Chipped Tooth Options
Teeth can become chipped by biting something hard, in contact sports such as boxing or martial arts, in sports involving moving objects, such as cricket or rugby, or in accidents. As well as affecting your appearance, chipped teeth can rub against the inside of your mouth and your tongue, causing soreness.
There are several solutions for chipped teeth, depending on where in your mouth the chipped tooth is located.
Fillings
A filling is a common solution for a chipped or broken tooth, and for the best results a white composite filling is recommended. These are made from a very strong bonding material and are matched as closely as possible to the natural colour of your teeth. They are very durable and should last a long time so long as a prudent dental hygiene regime is practised.
Crowns
A crown is a cap fitted over a tooth to make it stronger and improve its appearance. There are two types of crown available: a bonded crown, which comprises a metal base and a porcelain covering, and an all-porcelain crown, which is made entirely from porcelain and provides a very natural look. Your dentist will need to prepare your tooth for the fitting of the crown, leaving a strong inner core. They will take an impression of your tooth that is sent to the lab for your crown to be made; you will be given a temporary crown to cover your tooth whilst your permanent crown is created. Once it is ready you will require a second trip to the surgery for the crown to be fitted. A strong bonding cement is used to fix your crown in place, and it will be matched closely to the natural colour of your teeth.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin slivers of porcelain that can be used to cover a chipped front tooth. They are matched very closely to the natural colour of your teeth and are much like a false nail, with a very natural appearance. To have veneers fitted, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab where the veneers are made. They are then attached to the front of your tooth using a strong bonding material.