Dr. Craig S. Kohler is a leader in Chicago dental care. He offers patients some of the latest in cosmetic as well as restorative dentistry, with treatments designed to make smiles beautiful and healthy.
A common issue that Dr. Kohler deals with at the practice is tooth damage. We’d like to consider the issue of chipped teeth in more detail right now.
Chipped Teeth Have Negative Effects on Smile Aesthetics
When you have a tooth that’s chipped or cracked, it can lead to some serious problems with the overall look of your smile. For one, even a minor chip can be quite glaring, especially if one of your front teeth is chipped. In addition, this change to the look of your smile can leave you feeling self-conscious, even around people you’ve known for years.
Chipped Teeth Can Cause Dental Problems
In addition to the various aesthetic issues associated with chipped teeth, there are plenty of health problems that may be linked to chipped tooth or that a chipped tooth can contribute to. For one, having a chipped tooth can make biting and chewing certain foods painful or difficult. In addition, a chipped tooth may increase your risk of a root canal infection.
Dental Bonding: Great for Minor Chips
For minor chips that are predominantly cosmetic in nature, one of the best options to consider is dental bonding. Dental bonding involves the the painting of a tooth-colored resin onto the problem tooth. The resin is carefully polished to blend in with tooth structure and so that a tooth looks pristine when the process is completed.
Porcelain Veneers: Ideal for Serious Cosmetic Chips
When a chipped tooth is too serious an issue for dental bonding, the next best option is the use of a porcelain veneer. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that can be affixed to the fronts of teeth. By doing this, aesthetic flaws are masked from view.
In addition to treating chipped teeth, porcelain veneers are also a great treatment option for dental stains and general tooth discoloration, cracks in a tooth, issues with symmetry and overall spacing, and problems with tooth size.
Inlays and Onlays: A Solution for Serious Chips
When a tooth is seriously chipped or damaged, it’s important to use dental restorations to address the issue rather than cosmetic dentistry treatments. Inlays and onlays can be quite helpful. These are dental restorations similar to fillings but larger. Inlays and onlays are so strong that they can be used to restore the biting surfaces (cusps) or teeth.
Inlays and onlays come in metal and tooth-colored forms. The ideal kind to use will depend on the location of the chipped tooth.
Dental Crowns: Saving an Extremely Damaged Tooth
When a tooth is seriously damaged, the best option for saving it is the use of a dental crown. Dental crowns are caps that fit over a seriously damaged or decayed tooth. By placing a crown, the tooth is protected from further harm and any tooth sensitivity associated with the serious chip is minimized.
As with inlays and onlays, dental crowns come in metal and tooth-colored form.
Learn More About Treating Chipped Teeth
If you would like more information about your treatment options for chipped teeth, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Craig S. Kohler and his team look forward to your visit and helping you have a healthy and beautiful smile.