Chipped teeth are a real concern for most people, especially when it is one of the easily seen front teeth. You may not have any physical pain, but the damage can really impact your self-confidence. Fortunately, you have several options when it comes to repairing a chipped tooth. The following can help you understand the choices before you.

Bonding

Dental bonding consists of a resin, mixed in a color to match your tooth, that is applied and molded to your tooth. It is then hardened with the help of UV light. Bonding works best for small chips. Cost is a major benefit since this option is the least expensive of the options available. Bonding is also quick. It can take less time than a filling to apply, so it is usually completed in the same office visit as your consultation. This means you can walk away with a renewed smile immediately.

Veneer

Veneers are specially made porcelain caps that are designed to look just like your natural tooth. To apply, your dentist must first file down the enamel on the tooth so that the veneer fits snugly and adheres well. The veneer is then placed over your tooth and sealed in place. Veneers are both permanent and they are undetectable. You can use veneers on both small and medium-sized chips. It does require two office visits for veneers — one to make a mold of your tooth shape and a second to place the veneer after it is made. An added benefit is that veneers can also be used to cover other slight cosmetic problems, such as permanent tooth stains or slight gaps between teeth. A single veneer isn't very expensive, but the cost will go up if you decide to have more placed for other cosmetic reasons beyond the chip.

Crowns

A crown is the most involved of the repair procedures, but it may be the only option if you have a large chip. Crowns can cover chips of any size. During your first visit, the dentist will make a mold of the tooth to be repaired, taking pains to recreate the section with the missing chip. Some dentists form crowns in house, which allows you to get a same-day crown, but most send the mold to a lab to have the crown made. This means you must return to have it placed.

For more help, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area.

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