Question from Our Readers: Chipped Tooth

Reader Questions: I have a chipped front tooth. Can this be repaired without a full crown?

Chipping a tooth can always be nerve-wracking, but don’t panic⁠—it isn’t irreversible. Depending on the extent of the damage, a chipped tooth can be fixed without a crown.

How Do Dentists Fix a Chipped Tooth?

Dental bonding is the most common solution for small chips or chipped visible teeth. It uses a composite resin that seamlessly blends in with your natural teeth.

Veneers are another option. They’re thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover a tooth’s whole surface. They can fix chips and other cosmetic issues, like discoloration.

Of course, I strongly advise talking to your dentist. They can evaluate the chip and recommend the most suitable treatment option. If worse comes to worst, your chip might need more extensive treatment. 

When Would You Need a Dental Crown?

A dentist typically uses dental crowns for large chips, chips caused by tooth decay, or severely chipped teeth. A dental crown protects what’s left of the original tooth while restoring its appearance before being chipped.

A crown is made of different materials⁠—resin, porcelain, or metal. The material used typically depends on where the chip is located. 

If you’re worried about pain, rest assured that dental crowns are relatively pain-free. It’s just a little bit more involved than fillings or bondings and requires more dental visits.

What Causes a Chipped Tooth?

Here are some common causes of chipped teeth so you can avoid them in the future:

• Biting on hard surfaces, candy, etc.
• Trauma to the mouth or face
• Tooth decay
• Weak enamel
• Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
• Poor dental hygiene
• Jaw and bone issues