3 Ways to Fix Chipped Teeth From a Napa Cosmetic Dentist

Most people will chip a tooth at some point in their lifetime. Some of the common ways people chip a tooth include:

• Traumatic accident
• Using your mouth as a tool to pry open objects
• Chewing and biting hard foods
• Chronic wear and tear on weakened enamel

No matter the cause, here are three options Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa offers to repair chipped teeth so you can smile with confidence.

1. Dental Bonding

Treatment for a chipped tooth will depend on the extent of the damage, what part of the tooth is chipped, and whether the chip is visible when you smile. If only a small amount of the enamel is missing or if the chip is on the front teeth, dental bonding can be a convenient and economical solution.

The process: Dental bonding, or cosmetic bonding, uses a composite resin that is applied directly to the tooth. The material is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your smile and is shaped, sculpted, and hardened with ultraviolet light to mimic healthy tooth enamel. With proper care, dental bonding may last up to 10 years.

• Are you deciding between dental bonding and porcelain veneers? For a thorough comparison between the two treatment options, click here.

2. Crowns

Crowns may be the most appropriate option for larger chips, chipped teeth with significant decay, or chips on the back molar teeth. Dental crowns are durable, long-lasting, and can be fabricated with various materials. Dr. Sasha can help you determine the choice that best meets your unique needs, including special considerations regarding cost, durability, and appearance.

The process: Designing, fabricating, and installing a high-quality, fully custom crown typically requires two visits. At the first visit, 3D digital scanning is used to assist with designing your custom crown to ensure it is properly positioned between the adjacent teeth and doesn't interfere with your bite. A temporary crown will be placed while your permanent one is being made in our dental lab. Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa will receive your crown, and once it passes our meticulous inspection and quality control measures, an appointment is scheduled to cement the permanent crown into place. This process typically takes less than 2 weeks.

3. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are another option for repairing chips on the front teeth. Veneers are durable, custom-made shells that attach to the front of a tooth. Due to the custom design and material used, they mimic the natural appearance of teeth, reflect light similar to healthy tooth enamel, and resist staining and color change. A single veneer can be used to repair a chip on one tooth, or a person may choose to get veneers on all of their front teeth for a total smile restoration. In just two office visits, veneers will not only repair chipped teeth, but they can also disguise gaps, perfect crooked or discolored teeth, and improve your bite.

The process: During the first visit, Dr. Sasha will prepare your teeth to ensure a strong bond and proper positioning of the veneers. 3D digital scanning is used to assist with designing your custom veneers. Once the veneer shape, color, and size are decided upon, temporary veneers are placed. At the second visit, the temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent ones are applied with cement using ultraviolet light. With proper care, porcelain veneers may last up to 15-25 years.

• For more in-depth information regarding your Porcelain Veneer Itinerary, please visit our blog post here.

If you have broken or chipped teeth, please schedule an appointment with Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa as soon as possible. The sooner it is treated, the less likely there will be potential complications. We can quickly restore the function and appearance of your smile in as little as a single visit. Call (707)-257-7771 today or fill out our online contact form.