Options for Chipped Front Tooth Restoration

This is a GREAT question. There are many factors that should be considered when choosing how to repair your fractured tooth. You said "half" of your front tooth is fractured. That's a lot of tooth structure to repair with a conservative restoration like bonding. Bonding is the least expensive option but also does not last as long and wth half the tooth needing replacement will probably not last more than a few years. Another option is a porcelain veneer which is more expensive but also more "permanent." It should last substantially longer but if the tooth ends up needing a root canal the tooth will likely change color which would also affect the color of the veneer. A front tooth with a root canal is also not adequately protected with a veneer and would likely need a crown.

If you were my family member at age 20 I would probably do a conservative bonding and allow the tooth and gums around the tooth to completely mature. I would not want to further traumatize the tooth right away by doing more invasive procedures like a veneer or crown.  This will help prevent the need for a root canal later.

Then in a few years I would do a more permanent retoration which would more than likely be an all-ceramic crown rather than a veneer because with half the tooth missing I would be conserned about long-term retention of the restoration.

Your dentist's biggest challenge will be matching a single front tooth color, shape and consistency with the adjacent teeth...NOT an easy thing to do.

Good luck, hope this helps. 

Your dentist will determine which of the following treatments is best for you and your mouth to correct your fractured front tooth.

Dental Bonding or Composite bonding is a way to repair chipped, cracked teeth. Composite bonding will last on average up to 10 years. During the procedure, the tooth will be roughened with polishers and a conditioning liquid. Composite putty will be applied, molded, and smoothed. Then, a blue spectrum light is used to harden the composite. When the tooth bonding has dried, it will be shaped and polished to match the rest of the tooth.  This is the least expensive option and is only viable if there is enough healthy tooth structure remaining.  A root canal can be performed before or after the front tooth bonding many times without interfering with the bonding.



Veneers are covers for a tooth. Porcelain veneers provide the most attractive and realistic results possible. The veneer is fabricated by a trained ceramist and is bonded to the front of the tooth, transforming the tooth’s appearance. With good care, veneers can last up to 30 years, so you won’t have to worry about getting it replaced regularly.



You can have veneers placed on the one broken tooth or a few teeth for aesthetics. This cosmetic treatment is truly a wonderful option for many people.  With this option root canal treatment can be completed prior or after the front tooth veneering many times without interfering with the veneer. This is a more expensive option and is only viable if there is enough healthy tooth structure remaining.



A ceramic crown is a cap that covers the tooth and protects in and approves the appearance. It acts as a strong covering for your tooth. When you get a crown, this helps prevents you from losing your tooth. Without a crown, a damaged tooth won’t be able to withstand the pressure of chewing. The ceramic crown is fabricated by a trained ceramist to match your teeth or you can add adjacent veneers for greater aesthetics.  In this option it is best to decide on the need for root canal treatment prior to crown placement if possible as a root canal will many times lead to needing a new crown.



Good luck!

Great question and I understand your concern since its a front tooth! With half the tooth missing, bonding is an option with the understanding that there is an increased risk of having it fracture and requiring maintenance and upkeep occasionally. Very large bondings may chip and discolor. A veneer is definitely the stronger long term option. If a root canal is needed your dentist would have to evaluate to make sure the tooth itself has not changed color and that a veneer has adequate coverage. If not, a crown may be necessary. Since you are so young, it is not unreasonable to start with the bonding for now and think about the porcelain restoration at some point in the future. The bonding is also the less expensive of the two options. Best of luck and follow up for more info!