Is It Difficult Getting Used to Dentures?
Wearing dentures is a new experience, but with the right approach (and a few helpful tips), the transition can be smooth. Learn how to adapt quickly and comfortably to your new smile.
I Chipped My Tooth: Can You Help?
Chipped teeth are a common oral health problem, yet like any accident, they’re completely unpredictable. That means when you chip a tooth, it can catch you completely off guard — and cause a lot of stress, anxiety, and confusion about what to do next.
Fortunately, Minal Patel, DDS, has experience in treating chipped teeth and other dental emergencies for patients at Park Place Smiles. Here, she explains why treating a chipped tooth right away is so important and how she can help restore your beautiful smile.
Why prompt care is essential for chipped teeth
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a chipped tooth, especially if the chip is small or doesn’t cause any pain or changes in your bite. But even a small chip can compromise both the look and health of your smile. Whether you chipped your tooth while biting or chewing, as a result of a fall or other accident, or for no clear reason at all, don’t ignore the damage or delay dental treatment.
At first glance, a chip might appear superficial, maybe affecting the way your smile looks, but not causing any other changes to your oral health. The truth: Even a small chip can weaken the tooth structure and impair the strength and integrity of the tooth.
Without prompt treatment for a surface issue, the structure of the tooth can weaken. As a result, it’s much easier for decay-causing bacteria to invade the tooth and cause deep, painful cavities or infections.
Chips can also become worse, thanks to biting, chewing, and grinding, leading to deep cracks or major fractures — even tooth loss. Suddenly, instead of facing a minor problem, you’re dealing with a major issue that requires more complex (and more costly) repair.
Treating a chipped tooth
Prompt repair and treatment restores your beautiful smile and also protects your overall oral health by preventing complications. At Park Place Smiles, Dr. Patel uses two primary types of restorations for chipped teeth: veneers and crowns.
Veneers
Veneers are thin covers for teeth used to repair and restore cracks (and other damage) to your visible teeth — typically the ones that show when you smile. These covers are shaped and tinted to match your other teeth, providing a beautifully natural and seamless result.
In addition to improving the way your tooth looks, veneers add a layer of strength while sealing the chipped area for added protection and long-term peace of mind.
Crowns
While a veneer is adhered to the front surface of a tooth, a crown surrounds the entire visible portion of the tooth, from the chewing or biting surface all the way down to the gumline. Like veneers, crowns are made of durable materials tinted and shaped to blend in beautifully while supporting normal biting and chewing functions. Crowns are ideal for larger chips, chips involving cracks, and for larger teeth used for chewing.
Both veneers and crowns typically take two office visits: one to fit the restoration and apply a temporary tooth “cover,” and one to apply the veneer or crown once it’s created in a dental lab. If your chip involves a cavity or similar issue, Dr. Patel provides additional treatment before applying the restoration.
Protect your beautiful smile
Even seemingly minor chips and cracks can turn into serious problems unless they’re treated promptly. If you have a chipped tooth, don’t delay your treatment. Request an appointment with Park Place Smiles in Glendora, California, today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Signs You Need to Replace Your Crowns
Dental crowns are the superstars of restorative dentistry, adding a layer of protection, strength, and beauty to damaged teeth. Highly durable, crowns can still be damaged, and early replacement is essential. Here’s when replacement is warranted.
Can Teeth Whitening Damage My Enamel?
Teeth whitening can lift away years of stains and help your smile look its absolute best. But can whitening damage the layer of enamel that protects your teeth? Here’s the surprising answer.
Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures and bridges, thanks to their natural, toothlike design. If you’re thinking about implants, you might be wondering if your age is a barrier to treatment. Here's the answer you’re looking for.
Will Veneers Make My Teeth Look Fake?
Veneers are a great way to improve your smile, but it’s important that you get the results you desire. Take a moment to learn some of the common issues that can mean the difference between veneers that look natural and those that look fake.
I Have a Gap: Should I Get Braces or Bonding?
Gaps between teeth can detract from your beautiful smile, and they just might increase your risk of gum disease and cavities, too. Bonding and braces can both help — but which option is the better choice for you? Here's the answer.