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Options for Chipped Front Tooth Restoration

asked 1 year ago by los angeles3933 in new york, ny
Latest answer by Lance Timmerman, DMD
Question viewed 2,304 times
Tags: age 18-24, female, chipped tooth, crown, options, replacement, root canal

The bottom half of my front tooth was chipped. I want to know what my options are, and how long on average will this restoration last? Since I am only 20, how many times will I need to replace it during my life? If I place a porcelain veneer on the tooth, and it eventually needs a root canal, will the veneer need to be replaced with a crown?

9 answers to Options for Chipped Front Tooth Restoration

Chipped teeth fixed with composite or porcelain veneer

A composite restoration will work in a pinch but must be considered a temporary solution. A porcelain veneer will last much longer an can be nearly as conservative as a composite, as many "no prep" solutions are out there. If a root canal is needed, it may be possible to not destroy the veneer. At age 20, you should be prepared to replace the restoration a few times in your life.

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

You have options

Since you are 20 yrs of age, I would consider both composite bonding and a porcelain veneer. Of course, any qualified cosmetic dentist would need to see your tooth, take appropriate xrays, and consult with you on you level of esthetic needs. In most cases im my office, like yours, I would use composite bonding 1st, even if its just temporary. Bottom line is you will have some options on treatment and I would recommend you finding a trusted cosmetic dentist. The... more

Greg Lutke, DDS
Plano Cosmetic Dentist

Veneer is best for 50% tooth loss..

A porcelain veneer is best for this type of fracture. Its strong and will look great if done properly. If you were to do bonding on the tooth it will look great for a few years but will discolor and chip. Usually they are replaced whenever they loose their cosmetic appeal...sometimes that can be 10 years sometimes 3. All depends..A veneer never changes color because its made of glass the best thing is to whiten or bleach your teeth first,,wait 4 days then get the veneer placed. If your teeth... more

Michael J. Thomas, DDS
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist

Broken Tooth

Chipped or Fractured teeth can be uncomfortable especially in the front. You mentioned half of the tooth was fractured, the first step is to determined how much tooth structure was lost & if the nerve is exposed. We want to make sure that Root Canal is not necessary before going forward with any treatment to correct the fractured tooth. If some tooth structure was lost than the conservative approach would be bonding just keep in mind that over time the bonding... more

Lawrence Gilbert, DDS
Woodbury Cosmetic Dentist

No prep porcelain veneer great option for chipped front tooth

No prep (Lumineers, DURAthins, Emprethins) or minimal preparation porcelain veneers are a fantastic option for patients with chipped or broken front teeth. You've already lost a part of your tooth, right? No need to prep the rest down as well anymore! Find a dentist with training in this kind of restoration and often the preparation is as minimal as smoothing any rough or sharp spots with the bulk of your tooth remaining intact. Much more conservative! more

Gerilyn Alfe, DMD
Chicago Cosmetic Dentist

Options for a Chipped Front Tooth

There is nothing more upseting than a problem with the front tooth and it is an important decision to make as to which would be the best treatment for you. If it is not a large amount of tooth missing, then I would lean more towards the bonding with a tooth colored bonding material that matches the rest of your tooth and would look natural. The disadvantage of this choice is that the bonding will pick up staining more than the tooth and depending on the amount of staining, you... more

Toni Margio, DMD
Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist

Repairing a chipped front tooth

I like to stay as conservative as possible. I highly skilled dentist can do amazing things with composite resin ("Bonding"). If your bite is good and it is well done, this can last a long time and often with zero additional tooth structure removed. If it comes off, you just do it again and have no further loss of natural tooth structure. If it's a big enough piece and if you have the lost part, it CAN be bonded back onto the tooth and last... more

John Whittemore, DDS
Memphis Cosmetic Dentist

Chipped Front Teeth Can be Repaired-

Chipping a front tooth is the worst!!! Thanks to Cosmetic Dentistry, you have lots of options! My first rule is always be as conservative as you can. We have re-glued the chipped part (if you had it) for a quick fix even if it is a temporary measure. When deciding what to do, I would try to have my chipped front tooth bonded with composite. It is my first choice even if it does not last forever, you can re-bond it again. ... more

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist

How to Repair a Chipped Front Tooth

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... more

Brad Lockhart, DDS
Tustin Cosmetic Dentist

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