You’re enjoying a quiet night, maybe biting into something a little crunchier than expected, and – crack! – there it is. Now, you’re suddenly faced with the task of figuring out how to fix a chipped tooth. It’s not exactly a look you want to keep. Curious about what happens next? Aspire Dental Wellness offers many solutions to get that smile back to looking flawless in no time.
How to Fix a Chipped Tooth – The Most Common Treatments
When it comes to a chipped tooth, the most common treatments include dental fillings, bonding, veneers, and dental crowns. Our team, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, offers all of these solutions, and we make sure your smile makeover is a completely customized journey.
With our patient-centered holistic approach and an array of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry treatments, your dentist appointments will be as comfortable as possible. It all starts with a quick dental exam, and from there, we’ll find the best solution to bring out your brightest and healthiest smile!
Dental Fillings or Bonding Are the Usual Solutions
No matter how meticulous you are with your oral hygiene routine, most people will need at least one filling at some point. They do exactly what the name suggests – fill in areas of a certain tooth that’s been affected by cracks, decay, or other type of damage.
A filling restores the function of the tooth, protecting it from further complications. It’s one of the most common dental treatments around – believe it or not, around 175 million of them are done each year in the US alone!
For really small chips and cracks, bonding is usually the go-to fix, and our practice of cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, offers this solution as well. Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to seamlessly reshape your tooth, giving it a natural, polished look.
Dental Veneers Are Another Common Options
Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth. They’re the perfect solution for chips, discoloration, or even teeth alignment issues. Crafted from high-quality materials like porcelain or tooth-colored composite, veneers offer a natural look that blends seamlessly with your smile. The best part? They’re low-maintenance and, with proper care, can last over a decade!
More Serious Cracks Are Treated With Dental Crowns
When the damage is a bit more than a chip, dental crowns are an effective solution to bring your tooth back to its full glory. It’s a custom-made prosthetic that restores the shape and size of your tooth, protecting it from further damage.
There are many different types of crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, or even metal. They can also be paired with dental implants, which act just like natural tooth roots, offering a rock-solid foundation. All in all, a crown is a long-lasting solution used for more complex cases that keeps your teeth healthy and your smile looking seamless.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
By now, it’s clear that the cost to fix a chipped tooth can vary widely, namely because there are a few different treatment options. Even if we’re talking about a specific one, the price still depends on various factors, including the severity of the chip, its location, and the material used. The best way to find out is to simply visit your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark and talk about the possible treatment routes and how much they would cost.
How Does a Chipped Tooth Happen Anyway?
A chipped tooth can happen quite easily – and sometimes when you least expect it. Biting into something too hard, like a crunchy snack, can cause a piece of the tooth to break off. Sports injuries, accidental falls, or even teeth grinding (bruxism) can lead to chips and cracks.
Our teeth are strong, but they’re not invincible, especially when there’s some decay around. In fact, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, around 90% of people have at least one tooth affected with decay. Pair that with a simple, everyday accident, and you can easily end up with a chipped tooth.
What if You Ignore a Chipped Tooth?
It’s easy to ignore a tiny chip – especially if there’s no pain and life carries on as usual. However, even the smallest chip can stir up trouble down the road. That’s because it can weaken the tooth, which can grow into a larger crack down the line. This brings unwelcome tooth sensitivity and even the risk of an infection.
So, why let a minor flaw turn into a major problem? It’s always smarter to catch these things early. Book a quick check-up with your dentist in Charlotte, NC, and as you wait for your appointment, you can:
- Cover the sharp edge with a piece of wax paraffin or even chewing gum with no added sugar,
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt with warm water and rinse your mouth with it,
- Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the chip is, and stick to soft foods.
Don’t Let a Small Chip Snowball – Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Even a small chip can be the start of a bigger dental concern – but it doesn’t have to be. Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is more than happy to help you take care of any chips, cracks, or other damage with personalized, expert care. Why wait? Contact us today to reserve your appointment with our Charlotte, NC, dentist, and let’s keep your smile strong, healthy, and looking its best!
