Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth

A chipped tooth can make patients feel self conscious about the appearance of their smiles. If left untreated, this dental problem can also lead to severe dental damage. Restorative dentistry treatments can repair the damage caused by chipped teeth, thereby protecting your oral health. To undergo treatment for chipped teeth, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Fountain Valley, CA dentist Andrew G. Mortensen. In the meantime, read on to learn more about your treatment options for chipped teeth.

Treatments Options for Chipped Teeth

The teeth may become chipped for a number of reasons. Regardless of the cause, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. This is because chipped teeth are more vulnerable to decay because the inner structures of the teeth are left exposed to bacteria, plaque, and corrosive acids from foods and drinks. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to repair chipped teeth and restore dental appearance.

• Dental bonding: Dental bonding treatment can mask dental flaws, including minor chips, to create a beautiful, flawless smile. Dental bonding treatment uses a tooth-colored resin, which is applied and shaped directly on the teeth, to improve dental appearance and restore oral health.
• Porcelain veneers: Similar to dental bonding, porcelain veneers are used to mask dental flaws. Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped fabrications that are custom-made and bonded to the front surface of the teeth to repair chips and correct cosmetic issues.
• Dental crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that completely encase damaged teeth. Dental crowns may be used to treat severely damaged teeth, restoring both dental integrity and appearance.
• Onlays: Onlays, also called “partial crowns,” are another type of custom-made restoration used to repair dental damage and improve oral health. Onlays may be used when chips or damage are present in the molars, but the damage is not severe enough to require a full dental crown.

Preventing Chipped Teeth

Preventing chipped teeth may not always be possible, especially when caused by an unforeseen accident, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Follow these tips to prevent chipped teeth:

• Wear a mouth guard while playing sports: Patients that play contact sports, like football or boxing, are at particular risk of chipping their teeth. Wearing a mouth guard while playing or practicing sports can protect the teeth and prevent chips.
• Don't use your teeth as tools: Using the teeth to open packages or cut tape can lead to chipped teeth. Avoid using your teeth as tools to reduce your risk of chipping or breaking your teeth.
• Avoid chewing on hard items: Avoid chewing or biting on hard, non-food items, like pen caps, fingernails, or toothpicks, which can damage the teeth and cause them to chip.
• Don't bite hard foods: Biting down on hard foods, like hard candies or corn nuts, can lead to chipped teeth.

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

Don't let chipped teeth go untreated. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mortensen for your personalized treatment plan.