LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF IL
Whether you trip and fall, experience an accident or bite down on a hard item, you could be the victim of a chipped tooth. Although it may seem that a chipped tooth is not a big deal, there could be underlying damage that may lead to extensive adverse oral health conditions. Therefore, our Lake Forest cosmetic dentists share on the blog today what the big deal is with a chipped tooth and the steps you should take for repairs.
Structural Integrity Matters
Your tooth enamel is one of the most durable and robust components in your body. However, compromising a tooth’s structural integrity can reduce resilience and the ability to protect itself against harmful bacteria. Our Lincolnshire cosmetic dentists explain that chipped teeth may lead to more advanced issues, such as tooth decay or a broken tooth. Therefore, professional dental treatment is necessary to prevent additional treatments that require more time and money when you chip a tooth.
The Big Deal
Chipped teeth can occur anywhere in your mouth. Whether it’s small or seems invisible, it can be easy to overlook as your tooth may appear intact when looking in a mirror. Meanwhile, your tooth function and structure could be compromised, even if you cannot see it with the naked eye. Lake Bluff’s cosmetic dental experts warn that chipped teeth have crevices where harmful bacteria can attack your tooth enamel easily, especially when chipped enamel exposes more vulnerable layers of the tooth, like the dentin. Avoiding treatment may result in a cavity or weakened tooth making it more susceptible to breaking further.
Chipped Tooth Treatment
The excellent news about chipped teeth is that most cases are treatable at our Lake Forest dental practice.
- Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment where resin applied to your tooth restores its shape and color, matching your surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance. After placing the resin, our cosmetic dentists in Lincolnshire harden the material using ultraviolet light. As a pain-free and effective solution to restore your chipped tooth’s integrity, dental bonding can occur during a single appointment, sometimes in less than an hour.
- Veneers
Veneers are a thin, shell-like tooth restoration placed on the front of your tooth or teeth that provides a stain-resistant experience appearing completely natural. Also, color customizable veneers made of porcelain reflect light similar to your natural tooth. Different from bonding, veneers require two separate appointments spaced approximately two weeks apart. Our Lake Bluff cosmetic dentists explain that the first appointment is for a consultation, prep work, and gathering digital impressions of your teeth and bite, while the second appointment is to install your veneers permanently.
Chipped Tooth Repair in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire
Regardless of how you chipped your tooth or its size, seeking proper dental care is necessary to prevent additional damage resulting in added dental expenses. Our Lake Forest cosmetic dentists encourage those with chipped teeth to contact our Lake Forest Smiles dental office to schedule an appointment for repairs. Feel free to call our office at (847) 234-4800 or contact us online today. We look forward to helping you with your chipped tooth repairs, not only for aesthetic purposes but also for your oral health.
