Broken teeth or chips are most commonly a result of minor or major facial impact, which can be scary when it happens! Thankfully, we can fix broken teeth in a variety of ways; using fillings or dental bonding for minor chips, crowns to fix a large piece of tooth that has broken away, or veneers when one of the front teeth is chipped to disguise the damage.
White fillings
If the broken or chipped tooth isn’t too serious, our cosmetic dentists can restore the tooth with a white (tooth coloured) filling, which are a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional silver fillings that can be seen when you laugh or smile. Our dentists can also safely replace current silver amalgam fillings with white fillings. Your dentist may drill the tooth to remove any decay and to smooth the edges before the filling is placed, but this can usually be done in one visit.
Dental bonding
If you have a small chip on your front teeth, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. Using a tooth-coloured composite, this will repair your tooth and will be matched in colour as closely as possible to your natural teeth. Your dentist will apply a gel to the affected tooth, followed by an adhesive and the bonding material. This material is then shaped to look like a natural tooth and hardened using ultraviolet light. This procedure can also commonly be done in a single visit.
Crowns
When a large piece of tooth has broken away or when the natural tooth is very decayed, a crown or cap can be the best option. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the top of your teeth and can be made from metal, porcelain or composite material. While metal crowns are the strongest, they are better for back teeth; porcelain crowns are the most realistic-looking and are better for teeth nearer the front of the mouth.
A composite filling material will be used to give your tooth added strength before the crown is placed on top. An impression is taken of your affected tooth and the corresponding tooth that bites down on it for your crown to be made. Your dentist may fit you with a temporary crown whilst your permanent crown is being made – this typically takes up to two weeks.
Veneers
When a front tooth is chipped, dental veneers are often used to disguise the damage. This is a quick and easy option to restore your smile.
Dental veneers are thin slivers of porcelain or composite resin material, which is placed over the whole front of your tooth. Your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel, and will take impressions of your tooth, which are sent to the laboratory for your veneers to be made. This can take from one to two weeks. Once your veneer is ready, your dentist will use a special bonding material to fit the veneer to your tooth.
If you break or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid biting down on the damaged area and contact us as soon as possible. We’ll assess the damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Yes, minor chips on front teeth can often be repaired with cosmetic bonding or white fillings. These treatments are fast, non-invasive, and restore your tooth’s appearance without the need for a crown.
It depends on the severity of the break. White fillings and dental bonding are usually completed in a single visit. Crowns and veneers typically require two appointments, with the final restoration fitted within 1–2 weeks.
Includes a comprehensive dental exam, X-rays, and a routine hygiene clean performed by the dentist. A great way to get started on your journey to a healthier smile.
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