Are these chipped teeth "okay?" Could they possibly be bonded or something else? (photo)

Question

At my last dentist appointment, they told me I chipped my two front teeth from biting or chewing something too hard and to try and stop. But now I feel self conscious about it and I don't know if they'd look 'fine' to other people when I smile. I don't know whether I should leave it and they'll be fine, or if I should get something done.

Steven Davidowitz, DDS · Answer

An exam of the rest of the teeth and the way that your lower teeth bite along with a dental history of when and how the chips occurred would allow for a better determination if bonding would be the correct treatment for you. Overall, the chips looks small, many times some reduction by polishing the tooth edges can smoothen the small chips on the edge of the two front teeth and thereby improve the cosmetics.  Bonding can conversely be added to the teeth, however, they may chip or need maintenance down the line.

Yocasta Caba, DDS · Answer

Is important to get a general evaluation first, but it looks too litltle chipped so i recommended you to polish it as i can see in the picture is just the enamel unless is better to get some xrays first to evaluate the condition of your teeth before having any conclusion.Good luck!

Peter J. Drews, DDS, MAGD · Answer

It is impossible to diagnosis an issue without a full examination.  When you have a chip in your teeth the dentist needs to determine the extent of the damage.  One method is to use the Ellis classification of fractures.  Looking at your photo it appears that the fracture is only in the enamel or Ellis Class 1.  Your fractures are most likely pain free due to the fact you have not fractured completely through the enamel or outer surface of the teeth.  Your statement of being told to "to try and stop" put a smile on my face.  I would of replied "Easier said then done".  If you do not know what you did to cause this fracture then most likely it was caused by excessive teeth grinding at night (Bruxism).  This is an oral parafunctional habit while you sleep and can be treated with a fitted bite splint designed by your dentist.

Now the important info:  How do you fix this issue or should you fix this issue?  Well since you are symptom free clinically you DO NOT NEED TO FIX THESE CHIPPED TEETH.  Now aesthetically if they bother you then you deserve to get them fixed when it makes sense financially.  Two options I would recommend based off the limited information in the photo.  You can do some fillings/bonding on the edge of your front two teeth.  This will last you many years but you need to understand that these front teeth act like knives when you bite into food.  This repair will eventually wear and need to be replaced.  If this chip is only in the enamel layer of your teeth then you can also have Enameloplasty performed.  Enameloplasty is where the shape and length of the tooth is altered to give a more pleasing look.  It is painless procedure if this is truly an Ellis class 1 fracture.  Normally the central incisors are about 2 mm longer then the lateral incisors so I feel that aesthetically Enameloplasty would be a good options.  The disadvantage is you only have so much enamel and if you continue to chip or wear your teeth they will get too short.  If you decide to do the Enameloplasty investigate Bite Split Therapy.

Supriya Verma, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question.  With the limited information you have given it is difficult to give you an accurate answer.  Your picture does not show the rest of your mouth.  Do you recall when the chip happend or how it happened? Do you clench or Grind your teeth?  It may be enough to smooth out the edges.  However, if there is an underlying bite issue then you may continue to chip your teeth.  Find a Pankey trained dentist in your area for a complete evaluation.  Hope that helps!

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:The smile does not look bad at all. However, if you are self conscious, you can have your dentist lightly polish the edge of the two front teeth to make it straighter looking.  The chip is too small to have bonding done that will last very long.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Joseph B. Silberman, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Since your teeth are longer than the ones next to them, you can have the 2 front ones smoothed on the edges to make them straight and remove the jagged edges. Based on your photo, that would make most sense to me. If there is something more to the chipped areas that I don't see from the photo, then you should have bonding done to them to repair them.

Jepssy Beltre, DDS · Answer

Hi, thanks for write... Yes, dental bonding is your best option, is not a difficult treatment, so, go to your dentist to fix that. Good luck.

Dipesh Sitaram, MICCMO, FICCMO, DDS · Answer

You may want to have your dentist consider buffing the edges of the teeth to remove the jagged / chipped areas.  Also, have them look into as to why it is happening so that you can prevent future issues.   Thanks,

Shannon Hobbs, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

Great question! Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so what can look fine to one person, may not to another. But when it comes down to physics, a smooth surface will be less likely to chip again in the future. It would be best to evaluate your bite and have a full exam to make sure these chipped front teeth aren't the consequence of a bigger problem-- like your overall bite, or a subconscious grinding habit. If it is however, an isolated issue of having accidentally bit down on something hard, then a good treatment option for you would be to gently polish both front teeth to even out the surfaces. Being that the teeth next to your front teeth are slightly smaller, a slight adjustment to the length of the front teeth would contribute nicely to the overall aesthetic as well. Bonding on the edges alone would likely cause chipping again in the future -- not the best investment of your time or your money to be honest! Good luck!

Hisham Kaloti, DDS (retired) · Answer

As a second option you could just smooth the teeth too but that may make them sensitive and slightly shorter in length.

With resin bindings you will protect the teeth and improve your smile  in a painless single visit!

Are these chipped teeth "okay?" Could they possibly be bonded or something else? (photo)

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