Chipped teeth happen when part of a tooth breaks off due to impact injury, biting something hard, or tooth decay. This can cause pain, sensitivity, and further dental issues if not treated.
We know this can be upsetting and affect your smile and daily activities like eating. Solutions include composite bonding and porcelain veneers for visible chips. When the damage is larger, porcelain crowns may be needed.
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Problems with Chipped teeth
Pain and Sensitivity
Chipped teeth can cause discomfort and make your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks .
Appearance
Chips can affect the look of your smile, making you feel self-conscious .
Difficulty Chewing
A chipped tooth can make it hard to chew properly .
Further Damage
If not treated, the chip can get worse, leading to more serious tooth damage or decay .
Infection
Large chips that expose the inside of the tooth can lead to infections.
Options for Chipped teeth
This method uses a tooth-colored filling material that is applied to the chipped area, shaped, and polished to blend with the rest of the tooth. Composite bonding is quick and cost-effective, making it suitable for minor chips.
Veneers are custom-made, thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of the tooth. They are ideal for more visible or extensive chips, providing a natural look and enhanced durability. Veneers require removing a small amount of tooth enamel to fit properly.
Chipped, Cracked or Broken teeth
Chipped, Cracked or Broken teeth
A chipped tooth, caused by injury, biting hard objects, or decay, can lead to pain, sensitivity, and aesthetic issues, impacting eating and speaking.
Without treatment, the damage can worsen. Treatment options include composite bonding for minor chips and porcelain veneers for larger ones, both restoring the tooth's appearance and function.
A cracked tooth can result from hard foods, decay, or injuries, causing pain, sensitivity, and aesthetic changes. It can make eating and speaking difficult, and untreated cracks can worsen and lead to infection. Minor cracks can be repaired with tooth-colored resin, while major cracks may require porcelain veneers or crowns.
All on four dental implants
All-on-Four dental implants offer a comprehensive solution for severely damaged teeth. Using four implants to secure a full arch of prosthetic teeth, this technique provides a stable and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures. Ideal for significant dental damage, it restores chewing, speaking, and aesthetics, delivering a natural-looking smile. This procedure, completed in one day, can greatly improve oral health and quality of life.
Things to know about chipped teeth
Do chipped teeth grow back
Chipped or cracked teeth do not regrow on their own. Teeth are made of hard materials that cannot regenerate once damaged. While small cracks may not be urgent, larger chips or cracks need dental repair to prevent further issues. Dental treatment is necessary because the body cannot restore the missing tooth structure.
How to fix a chipped tooth:
Composite bonding – For small chips, a tooth-colored resin filling material can be stuck directly to the tooth to rebuild the missing structure. It’s a relatively quick and affordable option.
Porcelain veneers – For larger chips on front teeth, a thin porcelain or composite veneer can be bonded over the front of the tooth to restore its shape and appearance.
Dental crowns – If a significant portion of the tooth is chipped or cracked, a crown may be needed to cap the entire tooth. Crowns provide more coverage and protection.
Dental filling – If the chip exposes the inner enamel or dentin (sensitive) layer of the tooth, a filling material like composite resin can be used to fill the area and seal it off. (the same material for composite bonding).
Why are my teeth chipped:
Grinding your teeth at night while sleeping. This puts a lot of force on your teeth.
Biting on hard things like ice, hard candy, or nuts. These can chip the tooth enamel.
Getting hit in the mouth during sports or an accident. Trauma can cause teeth to chip or break.
Exposing teeth to acidic foods and drinks often. This can weaken the enamel over time.
Having large fillings or other dental work on the teeth. These areas are weaker and prone to chipping.
Having a misaligned bite that puts uneven pressure on some teeth.
Frequently asked questions
What causes teeth to chip?
Teeth can chip due to various reasons, including biting down on hard foods or objects, trauma or accidents, poor oral hygiene leading to weakened enamel, grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism), and dental cavities weakening the tooth structure.
What should I do immediately after chipping a tooth?
Get in touch with your local dentist who can provide assistance. If there’s bleeding, apply gauze and gentle pressure. Try to preserve and save any broken pieces, and see your dentist as soon as possible.
How long do composite bonding and porcelain veneers last?
Composite bonding typically lasts 5-10 years, depending on oral habits and care. Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care.
What are the treatment options for a chipped tooth?
There are several treatments available, depending on the severity of the chipping:
Composite Bonding: A tooth-colored resin is applied to the chipped area, shaped, and hardened with a special light. This is ideal for minor chips and offers a quick, cost-effective solution which will match the colour, shape and size of the original tooth
Porcelain Veneers: Thin, custom-made shells of porcelain are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Veneers are more durable and stain-resistant compared to bonding, and they provide a natural appearance.
Invisalign: While Invisalign is primarily used for straightening teeth, it can also help align teeth properly, reducing the risk of future chipping of teeth. If the chip is due to misalignment, Invisalign might be recommended as part of the treatment plan.
Dental Crowns: For larger chips or when the tooth is significantly weakened, a crown may be necessary. The crown covers the entire tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
How can I prevent my teeth from chipping?
To prevent your teeth from chipping, avoid biting on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies. Wear a mouthguard if you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night.
Is treatment for a chipped tooth covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on the insurance plan and the cause of the chipped tooth. Cosmetic procedures like veneers might not be covered, whereas restorative treatments like bonding and crowns might be partially covered. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specifics.
Can a chipped tooth lead to other dental issues?
Yes, if left untreated, a chipped tooth can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain, increase the risk of decay and infection, affect the alignment of surrounding teeth, and result in further damage to the tooth. Regular dental visits and prompt treatment of any chips can help prevent these complications.
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At Rüh Dental, we do things differently. We call it the Rüh difference.
We believe in better than the traditional dentistry of yesteryear that’s left a legacy of fear and therefore neglect because of historic experiences.
