Teeth are very strong. However, on occasion, they can weaken and even suffer damage. When a tooth becomes chipped, it tends to stand out in the mouth and it can even create sharp edges that can damage the lips or tongue. But how exactly do teeth become chipped? And how can a chipped tooth be fixed? Your Milford dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, answers both of these questions below.
Causes Behind Chipped Teeth
- A powerful blow. When a powerful collision occurs, the head may snap forward causing the jaw to slam shut. When this happens, teeth collide powerfully, and the force generated by the collision can cause damage. Thus, if you play a contact sport, you can protect your teeth from damage by wearing a mouth guard.
- Bruxism. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can wear teeth down on a nightly basis. As teeth weaken, the likelihood that they will chip grows. With treatment, however, teeth can be protected from bruxism, preventing structural damage.
Solutions to Chipped Teeth
- Dental bonding. Dental bonding is a procedure in which a composite resin material is applied to a tooth. In the case of a chipped tooth, the resin in used to reshape the tooth. It is then hardened, smoothed, and polished, thereby repairing the damage.
- Porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that may be affixed to teeth to cover cosmetic blights. In the case of chipped teeth, the veneers can mask the damage, creating a new and damage-free smile.
- Tooth contouring. For very small chips, tooth contouring can reshape the tooth by removing small amounts of enamel to smooth out the irregularities created by minor damages.
Schedule a Visit with Your Milford Cosmetic Dentist
Do you have a chipped tooth that needs to be repaired? If so, contact our 06460 dental office today to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Milford cosmetic dentist, Dr. Quintner, by calling 203-878-6699. We proudly serve the 06460 area and welcome patients from Milford, Orange, Woodmont, West Haven, and all neighboring communities.