confidence.
Treatment options vary depending on the extent of damage or whether a chip is visible when you smile. If the chip is small or located on the front of a tooth, dental bonding is an option to repair the damage in a single office visit.
Also known as a “filling”, dental bonding fills the missing enamel with tooth-like composite resin. During this process, the chipped area is gently etched so that the bonding material will adhere. Then an adhesive material is applied before a composite resin is shaped to blend with the natural tooth and restore its shape and color. An ultraviolet light is then used to harden the material.
Larger chips or teeth with significant decay may require a crown. A Boise dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the remaining tooth. As a long-lasting option, crowns are composed of metal, porcelain, resin or ceramic. Your Boise dentist will help you determine the best choice to meet your needs. Once a crown is cemented into place, your teeth will look and function just like they did before.
Porcelain veneers are another great option for repairing chips. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth. A single veneer can be used or multiple for a total best smile restoration. Veneers can also be used to disguise gaps, crooked or stained teeth and improve your bite. During your Boise dental office visit, the surface layer of your tooth is removed to make room for the veneer. The veneer is then color-matched to your teeth and cemented into place with an ultraviolet light.
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, schedule an appointment with Summit Dental. We can quickly restore the function and beauty of your smile in as little as one office visit. Contact us at (208) 314-2275 or visit us at 782 Americana Blvd in Boise for more information.