What is the best way for me to permanently fix my chipped tooth?

Question

When I was 6 I fell off my bike and chipped my front left tooth, and when I was in jr. high (about 13 yrs old) the dentist temporarily fixed it for me. He told me that it wasn't permanent, and that when I was 21 yrs old (adult) I would be able to get it fixed permanently. Now I am 20 yrs old, and I was looking into getting my teeth whitened. But I was wondering how I would go about doing this with my partial fake tooth. Can you tell me what this temporary fixture is, and what the permanent fixture would be. Also about how much the replacement would be. Thank You.

Answer 1

Your dentist probably placed a composite filling in the chipped area as a temporary solution. They do a good job but have the tendency to break, or fall out, especially in the anterior, or front teeth of young, sports active patients. Now that you have grown all your going to, and the tooth has errupted fully, it's time to do something more permanent.

You mentioned you're interest in bleaching, so I would advise you to discuss this process and the different options, with your dentist first. Taking care of the bleaching first so the shade will match with a natural look is always best. There are two methods available that give the best results. Using the one hour instant bleaching system (if they have one) or the prefered method of bleaching trays, that you do on a daily basis at home over a two week period. I always suggest the trays so the patient has the option over many years to do touch up bleaching whenever they feel the need. Teeth tend to darken due to coffee, tea, red wines and staining foods. The trays offer a more long term use, with desired results, without damage to the natural tooth structure or crowns. It's the method I use, and no one can tell I have a crown.

Then depending on how large the break is, he/she will advise you on which will work best for you're individual case, be that of a crown or a veneer. Both are widely used, although some dentist do not like doing veneers. They must be adjusted perfectly with your bite or they have a tendency of popping off or breaking. If your missing tooth structure is minimal, the veneer is the best choice due to less tooth structure having to be removed during the prep procedure. On the other hand, if it's large, he/she will want to do a crown, replacing the missing tooth structure with a build up material very similar to the filling you have right now. (A root canal would not be necessary after all this time unless you have extensive decay accompanied with pain right now, you may have already had one if the trauma was extensive.) The doctor will decide what type of crown to use for the most natural look.

Whichever way, it's always best to be as informed as possible with the procedures and options, so that you as a patient can make an educated and informed decision along with your Doctor. But don't feel overwhelmed thinking you have to take a crash coarse in Dentistry, the Doctor and his staff are there to help you with any and all questions. As for cost info, all dentist don't charge the same. Crown and build up average around $1000.00, and a veneer, w/o build up around $600.00. The bleaching varies also, the one hour is usually over $500.00 and the trays anywhere from $300.00-$400.00. No question is a stupid question, only the ones that aren't asked. Hope I've been of some help to you today. Good luck!

Answer 2

They would probably but a crown/cap on the tooth. The porcelain crowns/caps that they have now look just as natural as your other teeth. They may want to whiten your teeth before they put on the crown/cap, though, so that they can get a good idea of your natural shade of teeth.

They will possibly remove the fake tooth, or they may leave it there, depending on your dentist. If there's any decay, they will root canal that tooth before they put a crown/cap on it.

Whatever they do before the crown/cap, it will probably be necessary, but yes, the permanent fixture will be the crown/cap.

Answer 3

The whitening will probably affect the tooth. It is probably colored to your other teeth. Whitening is a skip, but I do mine anyway.

I would keep the temp as long as it stays. The permanent is done by filing down the tooth to an 'eye tooth' and then bonding is added until it looks normal. Mine have been there for 30 years, but they do grind the tooth down.

Answer 4

before you put anything permanent on your tooth you should whiten them. the fake part will not change color and it will look bad. when you are ready to get something permanent the doctor will match the color. Cost wise for a permanent fix i will give the prices we charge in our office. crown - $750 veneer - $800 and depending on how big the chip is you can get a composite filling for just $150.

Answer 5

He would probably take the "temp" off and replace it with a cap, after your other teeth are whitened. Then he could match the cap with the whiteness of your other teeth. Sorry, but I have no idea how much this would cost. You may ask him and then check with your insurance company.
P.S. See!?! You probably weren't wearing a seat belt on your bike, were ya?

Answer 6

Usually they say a crown is your best option. However today with veneers and bonding available they may chose to go that way. All are options to explore.