A tooth that suffers a crack or chip requires a visit to the dentist as soon as possible to explore treatment options. Fixing minor cracks or chips early can prevent more serious dental problems in the future and helps protect and preserve teeth. Dental bonding is an effective, easy way to restore the natural appearance, function and strength of a tooth with a small crack or chip and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this treatment before proceeding.

Benefits of dental bonding

For dental bonding tooth repair, the dentist applies a composite material designed to match the color and shade of the chipped or cracked tooth. The material is both strong and durable and makes the tooth appear and function whole and healthy again. The natural appearance of the dental bonding material helps seamlessly integrate it into your smile as it blends with surrounding teeth. Dental bonding requires minimal modification to existing tooth structure, which is important for maintaining natural, healthy teeth. Best of all, the dentist can perform the dental bonding procedure in one visit, so the patient leaves with a restored smile and protected teeth.

Potential issues with dental bonding

When applied correctly and in the right circumstances, dental bonding is highly effective, but one potential issue is that the material can break off. If this happens, then that means the chipped or cracked tooth needed a more substantial dental restoration initially. However, an experienced dentist treats a cracked or chipped tooth with the most effective method to prevent any type of breaking or failure of the restoration. A tooth with a crack or chip that goes beyond a minor problem may require a porcelain veneer for proper repair and protection. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that mask imperfections, improve the appearance of the tooth and protect it from further damage. For tooth damage that requires more repair than bonding or veneers provide the dentist can apply an inlay or onlay or even a crown.

Although there are some possible drawbacks to dental bonding, when the dentist utilizes this treatment in the proper situation, it’s highly effective, safe and fast. A chipped or cracked tooth can’t go long without repair because the damage can grow worse furthering injuring the tooth and potentially reaching the tooth root.

If you have a minor chip or crack in your tooth or other dental issues that require attention, contact Chianese Dental today to explore the dental restoration options available.