What are my dental treatment options for broken teeth repair?

The enamel that blankets teeth is one of the body’s most mineralized and hard tissues, but its strength can be challenged by falling, biting down on a hard object or other trauma. Luckily, chipped or broken teeth can be repaired by a variety of techniques and treatments. Your Alexandria dentist can recommend the best treatment for your broken teeth based on your dental history, aesthetic preferences and the degree of the chip or break.

Dental bondings or fillings are often used to repair small breaks or chips. Fillings are visible in the mouth, so they are more commonly used on teeth that cannot be seen through a smile. Bondings are a great solution for small chips on front teeth because the bonding material is made of a composite resin the color of teeth. The simple procedure involves etching the surface of the tooth and applying an adhesive and the bonding material. The material is hardened using an ultraviolet light, and the treated tooth looks and feels completely natural.

If the piece that breaks off the tooth is larger, the dentist may cover the tooth with a crown. The tooth-shaped cap improves the appearance of a broken tooth while also protecting it. Made of porcelain, metal, ceramic or resin, crowns are a permanent solution that can look just like natural teeth.

Dental veneers can restore the appearance of front teeth that are chipped or broken. The thin shells of resin or porcelain cover the teeth and are applied using a special cement. Custom-made veneers match the size, shape and color of natural teeth and can be long lasting with proper care.