Most people put a lot of effort into maintaining the health and beauty of their smile, so when an accident or oral injury results in a chipped tooth, it can be frustrating. Chipped teeth compromise the appearance of the smile and may impact oral health and functions, depending on severity.
At Astoria Dental Group, fixing a chipped tooth is our specialty. We offer a number of dental treatments that address dental chips or fractures to restore an attractive smile. We customize treatment based on each of our Queens, NY, Long Island, and NYC, patient’s needs, so that they receive the type of care that is right for them.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the most common treatments for chipped teeth. Dental bonding conceals superficial chips that detract from the beauty of the smile without affecting the integrity of the tooth.
Dental bonding treatment is non-invasive and generally completed in around 30 to 45 minutes. During a dental bonding procedure a tooth-colored compound is applied directly to the affected tooth. The compound is molded and shaped to fill in and conceal a chip, while maintaining the natural appearance of the tooth.
When the desired results have been achieved the compound is hardened with a special dental light. This completes the bonding process so that the tooth is able to resume usual oral functions. The results of dental bonding treatment last between five and 10 years on average.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a suitable treatment for chips that are slightly larger, for chips that affect more than one tooth, or for patients who have multiple cosmetic flaws that they would like to address. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that are bonded to the facial surface of the teeth. These restorations conceal a wide range of imperfections, including discoloration, dental stains, gapped teeth, minor misalignment problems, chips, cracks, and fractures.
Porcelain veneers treatment takes place over the span of two dental appointments. At the first appointment our dentists make design specifications for the veneers. We choose the size, shape, and color that will best complement the patient’s natural teeth and facial features. During this appointment we also prep the teeth for veneers placement by removing a thin layer of tooth enamel.
Dental impressions are taken and these are sent to a dental laboratory, along with the design specifications. Once the porcelain veneers have been fabricated patients return for the placement procedure. Veneers are bonded to the teeth with a tooth-colored compound that acts like a cement to hold the restorations in place.
Dental Crown
In most cases a chipped tooth can be adequately treated with dental bonding or porcelain veneers. However, if a chip is especially large or deep it can compromise the structure of the tooth and increase the risk of dental complications, such as root canal infection. In these situations patients may be ideal candidates for a dental crown. A dental crown sits over a damaged tooth to restore its structure and protect it on all sides.
Dental crown treatment generally requires two dental appointments. At the first appointment the tooth is reshaped to remove damaged material and make room for the dental crown. Dental impressions are taken and design specifications are made. After a dental crown is complete, patients return to our practice to have the dental crown placed. The crown is bonded to the tooth with a strong compound that secures the restoration so that patients can resume oral functions.
Contact Astoria Dental Group
If a chipped tooth has left you unhappy with your smile, the dentists at Astoria Dental Group would be happy to help you consider dental treatments that can restore the beauty of your smile. To schedule an appointment with a member of our dental team, send us a message online, or call (718) 215-0510 at your earliest convenience.
