I have a chip in my front tooth. Would your recommend a filling or bonding? (photo)

Question

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.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

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).

Vachik Danoukh, DMD · Answer

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!

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

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.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

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.

Jason Keledjian, DDS · Answer

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.

I have a chip in my front tooth. Would your recommend a filling or bonding? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Would your recommend a filling or bonding?

Answer: Would your recommend a filling or bonding?

Answer: Cosmetic Bonding for Front Tooth

Answer: Cosmetic Bonding for Front Tooth

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tooth Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have a chip in my front tooth. Would your recommend a filling or bonding? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Would your recommend a filling or bonding?

Answer: Would your recommend a filling or bonding?

Answer: Cosmetic Bonding for Front Tooth

Answer: Cosmetic Bonding for Front Tooth

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tooth Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.