Cosmetic Dentist: Two Options to Fix Cracked or Chipped Teeth

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Cosmetic Dentist: Two Options to Fix Cracked or Chipped Front Teeth

Cracks and chips on your front teeth are much harder to hide than cracks in the molars because they are the first things people will see when you smile. This could be caused by sports injuries, accidents, or even chewing on something hard. The good news is that they can still be fixed through cosmetic dentistry procedures, provided that the crack hasn’t caused damage to the tooth’s root. Here’s how a cosmetic dentist in Sacramento can restore your smile and fix your teeth.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are the preferred treatment if a good chunk of the tooth has broken off. The crack should not, however, be deep enough to reach below the gum line or the root. Crowns are made of porcelain and are meant to cover up the damaged tooth. The dentist will bond the crown to what’s left of the tooth and reshape it to look like the natural tooth. It might take a couple or more visits to the dentist to properly fix a tooth with a crown, and considering the natural look and durability of porcelain crowns, it would be worth it.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is another good option for cracked teeth. In this method, the cosmetic dentist only fills in the crack. Unlike porcelain crowns, which could take multiple visits to the dentist, dental bonding is fast and may be completed in just one visit. The procedure uses a composite resin that is made to resemble the color of the tooth. It is then used to seal up the cracks and repair the tooth. Bonding is also much cheaper than porcelain crowns and feels more natural as you bite down while eating.

Both procedures are very effective, but you need the opinion of a cosmetic dentist in Sacramento like Dr. Monica Crooks, DDS, regarding which one to choose.

Other Treatments

Sometimes, the damage of a cracked tooth affects more than just its appearance. If the crack reaches the root and the pulp within, it can be very painful. You might need a root canal to treat it from the inside before putting on a crown. If a root canal can’t save the tooth, you may have to settle for a dental implant instead. That would require extraction of the damaged tooth, but an implant that looks just like a normal tooth will take its place.