It’s easy to assume that cosmetic dentistry is only for people who want to alter their entire smile. However, any aesthetic changes to your smile are considered cosmetic, and it’s sometimes the littlest improvements that can turn a damaged smile into a beautiful one. Having a chipped tooth, for example, may seem like a small issue, but for the people living with a chipped tooth, the problem is hardly tiny. There are easy cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry solutions.
3 Ways to Repair a Chipped Tooth
There are many possible causes of a chipped tooth: an accident, weak enamel, using your teeth to open a package, chewing on ice or hard candy. Regardless of the cause of a chipped tooth, the problem is annoying and unsightly. Fixing it is easy, and the repairs can be done relatively quickly.
- For the fastest repair of a chipped tooth, cosmetic tooth bonding gets the job done. This solution will not work for every type and size of chip, but if the enamel has broken away on a molar, the bonding can fix the damage in just one office visit. Bonding is quick, painless, and non-invasive. If the tooth is healthy and the only problem is cosmetic, the composite resin can be applied, shaped, and bonded in place to restore your tooth.
- While people often choose to get porcelain veneers on multiple teeth at one time to retain a consistent look, it is possible for a veneer to be put in place when one tooth is chipped. The incredibly thin piece of porcelain is customized to match the rest of your teeth while concealing the chip. A temporary veneer can usually be put in place while you are waiting for your repair to be ready. If you have multiple cosmetic complaints – gaps, misalignment, surface cracks, stains – you may want to consider a full round of veneers to completely repair the look of your smile.
- A porcelain crown is a popular choice for repairing a chipped tooth, and a crown is especially appropriate for a chipped molar or a chipped tooth with other problems, like tooth decay. The crown is customized to the patient so that the “cap” covering the tooth looks natural and blends right in with the rest of your teeth. A crown is bonded in place so your tooth is not at risk of chipping even further or allowing bacteria in to create an infection.
Get the Cosmetic Dentistry Solution That’s Right for You
Any cosmetic problem with your teeth can be corrected. There are usually multiple options to repair most aesthetic complaints, like a broken tooth, short teeth, long teeth, gap teeth, crooked teeth, or a dislodged tooth. Your New York City dentist has seen it all, so no matter how ashamed you might be of your smile, know that your dentist is not judging your teeth, but he is concerned about how you will look when you leave his office after a smile makeover. Your smile should be perfect for you and give you confidence.
Annoyed by the appearance of your smile because of a chipped tooth? Don’t keep living with it or hiding your smile. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Michael J. Wei, Midtown Manhattan cosmetic dentist located on Madison Avenue, to determine which cosmetic restoration is right for you.
