Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers And Chipped Teeth

Posted on: 8 February 2017

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If you have chipped a tooth, you may be wondering if a veneer can be placed over the tooth. A veneer is sort of like a fake fingernail for your tooth. It can be placed over the tooth to hide or disguise flaws in it. Here are a few of the questions you may have about veneers and a chipped tooth, as well as the answers.

Can a Veneer Be Placed Over a Chipped Tooth?

If you have chipped one of your front teeth and only a portion of the tooth is missing, a veneer is likely an option for you. There has to be enough of the tooth left to adhere the veneer to. The remaining part of the tooth also needs to be healthy before the veneer can be placed. If the tooth is not healthy, it can crumble away or become infected, affecting your health and the ability of the veneer to stay adhered to the tooth.

Should the Chipped Tooth Be Repaired Before the Veneer is Placed?

If you still have the portion of tooth that broke off, a dentist may be able to use a glue-like substance and reattach it. This will leave a visible crack in the tooth that a veneer can cover up. If the tooth cannot be salvaged, a dentist may decide to place a cap over the tooth. In most cases, it is recommended that you have the tooth repaired before a veneer is placed. And if your tooth is damaged, such as there being a cavity or an exposed root, the tooth must be repaired before a veneer is placed. If the tooth is not fixed, it can cause problems when you bite into something or chew. A veneer is a cosmetic item, not a substitute for your teeth.

Are Composite or Porcelain Veneers Preferred for Chipped Teeth?

Composite and porcelain are the preferred materials for veneers. If you have a chipped that needs to be covered up, odds are, composite will be the preferred material. Composite is a bit thicker and does not have any translucent properties to it. This means that it provides better coverage for the chipped area. Composite can also be better molded to the shape of your teeth, ensuring the veneer fits in with the rest of your natural teeth.

If you have a chipped tooth, you will may want to disguise the flaw. It can be embarrassing to walk around with part of a tooth missing. In most cases, a veneer can be used to hide the imperfection. If you have a cracked tooth, talk with a dentist or a cosmetic dentist, such as Tore D Steinberg DDS PC, about veneers to find out if you are a candidate for them.