Options for Chipped Front Tooth Restoration

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!

Based on the amount of tooth that is missing I would recommend that you have a porcelain veneer placed.  This will be the most durable and the most aesthetic. Composite bonding may be a viable option, but will not last as long as a veneer.  If the tooth should ever need a root canal they should be able to complete it without ever touching your porcelain veneer.  Hope this helps. 

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.

Options 1. Dental veneers or laminatesoption 2 . composite restorationcomposite will stain and may chip again and again, where as porcelain veneer may last upto 25 years

Hi, the restorative choice depends on the size of chip in relation to the actual tooth size, and your occlusion. 
A tiny chip on normal occlusion can easily be restored with resin bonding, while an edge to edge occlusion would require a veneer. 
If a quarter or third of the tooth is chipped I would recommend a veneer. A well designed  and placed veneer can last a lifetime provided you follow proper home care.
If more than 1/3 of tooth is missing you may need to consider a crown.
With regards to a root canal treatment after center placement, most endodontists would be able to perform a root canal without requirement to remove a sound veneer or crown.