I have a lower incisor that is chipped. It is a bit irritating and I’m worried people can see the chip when I am talking. My dentist tried to repair it with dental bonding but that fell off after a few days. Is there a way to just regrow the broken part?
Olivia
Dear Olivia,
With a lower incisor there is always the problem with the upper teeth causing an issue with the dental bonding. This is because the incisal edges hit the insides of the upper incisors every time you close your mouth. Dental bonding is more susceptible to those type of stresses. You would need an expert dentist to who has studied occlusion to know how to avoid those type of stresses. Otherwise, the bonding will break.
Another option for fixing this is with a porcelain veneer. These are a bit stronger and last longer than dental bonding. While bonding will last a few years, veneers can last for decades if well cared for.
With either one of these procedures you will want a dentist with significant post-doctoral training and expertise in both occlusial studies as well as cosmetic dentistry.
In your position, I would look for a dentist who is AACD accredited. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country and they will have the skills to give you not only a repair that will last, but that will also blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
If you can’t find a skilled cosmetic dentist in your area, then a last resort would be to have the dentist smooth out the chip. That would only be a last resort. You may have to travel to a nearby city, but I’m sure you can find a skilled cosmetic dentist.
This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.