Treatments for Chipped Teeth

young African-American woman with a beautiful smileDo you cover your mouth when you laugh or smile with your lips closed in photos? If chipped teeth are making you self-conscious about your smile, David Eshom, DDS can address the issue with a number of cosmetic treatments, including dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and more. Addressing chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth offers oral health benefits as well. Even minor dental damage can weaken the tooth structure and compromise the health of your teeth and gums. Therefore, correcting the problem now can prevent the issue from worsening over time, saving you time, worry, and money in the long run.

Are you seeking a San Diego cosmetic dentist who can repair your chipped tooth and enhance the aesthetics of your smile? If so, schedule a consultation with Dr. David Eshom. Give us a call at (858) 455-9151 to learn more.

Dental Bonding

Minor chips and cracks can be addressed with dental bonding. This treatment involves the application of composite resin to conceal and mask aesthetic imperfections. Composite resin is a high-quality tooth-colored material which is also used to fill small cavities.

To perform dental bonding, Dr. Eshom prepares the affected tooth by smoothing away any rough edges. Next, the surface of the enamel is roughened with a mildly acidic solution called dental etch. This helps the material bond successfully. After applying and shaping the composite resin, Dr. Eshom will harden it with a dental curing light. Finally, the tooth is polished to a lifelike shine and any necessary final adjustments are made.

Bonding is an affordable alternative to porcelain veneers. However, it is important to understand that the results will not last forever. Most patients require a touch-up every seven to 10 years.

Porcelain Veneers

Patients who want a more dramatic outcome can benefit from porcelain veneers. These custom-crafted restorations adhere to the front surfaces of the teeth to camouflage a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including discolored, cracked, fractured, or chipped teeth.

Before placing veneers, the teeth are prepared. This process is a bit more invasive than what is required during a dental bonding procedure. Slight amounts of enamel must be removed to create room for your new restorations and to allow for proper bonding. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab where your veneers are fabricated. During a second appointment, Dr. Eshom bonds your veneers into place, assesses your bite, and makes necessary adjustments.

Patients who receive porcelain veneers can enjoy a dramatic result. On average, these restorations last approximately 20 years. However, with proper care, they can last even longer.

All-Porcelain Dental Crowns

Larger fractures typically necessitate dental crowns, which provide optimal strength and resiliency. At our practice, Dr. Eshom offers all-porcelain crowns, which offer unparalleled aesthetics compared to metal-based restorations.

To place a crown, Dr. Eshom must first prepare the affected tooth. After altering the natural tooth structure and removing small amounts of enamel, impressions will be taken. These will be used by our dental lab to create a custom restoration to fit your unique anatomy. During a second visit, your crown will be cemented permanently into place.

As technology improves, the lifespan of dental crowns increases. Typically, crowns last at least 20 years. However, it is not uncommon for these restorations to last upwards of 30 to 40 years with appropriate maintenance.

Treat Your Chipped Teeth with Advanced Cosmetic Procedures

Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. Without treatment, this type of dental damage can lead to more serious oral health issues, such as decay and infection.

If you are ready to take the first step toward your new smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. David Eshom. Give us a call today at (858) 455-9151 to learn more.

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