I have a chip in my front tooth that I'd like to get fixed. Would you recommend filing it down or filling the chip in (I think that's called bonding?) Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answer: Filing vs filling... what to do? Greetings from St. Louis, If you were in my chair, I would definitely recommend shaping the tooth, not bonding. Here's why - based on the small size of the chip and the position of the chip right on your bite surface, placing a composite filling there would likely break off in a short period of time and you would need to get it redone again and again, over the next several months and years. However, filing down the tooth and neighboring tooth slightly, would create a more permanent fix. If your dentist has cosmetic skills, they shouldn't have any problem contouring the two teeth to match and not cause your teeth to look short or make you looked aged. Sensitivity could ensue, but usually very minor sensitivity that will not bother you. Greater sensitivity is a risk, but not a major risk for my patients. You're probably confused by this point, so if you're on the fence, you could try least invasive first and most invasive last. So in order of least to most invasive: dental bonding (prices is about $200-500 depending on your area)--> if it chips, then contour (approximately $50) ---> if contouring doesn't look good enough to you, try veneer (roughly $1200 to $1800 depending on area).
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Answer: Filing vs filling... what to do? Greetings from St. Louis, If you were in my chair, I would definitely recommend shaping the tooth, not bonding. Here's why - based on the small size of the chip and the position of the chip right on your bite surface, placing a composite filling there would likely break off in a short period of time and you would need to get it redone again and again, over the next several months and years. However, filing down the tooth and neighboring tooth slightly, would create a more permanent fix. If your dentist has cosmetic skills, they shouldn't have any problem contouring the two teeth to match and not cause your teeth to look short or make you looked aged. Sensitivity could ensue, but usually very minor sensitivity that will not bother you. Greater sensitivity is a risk, but not a major risk for my patients. You're probably confused by this point, so if you're on the fence, you could try least invasive first and most invasive last. So in order of least to most invasive: dental bonding (prices is about $200-500 depending on your area)--> if it chips, then contour (approximately $50) ---> if contouring doesn't look good enough to you, try veneer (roughly $1200 to $1800 depending on area).
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Answer: To Bond or not to Bond...that is the question? The chip can be fixed very easily! You can bond this but in time it will come off. To me it looks like there is wear and tear on that tooth and it will continue. You should get it bonded and sleep with a bite guard so there would be less pressure put on that tooth at night! Go for this type of repair and night guard and later you may have to have a Veneer or Porcelain Crown. Take good care of those teeth! The bite guard is very important!
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Answer: To Bond or not to Bond...that is the question? The chip can be fixed very easily! You can bond this but in time it will come off. To me it looks like there is wear and tear on that tooth and it will continue. You should get it bonded and sleep with a bite guard so there would be less pressure put on that tooth at night! Go for this type of repair and night guard and later you may have to have a Veneer or Porcelain Crown. Take good care of those teeth! The bite guard is very important!
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July 30, 2018
Answer: Tough fix Tough fix due to the fact the repair will not last long term. These type of small chips are the worst to repair. In the long run, a crown or veneers will be the ultimate fate. In the mean time, a white bonding/filling will have to do. Just be prepared that it will break off again with white fillings.
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July 30, 2018
Answer: Tough fix Tough fix due to the fact the repair will not last long term. These type of small chips are the worst to repair. In the long run, a crown or veneers will be the ultimate fate. In the mean time, a white bonding/filling will have to do. Just be prepared that it will break off again with white fillings.
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February 20, 2018
Answer: Would your recommend a filling or bonding? Hello and thank you for a very good question.The good news is that you do have a choice. Actually I would consider a 3rd choice: porcelain veneers.Not only it will take care of the chip, but will give a pleasant even looking smile, one you can be proud of.
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February 20, 2018
Answer: Would your recommend a filling or bonding? Hello and thank you for a very good question.The good news is that you do have a choice. Actually I would consider a 3rd choice: porcelain veneers.Not only it will take care of the chip, but will give a pleasant even looking smile, one you can be proud of.
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July 6, 2019
Answer: Cosmetic Bonding for Front Tooth Hey malpal! I too agree that due to the size of the chip/fracture, bonding would be a good choice. One bit of information/advice that I can add to what has already been shared:in looking at the picture, I notice your front teeth have a lot of sharp line contours on the biting edge.Without knowing any history or having performed an exam, it appears that your teeth show a significant amount of wear. That type of wear patterns can develop from clenching/grinding your teeth at night time.If that's the case, the concern I have is bonding performed on the biting edge of your front teeth can chip off again - without addressing the underlying issue (the grinding/clenching). I would definitely consider wearing a nightguard when you sleep to prevent further chipping and further wear.
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July 6, 2019
Answer: Cosmetic Bonding for Front Tooth Hey malpal! I too agree that due to the size of the chip/fracture, bonding would be a good choice. One bit of information/advice that I can add to what has already been shared:in looking at the picture, I notice your front teeth have a lot of sharp line contours on the biting edge.Without knowing any history or having performed an exam, it appears that your teeth show a significant amount of wear. That type of wear patterns can develop from clenching/grinding your teeth at night time.If that's the case, the concern I have is bonding performed on the biting edge of your front teeth can chip off again - without addressing the underlying issue (the grinding/clenching). I would definitely consider wearing a nightguard when you sleep to prevent further chipping and further wear.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful