One of my top front teeth is capped. For aesthetics, my other front tooth has a veneer...15 yrs later part of the veneer chipped & my NEW dentist (I moved) suggested capping the tooth since he sees a crack in the back of it. I suggested he try bonding since I've never had a problem with THAT tooth. A bit hesitant, he bonded the tooth warning it may not work since there is a crack. 3 weeks later, I'm back at the dentist since some bonding fell off. Is capping the best way to go for my situation?
May 18, 2014
Answer: Bonding vs. Veneer vs. Capping From your statement, it sounds like the dentist tried to bond to an existing veneer instead of replacing it with a new veneer. In "some" instances bonding to an existing veneer may work. Having a new veneer placed may be the best choice from an aesthetic standpoint instead of trying to place a bonding to the existing porcelain veneer.As far a the crack goes, it really depends on the location, size and depth of the fracture. A crack is always a result of stress or structural weakness of the tooth. Or how else does it get there?There are many new porcelain options available today that will allow the dentist to place a full crown on that tooth to help stabilize it while still being conservative and saving as much tooth structure as possible.Will a crown ALWAYS stop the progression of the crack? NO. But it is far better to be proactive and do everything possible to limit the amount of damage/cracking to a tooth at an early stage. Because if the crack does extend, nobody knows where, how deep, or how far it will go. If into the nerve, then you are looking at a root canal. If it goes under the gum, the tooth may need further surgery or perhaps even to be extracted. As I always say, "It depends on how many times you want to work on a tooth!" Patch and fill does not last as long and will require more visits, more time, and more money over the long haul!Best of luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 18, 2014
Answer: Bonding vs. Veneer vs. Capping From your statement, it sounds like the dentist tried to bond to an existing veneer instead of replacing it with a new veneer. In "some" instances bonding to an existing veneer may work. Having a new veneer placed may be the best choice from an aesthetic standpoint instead of trying to place a bonding to the existing porcelain veneer.As far a the crack goes, it really depends on the location, size and depth of the fracture. A crack is always a result of stress or structural weakness of the tooth. Or how else does it get there?There are many new porcelain options available today that will allow the dentist to place a full crown on that tooth to help stabilize it while still being conservative and saving as much tooth structure as possible.Will a crown ALWAYS stop the progression of the crack? NO. But it is far better to be proactive and do everything possible to limit the amount of damage/cracking to a tooth at an early stage. Because if the crack does extend, nobody knows where, how deep, or how far it will go. If into the nerve, then you are looking at a root canal. If it goes under the gum, the tooth may need further surgery or perhaps even to be extracted. As I always say, "It depends on how many times you want to work on a tooth!" Patch and fill does not last as long and will require more visits, more time, and more money over the long haul!Best of luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
