I have small chips on my front teeth. What are the best options to make my smile look better? (Photo)

Question

Small chips on front teeth. Wondering what can be done.

Jennifer Ebner, DDS · Answer

Were you sitting in front of me and I could get a good look in your mouth and do a bit of investigative work, I could give you more specific answers. On this forum, I'll just give you a few ideas to consider. Fixing the chipping without from finding out why it's happening is going to waste your money and frustrate you. 
1) Why are your teeth chipping?
Do you clench or grind them at night or during the day?
Do you chew on hard things like ice, toothpicks pipes(do people still smoke pipes?)
Have you suffered some trauma that has caused them to chip?
Any of these (and more) can effect a treatment plan and the longevity of any "fixes" you decide to pursue. 
2) what's your budget?
Smoothing out the chips will shorten your front teeth, giving them a worn, more aged appearance. 
Composite bonding is a more affordable option and can address that the teeth are already a little short (worn?). These can be done in one appointment. Composite bonding is not a strong material so if grinding or clenching is the cause of the chipping, they will quickly begin to chip and need frequent replacement. (Frustrating and costly)
Porcelain veneers bond a thin but strong layer of porcelain over the existing teeth with very little "drilling" required and look gorgeous. However, that strength and beauty does not come cheap. They also require more than one appointment as they are custom made for your case.
Finally, in looking at the small amouth of the lower teeth your picture shows, I can see they are tilted inward. That is called "collapsing arch" and is usually an indicator of clenching and grinding. In any case, with this habit included into the mix, a protective night guard would be necessary to protect any restorations you might choose to do. 
Heck, if you were in front of me, I'd recommend a night guard  anyway to avoid further damage to your teeth regardless of any treatment you chose. For chipping, stopping the trauma that is causing the chipping is the first step. 
In any case, at your next regular check up (don't tell me you don't see your dentist regularly), you can have an evaluation to address your concerns and goals. 
Good luck!
Dr Ebner

Navid Zamani, DMD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sending your question. The chipped areas appear to be very small and often can be smoothed using dental instruments designed to polish. Other options can be to add small amounts of bonding to the chipped areas to mask those, however would need to be evaluated. If you are unhappy with the rest of the teeth consider orthodontics to widen your smile and teeth whitening to  improve the shades. All this can be consulted with an experienced cosmetic dentist. All the best,

I have small chips on my front teeth. What are the best options to make my smile look better? (Photo)

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