Teeth keep chipping--should I just insist to have them filed down a bit? (Photo)

Question

For the 1st time ever, I chipped a tiny corner of my front teeth eating a salad in April 2021. I got it filled, but about 6 months ago, I noticed ANOTHER chip on the other front tooth. Don't know how, but dentist told me better to fill again than to file (more $$). But would it really be so bad to file a tiny bit down especially if it seems like those areas are already weakened? I'm 30, non-smoker, don't have tooth sensitivity and overall good dental health. Also think it might look better ..?

Damla Zenar, DDS · Answer

Longer front teeth are better aesthetically. Your front teeth can be filed a little, but I do not recommend doing it straight. If it is completely rasped, its length may be very short, but you have the opportunity to file it a little.

Paula S. Gould, DDS · Answer

Whenever I see weakened edges or chipping on the edges, I immediately look for a reason. The reason most likely is the positioning of your lower teeth. Most likely there are 1 or 2 teeth on the lower arch that fit directly into those chips like puzzle pieces when you move the lower jaw forward or forward and sideways. Most good cosmetic dentists or any dentist who is educated enough in how teeth fit together, called occlusion, should be able to correct this easily with cosmetically shortening the lower teeth that are causing the chipping, and then smoothing the edges of your upper teeth. Sometimes there is a more complicated bite problem where 1 or more lower teeth could be too short and worn, a major cause of teeth chipping on the edges.Seek the advise of a cosmetic dentist who most likely knows more about this type of problem, as we see this every day and have to correct this situation whether in natural teeth or in veneers. When bites are not working correctly, either in natural teeth or with veneers, we have to look for the culprit first, correct it, and then cosmetically address the chipping teeth.I'm always surprised at how many dentists are not well trained or comfortable analyzing this with a simple fix. I cannot see your lowers, but I bet anything, they are not perfectly straight and are one of the causes. Am I right? Find the right dentist to analyze and correct, and your problem will not reoccur!

Teeth keep chipping--should I just insist to have them filed down a bit? (Photo)

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Teeth keep chipping--should I just insist to have them filed down a bit? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tooth Repair

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